Joaquin Rodriguez will continue his wrestling career in the Midwest after a decorated career at Ripon High.

On May 2, the standout heavyweight locked on his commitment to Northern State University, signing a letter of intent in front of friends, family and teammates at North Gym.

Rodriguez plans to major in criminal justice at the 125-year-old school in Aberdeen, South Dakota. The Wolves compete in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference at the NCAA Division II level. Northern State went 8-5 in team duals this past season.

A two-year captain for Ripon, Rodriguez was named All-TVL Outstanding Upperweight in his accomplished senior campaign. He claimed heavyweight titles in the TVL and Sac-Joaquin Section Division V tournaments. His dominant run in the divisional tournament led the Indians to their best-ever finish as runners-up.

Rodriguez is also a four-time qualifier for the SJS Masters Championships and advanced to the state tournament his junior year.