Isaac Bertalotto’s 2013 season as a Turlock High wrestler was a successful one, to say the least. Bertalotto ended his sophomore year with an eighth place finish in the California High School State Championships and placed himself in elite Turlock company. But, as it turns out, the young Bulldog wasn’t finished.

A week after becoming one of Turlock’s youngest state placers, Bertalotto entered the USA/CA Wrestling State Folkstyle Tournament where he competed in both the Cadet and Junior divisions. After two days of competition and a combined nine matches, Bertalotto emerged unbeaten and was named the 138 pound champion in both divisions.

Bertalotto is now set to compete in the USAW Folkstyle National Tournament in Cedar Falls, Iowa on April 5-7.  It will be his third national tournament in an eight month span.

“It was just fun to wrestle again and go out there and compete,” Bertalotto said. “Now I want to go out and represent California. Hopefully I come back as an All-American.”

Bertalotto claimed his Cadet championship with a pin over Aaron Mora of Firebaugh in the finals before defeating Dominick Magana of San Dimas via a 3-1 decision the following day to claim the Junior championship.

“It’s definitely not easy, especially with how tough our state is,” Turlock coach Mike Contreras said.

Bulldog teammate Rafael Herrera was also present at the tournament where he finished second at 132 pounds in the Junior division.

“It takes a lot of desire and both of those kids got it going for them,” Contreras said of the pair.

Bertalotto now has a week between him and some of the nation’s best wrestlers. If he can finish in the top eight of his bracket he will earn the title of All-American.