Student: Arnulfo Leo
Year in School: Senior
Plans After High School: Arnulfo Plans to attend Bakersfield College, pursue a Communications degree, and wrestle collegiately.
GPS Focus: GROWTH & PRIDE
What Makes Arnulfo #BulldogSTRONG: As Golden Valley High School Senior Arnulfo Leon finished his final football game as a junior, he turned to his football coaches as to how he could improve in the offseason so that he could be better at the sport that he loved. The coaches encouraged Arnulfo to give wrestling a shot because the balance and skill that it takes to compete on the mat would help him with his stance on the gridiron. Little did Arnulfo know that wrestling would become a sport that he would come to enjoy and that he would leave a long standing legacy on the program at GVHS. As a junior and having never wrestled before, Arnulfo committed to practicing hard by giving 100% effort and being attentive to the coaching that was being provided to him in the wrestling room. On a daily basis, Arnulfo grew and developed his wrestling into a style rooted in grit, toughness, and all out effort. “As far as training goes I just make sure I give 100% at practice,” humbly states Arnulfo, “Even when it's an off day, I give 100% of what I have to offer. When I walk away from GVHS, I want people to know I worked hard and gave 100% when someone asked how this guy was in the wrestling room.” As a result of his endless work ethic, Arnulfo has emerged as one of the leaders of the Bulldog Wrestling room during his Senior year and has established himself as one of the top contenders in the 138 pound division in CIF Central Section. Currently, Arnulfo has posted a 21-11 record that includes top placements at some of California’s most prestigious wrestling tournaments: Rumble for the Rig (6th) Lou Bronzon Invitational (4th) Redwood Invitations (3rd) Kern County Invitations (6th). Most recently, Arnulfo finished in 1st Place in the South Yosemite Horizon League and competed in the Kern High Network South Yosemite Conference Championships where he defeated Shane Rebpsher-Trinh of Stockdale High School in the finals to win the much coveted and uniquely designed guitar for the top wrestler in his weight class.
Beyond the mats, Arnulfo’s hard work has been demonstrated in other areas on the campus of GVHS. As a student in the GVHS Strong Body class, Arnulfo is known for his positive attitude that encourages others to get in shape and stay healthy. Arnulfo is solid in the classroom regarding academics, but what sticks out most is his genuinely #BulldogSTRONG demeanor where she treats others with kindness on a daily basis with manners that makes adults and staff members on campus proud to know him. Arnulfo is quick to credit the lasting influence of GVHS coaches, sports, and other staff members for his optimistic attitude. “The impact sports and my coaches have had on my time at Golden Valley has been great,” Arnulfo humbly comments, “ They have made me disciplined and responsible. They have also made me create some of my best memories like watching my teammates win dual matches or hitting a new personal record when I am lifting or training.” For always giving 100% effort on the mat for the Bulldog Wrestling program and for the optimism, good manners, and the way he treats others with the utmost kindness and respect, Arnulfo Leon is #BulldogSTRONG.
What #BulldogSTRONG Means to Arnulfo: "What #BulldogSTRONG means to me is doing the right thing even when no one is looking.”
What Teachers and Staff Think of Arnulfo:
"Arnulfo is a great young man. He has worked hard these past few years to get in shape to compete at the varsity level and compete. It has been a joy to watch him grow as a student athlete.” Robert Haskell, Athletic Director, Golden Valley High School
“Arnulfo decided to join the wrestling team last year, and has had an immediate impact on the program. Through hard work and dedication, he has solidified himself as one of the top wrestlers in Kern County at his weight class and will look to qualify for the state tournament in only his second year in the sport. His leadership in the wrestling room will be hard to replace, but the example he has set for his teammates will continue to be seen after he graduates.” Spencer Hill, Head Boys Wrestling Coach and English Teacher, Golden Valley High School
"I have had Arnulfo as a student two times thus far. He is a great student who asks good questions, he is helpful to other students, and most importantly, he is an outstanding young man. His character was Bulldog Strong when he walked on campus as a freshman. His character has gotten stronger throughout high school and I know his future is very bright. I hope he keeps in contact to share how his life is going. I am very proud of him, and I am happy he is getting this recognition. Well deserved." Jason Goad, Math Teacher, Golden Valley High School
“Arnulfo ‘Junior’ Leon is in the Top 3 of all of my students! As a teacher, I always enjoy the students that are positive, responsible, cares about others, and hardworking the most; this describes Arnulfo Leon. I often see him helping other students and he always has a positive outlook and gives them good advice. Arnulfo is definitely a leader and will be very successful in life; he is that student that we teachers miss a lot when they graduate. ” Bill Richardson, Head Volleyball Coach and PE Department Chair, Golden Valley High School
“Arnulfo started wrestling last season and hasn’t stopped since, he is such a great athlete I wish we had him all four years. He is truly the definition of what hard work means. Arnulfo never misses practice, and is always quick to help his fellow teammates. I can’t wait to watch Arnulfo wrestle at the college level…..I’m truly going to miss him when he graduates.” Joe Rojas, PE Teacher and Assistant Boys Wrestling Coach, Golden Valley High School
“Arnulfo is an awesome young man. I've had the privilege to have him as a student and as an athlete. Arnulfo is a very nice, sincere, humbling young man that I know will go on to bigger and brighter things.” George San Miguel, Science Teacher, Golden Valley High School