Bio

Lonnie Nalls is entering his fifth season leading the Lassen College wrestling programs after returning to Susanville in January 2021. He currently serves as the head coach for both the men's and women's wrestling teams and made history by founding the Lassen College women's wrestling program, creating new opportunities for female athletes to compete at the collegiate level. 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 becoming an NJCAA National Champion as a freshman at Lincoln College. He followed his coach to Triton College, where he finished as an NJCAA National Runner-Up, and later competed at the University of Illinois before ending his collegiate career 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 Championships and five top-three national finishes. During that time, he assisted more than 50 wrestlers in advancing to the next level and helped establish a remarkable 98% graduation rate for student-athletes who fully participated in the program. In recognition of his contributions to the sport, Nalls was inducted into the NJCAA Hall of Fame.

Since returning to Lassen, Nalls has reestablished the Cougars as a competitive force in the 3C2A, consistently producing state qualifiers and podium finishers in both the men's and women's programs. In 2025, his teams made history when Lassen earned two state placers at the 3C2A State Championships, marking the first time in school history the program had multiple state placers in the same season.

On the men's side, Nalls has coached several standout wrestlers, including Andrew Zarate, a 3C2A All-American who finished 4th at the state championships, and Dustin Merlos, a two-time state placer and the 2024 NorCal Regional Champion. Other notable athletes under his guidance include Joshua Cortez, Troy Valentine, and Chris Wells, all of whom have contributed to the resurgence of the program.

On the women's side, Nalls has built one of the premier emerging programs in the state. His athletes include Alondra Juarez, a two-time state placer and All-American, as well as standout wrestlers Illiana Serrano and Alexandra Loretto, who earned All-American honors in her first season at Lassen. The program has already produced numerous state qualifiers and podium finishers, an impressive accomplishment for such a young program.

Coach Nalls firmly believes that student-athletes are students first. His commitment to academics has produced numerous Big 8 Conference Scholar Athletes and NWCA Scholar All-Americans, reflecting his emphasis on excellence both on the mat and in the classroom.

Beyond wins and championships, Nalls remains dedicated to developing leaders and mentoring young people. A lifelong advocate for at-risk youth, he uses wrestling as a vehicle to teach discipline, perseverance, accountability, and life skills.

Off the mat, Nalls has deep roots in the Lassen community. He met his wife, Amber, while coaching at Lassen, and together they have built a family centered on service and athletics. They have four children: Victoria, Jade, Alonzo II, and Alonna.

With decades of coaching experience, a Hall of Fame résumé, and a passion for shaping lives, Coach Nalls continues to elevate Lassen College Wrestling—building champions in competition, the classroom, and the community.