SAN JOSE, Calif. – San Francisco State Head Wrestling Coach Jason Welch was inducted into the California Wrestling Hall of Fame during the organization's sold-out 22nd Annual Banquet, held at Starlite Banquet Hall.

Welch was one of 14 inductees into the 2023 Hall of Fame Class, who are honored for their outstanding Wrestling accomplishments, outstanding Coaching accomplishments and outstanding service to the sport. He was joined by Jesse Delgado, Sandy Fakaosi, Matt Gentry, Patricia Miranda, Bernie Olmos, Bob Rinehart, Abram Ross, Cory Salmon, Robby Smith, and Shannon Yancey. Mark Halvroson, Rocky Hisatomi, and Jay Holt were also posthumously inducted. Additionally, fourteen others were honored for lifetime service – individuals who have dedicated decades to the sport but hardly ever get recognized, such as referees, tournament directors, photographers, statisticians, and volunteers. 

"I'm really thankful to my family, my training partners, and my coaches, who got me this point in my career. There's such an amazing wrestling community who gave their time to support me through the years," said Welch. "It truly takes a village to give someone an opportunity for success. I couldn't be here without any of them."

Welch, who has served as head coach of the Gators dating back to the 2017-18 season. He joined San Francisco State after serving as an assistant coach at Northwestern, where he graduated with a major in English. Welch also competed as an athlete in the 2014 World Team Trials and for the Chicago Regional Training Center and Titan Mercury Wrestling Club. Additionally, Welch served as head coach at Loyola Academy in Wilmette, Illinois, and runs a series of prestigious wrestling camps.

As a senior at Northwestern, Welch won a Big Ten championship and placed second at the NCAA championships, making him a three-time NCAA All-American. As a redshirt junior, he was invited to wrestle at the 46th NWCA All-Star Classic and placed fourth for All-American honors. Welch won the famed 49th Midlands tournament hosted by Northwestern and led his squad to its highest team place at the tournament with a second-place finish. As a redshirt sophomore, Welch qualified for the NCAA tournament again and placed sixth to earn All-American honors. Welch started as a true freshman and qualified for the NCAA Wrestling National Championship Tournament.
 
Welch attended Las Lomas High School, where he lettered in wrestling, soccer, and football, but it was on the mat where he began to make a name for himself. En route to four finals and three state championships, Welch amassed 119 consecutive victories and an overall win-loss record of 194-7. He was awarded the Dan Hodge Trophy, given to the best-all around high school senior in the country.

For more information on the California Wrestling Hall of Fame, visit californiawrestlinghalloffame.com.