‘ The Falcon wrestling team spread its wings and soared in its recently completed 2009 season.

It had many praiseworthy victories and placed in nearly every tournament it attended under coach Donald Garriot, who has been coaching at Cerritos for four years.

The Falcons had seven people advance to state finals, two of whom became champions.

During its season, the Cerritos College wrestling team had an overall record of 10-5, and a record of 4-1 in the Southern Coast Conference, losing only to Santa Ana College.

It placed in the Modesto Tournament (second), West Valley Tournament (third), the Southern California Regionals (third) and the State Championships (fifth).’

Caleb Gerl was a very reliable contributor to the Falcons’ success last season, as was Jose Lopez.

‘I would have to say that those guys, week in and week out, were really the cornerstones of the program,’ Garriot said.’

The 184-pound Gerl won first place in every tournament he entered on his way to becoming a state champion. His impressive performances have earned him many offers from different 4-year universities.

Garriot said that ‘right now, we’re just talking to colleges. Caleb’s been offered about three full-ride scholarships to different colleges, and he hasn’t decided where he wants to go.’

Some of the universities offering him scholarships are Grand Canyon in Arizona, Nebraska Kearny and Findlay University (Ohio).

Jose Lopez, who wrestled at 185 pounds, is also planning to attend a 4-year university next semester. ‘I’m planning to transfer to a 4-year university, I’m not sure which one yet, though, whichever one offers me the most money,’ says Lopez.’

The state champion said ‘It felt good’ to win state, ‘it felt like a mission accomplished.’ He won first place in the Modesto tournament, as well as the Southern California Regionals, and received second place in a couple of tournaments, including the West Valley tournament.’

As for next season, Garriott remains optimistic. New players are registered for next season, for whom he has high expectations.

‘Steven Cabanas was a freshman this year that registered, and he was actually a high school national champion, so I kind of expect him to win state. Erik Sauvageau, he actually wrestled with us as a freshmen, and took fourth in the state and he registered last year, and I can definitely see him winning the state title also next year,’ Garriott said.’