Fresno City College’s men’s wrestling team went undefeated at the Simpson Duals, marking head coach Paul Keysaw’s 300 dual wins.
This milestone was earned over the nearly three decades of Keysaw’s career, showcasing not only his personal dedication but the team’s resilience.
“Milestones mean I’m getting old,” Keysaw said, “But they’re a reminder of the hard work that goes into every win.”
Starting his career at Moorpark College in 1996, Keysaw joined FCC as a coach in 2006. Known for his straightforward style and focus on building highly competitive teams, he instills a relentless work ethic in his athletes.
“If you want to be successful, you have to work harder than everyone else,” Keysaw said.
Under his guidance, FCC men’s wrestling team has consistently placed in the top three of California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) state championships since 2008. His ability to adapt his coaching style has been key.
For sophomore Jake Prudek, ranked first in the state, the event was another stepping stone on his journey to secure a second state title.
Despite setbacks from a car accident and injury recovery, he credits his resilience to the relentless training methods instilled by Keysaw and the team’s culture of valuing hard work.
“We practice until we don’t want to do one more rep,” Prudek said.
The team’s discipline fuels their success. Freshman Zane Cerda, who has been undefeated and ranked second in his weight class has attributed his growth to Keysaw’s straightforward training approach.
“He says what needs to be said and doesn’t sugarcoat anything,” Cerda said. “Coach Keysaw tells us what we need to hear, not what we want to hear.”
He aims to finish the season undefeated and secure the top ranking in his weight class.
The team’s record speaks to a shared commitment for excellence. As they head into regionals and state, the team aims to add another title under Keysaw’s experienced leadership.
“We’ve had some good success this year, but no one really remembers the beginning, they remember the end,” Keysaw said.
