Frank Lemos arrived in Dos Palos in 1990 from his hometown of Tulare to be a teacher and coach. Over the years, he had headed the Bronco wrestling program while also coaching football, softball, and swimming.
His accomplishments as the Bronco wrestling coach have led to his being inducted into the California Wrestling Hall of Fame.
His wrestling teams have accumulated 388 victories against only 62 losses in dual competition. Over the years, Dos Palos has clinched 20 league titles in the North Sequoia League and West Sierra League, and they won eight Valley titles. Ninety Broncos have qualified for the State championships with seven bringing home medals.
Lemos said his induction was “humbling.”
“It was great to be there with all these coaches that I have gone up against over the years, including the coach 13 miles down the road from Dos Palos (Bill Magnusson). It is truly gratifying.”
He gave much credit to people in the community for being instrumental in his success.
“There’s always more to a successful career than just one person,” he explained. “There’s my family, my assistant coaches, and of course the athletes. Also, the Lions Club, the Y Service Club, the school district administration, the principals, and staff members have been important contributors. There are a lot of working parts that go into this that I have to acknowledge. I have had a tremendous career, but it takes a lot of people to be successful.”
One of Lemos’ former wrestlers, Adrian Marrufo, is now the head wrestling coach for the Broncos, and he credits his former coach’s passion as the reason for his success.
“Coach Lemos deserves this (induction) because he’s passionate about the sport and passionate about helping kids build into successful young adults,” Marrufo explained. “He has impacted a lot of people throughout his lifetime and continues to make an impact now. He has put in a lot of time helping others, and I couldn’t think of anyone else more deserving.”
