Anthony Cress

They called Anthony Cress the “Big Dog” around Antioch High School, but Panthers’ coach Brett McNamar described him as the “Big Show” which might be more appropriate. AHS Coach McNamar, a state wrestling finalist himself, coached Cress to two Bay Valley Athletic league championships with Cress being a North Coast finalist in 2009 and a North Coast championship at weight class 152 lbs. in 2010. His Jr and Sr year, Big Dog  Anthony was one match away from placing in the highly competitive California State Championships. Cress also played Football at AHS as a defensive Linebacker in the fall season before wrestling.

 At the age of 18, Cress enlisted and served deployments in Afghanistan and Kuwait, each for nine months. He also did missions in Iraq during that time. In an interview, Cress described his experience in Afghanistan: “It is what people think it is: it’s war … It’s a combat zone. We were there to help the people out.” Big Show is still connected as being an Engineer Sargent with the Reserve.

In 2017 Anthony enrolled at Chabot Jr. College becoming a State Champion which made him a JC All-American at weight class 174 lbs. He also competed in the national freestyle open tournament in Las Vegas. For Cress’ next challenge he tested himself in an upper weight class the next year. To prepare, he bulked up in the weight room in the off season.

Anthony reached the pinnacle in California community college wrestling by becoming a two-time California community College wrestling champion for Chabot JR. College but this time up to weight class 197lbs. Making him a two-time JC All-American as Chabot’s first two-time state wrestling champ in 37 years. 

Anthony Cress was also an assistant coach for Antioch for three years