One of the longest tenured high school wrestling coaches in the county is being honored for his achievements as Simon Jimenez will be inducted into the State of California Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Having run Palma’s wrestling program since 2000, Jimenez has been a coach in the sport since 1984, having spent his first 16 years building Gonzales into a perennial power.

Among his achievements include having coached 83 Central Coast Section medalists and 50 state meet qualifiers, including his son Isaiah – who now coaches alongside his father. His son is one of three wrestlers that have medaled at state under his guidance.

Nine wrestlers under Jimenez have gone on to compete collegiately, including current Michigan State wrestler Misha Lomboy, with one earning NCAA All-American honors.

Jimenez has also guided his programs to five Top four finishes at the CCS finals.