Angelo Posada has made a significant name for himself in the wrestling world. His journey, marked by dedication and hard work, has led him to numerous achievements and a promising future. This article delves into Posada's wrestling career, highlighting his accomplishments, challenges, and the people who have supported him along the way.
Early Beginnings and Development
Posada started his wrestling journey at the age of six, quickly developing a passion for the sport. He began wrestling in Chula Vista as a member of the Unleash the Beast club.
Posada said, “I was so glad we moved to Poway in eighth grade. At Poway, we do it all, and I love it. After high school, we go right into freestyle and Greco-Roman."
High School Success at Poway
One of the many highlights of Posada's wrestling career was winning his first state championship for Poway in Bakersfield, California. The state tournament has been good to Posada over the years. He finished fourth as a freshman. As a sophomore, he advanced to the state final before falling to St. John Bosco’s Nicco Ruiz.
After going 40-0 last year, Posada is 24-0 this season. He has already handled his two closest state competitors, scoring a 21-6 technical fall over No. 3 Wes Burford of Oakdale in Reno and a 10-0 shutout of No.
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During the high school season, he won titles at Doc Buchanan and the California state tournament.
He also claimed the Junior National Freestyle title in July, beating Anthony Harris of St. Joseph of Montvale, N.J., in Fargo, N.D. He was third in the Greco-Roman tournament at Reno. In October’s Super 32 Challenge in Greensboro, N.C., he pinned Noah Weaver of Rossville, Ind., for the title.
Posada recently got a tattoo featuring his family name in script and wrapped in a bed of olive leaves. Angelo, a senior who is headed to Stanford, said, “I had a bet with my father (Vincent Sr.) that if I win state, I could get it. I always wanted a tattoo. My father has one with our name, too. It shows who and what I am.”
#3 Cade Ziola vs #4 Angelo Posada | 2024 Reno TOC 215lb Final
Coach's Perspective
Head wrestling coach John Meyers has been coaching at Poway since 2002 and admires the dedication that the Poway family has. According to Meyers, “Posada has done so much for our program, school, and mainly our community".
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“It’s his hard work, discipline and dedication in all aspects of his life,” said Poway coach John Meyers. “He focuses so much on everything.
Admiration from the Athletic Director
Athletic Director Damian Gonzalez admires how great a kid Posada has become. Gonzalez said, “He is an unbelievably gifted athlete. To see the things he does on the wrestling mat is incredible,”.
Academics and Personal Life
Posada carries a 4.4 GPA, but said school “hasn’t been easy for me. It doesn’t come naturally.”
Outside of wrestling, he enjoys hanging out with his friends and going to amusement parks. In the future, he would like to do something with animals.
Rivalry with Cade Ziola
In September, Posada received a last-minute invitation to face Ziola in the 200-pound matchup of the Who’s Number One event in Johnstown, Pa. Posada beat Ziola 5-4 to take the Reno title.
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Cade Ziola and Angelo Posada have met twice in the past at Elite 8 Duals with Ziola taking both bouts. Their most recent meeting came a year ago. In that contest, Posada earned the first takedown, but Ziola won by fall when he capitalized on a scramble to put Posada away.
“I was thinking, ‘I need to beat this guy,’” said Posada. “I needed a different style. We determined I shouldn’t shoot at all, which was very hard for me. The strategy worked.
Future Plans
Poway, California product Angelo Posada is heading to Stanford in a year. Now at Arizona State, Ruiz is currently ranked No.
Posada is currently ranked No. 3 in the country by Sports Illustrated.
According to Branstetter, “It’s really hard to compare eras, but I was their coach and could be a bit biased.”