Donald Apodaca finished second in the California Community College Athletic Association for El Camino College in 1965.

He continued his wrestling career at Adams State University, finishing first in the Rocky Mountain Conference and Mountain Intercollegiate Wrestling Association and second in the NAIA tournament in 1968.

Apodaca coached at several Southern California high schools: Carson (1969), Mater Dei (2000-08), Segerstrom (2009-15), and Tustin (2015-22).

He was a World Veteran champion in 1993 and a five-time USA Wrestling Masters champion.

Apodaca officiated from 2008-14.

He started the women's wrestling team at Santa Ana College and continues to coach there with Sadie Morales.

Apodaca became a member of the board for the California Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1998.