James Guizar
James Guizar is one of the most decorated wrestlers in Menlo College Wrestling history and he was a cornerstone on which the program was built upon. Guizar joined the Oaks as a transfer from Palomar College for the program's inaugural season in 2001-02 and promptly became the first National Champion in program history. In total Guizar won a pair of 141 pound titles (2002, 2004) and helped the team to a second place finish in 2004 which still stands as the best team finish in program history. Guizar who was recruited by then head coach Keith Spataro was excited to receive the call from his former coach.
"I'm very honored and happy, although my friends can say otherwise being that they have never seen me get excited for much," said a humble Guizar. "While I don't like the idea of being recognized for things I've done, I'm still very honored."
Success has always followed Guizar. In high school, he was the 1998 California State Champion at Imperial High School. From there, he moved on to Palomar College where he was twice a Junior College State Champion. He was recruited to Menlo by Coach Spataro and won the aforementioned NAIA National Titles in 2002 and 2004.
"Keith Spataro spoke to me after my state tournament in junior college. I found from all of the coaches that reached out to me, Keith was very genuine. He understood how crazy I was and I felt that I could be myself around him. To this day, I don't think I could ever thank him enough for taking a chance on me."
That chance led to a Hall of Fame worthy wrestling career, a successful professional career, and even to his wife, whom he met in his first year at Menlo in 2001.
As it stands, Guizar still holds a place in a number of categories in the Menlo Wrestling record book including: tied for seventh in wins with 50, sixth in takedowns with 186 and tied for fifth in tournament wins with 37.
"Thanks to my father, Joe, for always pushing me in every sport – I always wanted to make him proud. To my brother David, Joe, John and Adam for being tough on me at a young age. To everyone who believed in him and to all of his coaches over the years who gave him different styles in the sport of wrestling."
