Steven Martinez of Schurr High School Wrestling in Montebello, Ca competed at the High School National WrestlingChampionships at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on March 25-28, 1999.

In an attempt to earnAll-American Honors, Martinez competed against the top wrestlers in the country. With over 730 competitors from 48different states the High School National Wrestling Championships is recognized as the toughest high school wrestlingtournament in the nation, showcasing matches that brought together State Champions and Runner-ups.

Each wrestlerattempted to place in the top 8 in his respective weight class as the top 8 finishers in each weight class earnedAll-American Honors. Martinez wrestled in a bracket that had 64 wrestlers in his weight class. His overall record in thetournament was 9 wins and 1 loss. He lost in the second round to Matt Bean of Oklahoma - 4X Oklahoma State Champion- ranked #1 in the nation at 145lbs. Score 3-2. His final place in the tournament was 3rd, earning him All-American Honors.Matt Bean eventually won the tournament.

To qualify for the prestigious event Martinez placed second at the California High School State WrestlingChampionships at the University of Pacific in Stockton, California on March 5-6, 1999.

Wrestlers from 702 high schools inCalifornia competed in the California High School State Wrestling Championships. There are over 1,400 wrestlers acrossthe state of California in each weight class. At the California High School Wrestling Championships Martinez lost in thefinals of the 145lb. weight class to Max Odom of Foothill in Bakersfield. Score 3-2.

Odom is a two-time California StateChampion and was ranked #1 in the Nation in the 140lb. weight class. Odom eventually dropped down a weight class andwon the 140lb. weight class at the High School National Wrestling Championships.

Overall Martinez ended the year with arecord of 36-2 record. Losing only twice ... to two National Champions!

Match 1 - Championship Round 1
Defeated Kyle Griffith of Delaware. Score: 17-1 - Technical Fall in 4:50.

Match 2 - Championship Round 2
Lost to Matt Bean of Oklahoma (4X Oklahoma State Champion - Ranked #1 in the Nation at 145lbs.) Score: 3-2.

Match 3 - Consolation Round
Defeated William Gibson of Arizona (Arizona State Champion) Score: 5-4.

Match 4 - Consolation Round
Defeated Rob Payton of Georgia (Georgia State Champion) Score: 1-0.

Match 5 - Consolation Round
Defeated Mark Worthy of New Jersey (2X New Jersey State Champion) Score: Forfeit due to injury.

Match 6 - Consolation Round
Defeated Mitchell of Oklahoma. Score: 10-7 in double overtime; tie-breaker.

Match 7 - Consolation Round
Defeated Chad Plummer of Nevada (2X Nevada State Champion) Score: 10-4.
Note: Winner of this match earns a spot in the top eight - All-American honors!

Match 8 - Consolation Quarter-Finals.
Defeated Gregory Parker of New York (New York State Champion) Score: 6-4.

Match 9 - Consolation Semi-Finals.
Defeated Cory Beckman of Iowa (Iowa State Champion) Score: 9-8; in double overtime tie-breaker.

Match 10 - Consolation Finals
Defeated Andy Tieben of Kansas (2X Kansas State Champion) Score: 6-4.