Gone, Lost & Forgotten: Life Pacific

 

Believe it or not (and I have another article I wrote in the past to prove this) at one time you could have considered Los Angeles to have been a "wrestling city."  Now are we talking from a youth and high school standpoint? No, we're not.  Are we talking from a point of wins and losses, credentials and accomplishments? No, but not as "no" as the first question's answer. Many had success, but since everyone wants to compare everything to Pennsylvania & act like anything less isn't worth talking about, I'll be weary of how I use the term "success."    Are we talking from a standpoint of offered opportunities to compete at the collegiate level? B-I-N-G-O.   At one time L.A. as in the city and the county, had a ton of colleges that offered wrestling programs.  Then one right after the other dropped. 

When Life Pacific fielded a wrestling team in the 2017-2018 season, I was quite excited.  30 minutes outside of Los Angeles, an NAIA program was offering wrestlers a home.  Wasn't meant to be though as a mere 5 years later, it would cease to exist. 

Jeremiah Smith

Jeremiah Smith earned NAIA qualification for the Warriors in 2021 with a 7th place finish at the Cascade Collegiate Conference. 

Alex Nunez

A transfer from California Baptist, Alex Nunez earned back to back NAIA All American honors for the Warriors in 2019 & 2020.   Taking 8th place in 2019, he was 5th in 2020. 

Anthony Vargas

A CCCAA runner-up for Ceritos, Anthony Vargas would earn NAIA qualification for the Warriors in 2019. 

Aaron Mora

A two time CCCAA place-winner for Fresno City College, Aaron Mora earned NAIA qualification for the Warriors with a 4th place finish at the Cascade Collegiate Conference in 2019. 

Gerardo Hernandez

Gerardo Hernandez earned NAIA qualification for the Warriors in 2019 as a freshman.  After Life Pacific discontinued their wrestling program, Hernandez went on to compete for Vanguard. 

Antonio DaCosta

Antonio DaCosta was an NAIA qualifier for the Warriors in 2020.   After Life Pacific discontinued their program, DeCosta would find success competing for the Oaks of Menlo.   A two time Cascade Conference runner-up, DaCosta earned NAIA All American honors of 7th place his senior season of 2024.