Bio

Lonnie Nalls returned to Lassen College in 2022, taking the helm of both the men’s and women’s wrestling programs. In addition to reestablishing the men’s program as a contender, he made history by founding the Lassen College women’s wrestling program, creating new opportunities for female athletes to compete at the collegiate level. Entering the 2025 season, Nalls continues to build a championship culture grounded in work ethic, academic accountability, and community involvement.

A product of Illinois wrestling, Nalls was an All-State high school wrestler who placed second at the 1984 state championships before going on to become an NJCAA National Champion as a freshman at Lincoln College. He followed his coach to Triton College, where he finished as NJCAA national runner-up, and later started at the University of Illinois before stepping away from competition in 1986.

Nalls’ first stint at Lassen began in 1994 as the head assistant coach, where he helped guide the Cougars to four NJCAA National Titles, five top-three national finishes, and saw more than 50 wrestlers advance to compete at the next level. His leadership also helped establish a 98% graduation rate for student-athletes who completed the program. In recognition of his contributions to the sport, Nalls was inducted into the NJCAA Hall of Fame.

Since returning in 2022, Nalls has quickly reestablished Lassen as a competitive force in the California Community College Athletic Association (3C2A). In 2025, his teams made history with two state placers at the 3C2A State Championships — the first time in school history for a combined men’s and women’s showing.

On the men’s side, Nalls has coached standout athletes including Andrew Zarate, a 3C2A All-American, and Dustin Merlos, who placed at the state championships in both of his seasons at Lassen and was crowned the 2024 NorCal Regional Champion.

On the women’s side, the program has already produced state qualifiers, podium finishes, and athletes earning conference and regional recognition — an impressive feat for a program in its infancy.

Beyond wins and medals, Nalls remains committed to developing leaders. A lifelong advocate for at-risk youth, he uses wrestling as a vehicle to teach discipline, perseverance, and life skills.

Off the mat, Nalls has deep roots in the Lassen community. He met his wife, Amber, while coaching at Lassen. Together, they have four children: Victoria, Jade, Alonzo II, and Alonna.