Following an extensive search, Armando Gonzalez Jr. has been named Bellarmine College Preparatory’ s new Head Varsity Wrestling Coach, replacing former Head Coach Scott Benson -- who will remain on staff as an assistant coach. Coach Gonzalez comes to Bellarmine after a decorated high school and college career. He was Gilroy High School’s first 4x CCS Champion where he competed on four CCS Championship teams. In addition, Coach Gonzalez was a 2x CIF State placer as well as a USA Wrestling High School All-American. As a competitor at the CIF state meet, Gonzelez was awarded a CIF Coaches Award for Sportsmanship. After graduating high school, Coach Gonzalez took his wrestling talents to Cal State Fullerton on a full scholarship where he was a team captain and a four-year varsity competitor.
After earning his BA in Ethnic Studies with a focus in Chicano Studies, Coach Gonzalez began his coaching career as a varsity assistant at Live Oak and helped lead the team to a BVAL dual meet league championship. The following year, Gonzalez was named head coach at Saratoga High School where he led the team to a top 10 finish at the CCS championships as well as producing an individual CIF State placer. After two seasons, Gonzalez moved to the college ranks where he became an assistant wrestling coach at Stanford University’s Cardinal Wrestling Club in 2016 where he worked closely with Stanford’s coaching staff, leading youth club practices. At the same time Armando became the founder and head coach of AWA (Amateur Wrestling Academy), developing many male and female elite level wrestlers at the state and national level.
“We’re excited to have Armando take over the wrestling program here at Bellarmine,” said Kevin Saldivar, Bellarmine Director of Athletics. “Having seen Armando coach in the room for two years, he embodies the Jesuit mission and values of a Bellarmine educator and coach, and the success on the mat has been evident. The future is bright for the wrestling program and we’re looking forward to supporting Armando and the coaching staff for many years to come.”
Gonzalez hopes to continue the legacy developed by Coach Benson the past four years as head coach. “We aim to build upon Bellarmine’s mission of forming men for and with others by fostering a culture on constant growth, accountability, and community,” said Armando Gonzalez. “Building a reputation of academic and athletic excellence among Bellarmine wrestlers, reconnecting with Bellarmine wrestling alumni and teaching the student athletes to love the sport the way I do is what excites me the most about being able to take over the wrestling program. We are going to work hard, have fun, and be exciting competitors.”