Bishop Bronco Wrestling Report

Date: 1Mar26 By: Dr. Mark Hodges

Last week, Bishop Bronco Kano Graves competed at the California State Wrestling Championships in Bakersfield. He was the only Bronco to qualify for the tournament, earning his spot by placing sixth in the Central Section the previous week. Out of roughly 1,600 wrestlers in each weight class statewide, only the top 40 advance to the state tournament. Since 2001, California has held a single, combined state championship rather than separate divisions based on school size.

In his opening match, Kano faced the wrestler ranked No. 14 in the state. Kano scored the first takedown and led 3–2 at the end of the first period. By the end of the second, he maintained a one-point advantage at 7–6. Early in the third period, Kano secured another takedown and pinned his opponent, advancing to the round of 16. There, he met the No. 2 ranked wrestler in California—a familiar opponent who had defeated him earlier in the season. Kano lost that match and the one that followed, ending his tournament run.

Head Coach Brady Howell said, “I have had a great time coaching Kano these last couple of years. He really set the bar for Bishop wrestling and I am excited to see Bishop’s younger wrestlers competing at that level in the future.”

Assistant coach Jerin Williams said, “I am very proud of Kano and his post season run. He demonstrated heart, determination and grit. He competed against the best wrestlers in the state and found a way to win at the highest level. We wish we could keep him for another four years because he is just getting started.”

Assistant coach Mark Hodges added, “Kano finished in the top 24 in the state – something no Bishop boy has ever achieved. To pin a state-ranked wrestler and to only be beaten by state-ranked wrestlers all season long is a tremendous feat.”