HOLLISTER, Calif. – Stephen Abas of Sanger, California has been named as the Freestyle Developmental Coach for California USA Wrestling Inc. 

Abas served on the California USA Wrestling National Staff in 2012. 

As the New California USA Wrestling Freestyle Developmental Coach Abas will oversee the programs intended to improve the quality and quantity athletes. He will also work to expand and improve the quality of clubs coaches at all levels. In addition, Abas will be responsible for the performance and development of our Future Olympian program in the State of California. 

I had some great coaches who had a huge impact and influence on my career from the earliest ages which carried through my entire career. I have a unique experience and passion for this new opportunity and a vision for where it can go.” Abas Said. 

Stephen Anthony Abas (born January 12, 1978) is an American Olympic Freestyle wrestler. Abas became a three-time NCAA Division I wrestling champion in the 125 lb (57 kg) weight division while attending Fresno State University. He has competed in two world freestyle championships and received a silver medal at the 2004 Olympic Games.

He graduated from James Logan High School after two years as a star wrestler. Prior to JLHS he attended Canyon Springs High School, in Moreno Valley, California. He and his brother Gerry Abas were members of the Wan Tu Wazuri wrestling club at Oakland Tech, Oakland, California.

Wrestling for California State University, Fresno from 1998 – 2002, he earned four All-American honors at the D1 NCAA wrestling championships, placing fourth at 118 as a freshman and winning the next three years at the 125-pound (57 kg) weight class. He finished his college career with a 144-4 record, with 46 pins. going undefeated his last two college seasons.

He is also a decorated freestyle wrestler; he has competed in two world freestyle championships and received a silver medal at the 2004 Olympic Games. At the 2005 D1 championships, he was named as one the fifteen greatest wrestlers in NCAA history alongside others standouts such as Kurt Angle, Cael Sanderson, Dan Gable, etc. and was elected to the NCAA 75th Anniversary Wrestling Team.

He tried out for the 2008 USA Olympic Team and reached the finals of the Olympic Trials, losing to Henry Cejudo in a best of 3 series 2 matches to 1, even though he competed with a damaged knee. In 2008, he retired from competitive wrestling. .

“Stephen Abas is a huge asset to this organization, and will be a very important part of the California USA Wrestling Inc programs,” said USA Wrestling State Chairman Duane Morgan. 

For more information or questions about the California USA Wrestling multipurpose arena, please contact California USA Wrestling at 559-275-9478 or Calusarob@aol.com.

About California USA Wrestling: California USA Wrestling is a non-profit organization committed to the success and health of their athletes and dedicated to the promotion and preservation of collegiate and international styles of amateur wrestling. As the official California affiliate of USA Wrestling, the national governing board for international-style amateur wrestling in the United States, the club is responsible for the organization and execution of sanctioned USA Wrestling events in the state. California USA Wrestling educates the community about the styles of wrestling and the value of being involved in the sport. They strive to provide fun, exciting and well-planned events and improve the quality of California wrestling at the competitive level. For more information, visit www.ca-usaw.org