Henry Aslikyan Captures Third City Wrestling Title
Birmingham’s Junior Wrestler Dominates at Roybal Learning Center
Henry Aslikyan said, “I’m just here to have fun” when talking about Saturday’s City Section wrestling championships at Roybal Learning Center. And why not? It is always fun when you win.
The Birmingham junior never displayed the slightest hint of concern, making it look easy with a pair of first-period pins, then a technical fall on the way to his third individual title and first in the 113-pound division.
“I had to get a little bigger since the lowest weight in college is 125,” Aslikyan said. “I’ve been rolling on the mats since I was 4 but really started wrestling when I was 9. I did gymnastics before that.”
Last summer in Amman, Jordan, he captured the bronze medal at the U17 World Championships and is already committed to Michigan.
Birmingham’s Henry Aslikyan wins the City Section individual wrestling title in the 113-pound division at the Roybal Learning Center on Saturday.
(Steve Galluzzo / For The Times)
“I like the coaches over there and I’ll have some Cali boys on my team,” he said. His biggest adjustment may be the weather: “It might get cold there.”
Under the tutelage of his dad Meruj, who was a successful wrestler in Armenia, Aslikyan has high aspirations — namely another City title and two more state titles. No big deal.
“I’m on track for it… that’s my goal,” the 17-year-old from Panorama City said. “I’ll try to be 126 [pounds] next year and I want to make the U20 team next year.”
In Saturday’s final round, Aslikyan built an 11-point lead in the first period against Matthew Gonzalez of San Fernando, then he added a few quick takedowns early in the second to win by technical fall, 20-3.
Birmingham’s Arno Vardanyan body slams San Fernando’s Jorge Palacios in the 126-pound final on Saturday.
(Steve Galluzzo / For The Times)
“After back-to-back titles at 106 pounds Aslikyan moved up one weight class this winter and he has been just as dominant, losing only once by close decision at the Doc B Invitational, a match he claims he has analyzed countless times and which he looks forward to avenging should he meet the same opponent Feb. 27-March 1 at Mechanics Bank Arena in Bakersfield,” said Patriots coach James Medeiros.
“As good as he is, he’s very coachable. He wants to improve his technique and he’s always asking me questions,” Medeiros added.
Birmingham’s Dominance Continues
As a sophomore, Aslikyan became the second City wrestler to win a state championship and he could make it three by the time he is done. Jonny Parada of San Fernando won the state 126-pound division as a junior in 2013 but came in fifth the following year.
It is no secret that Aslikyan wants to graduate as the most accomplished male wrestler in City history — and he is well on his way. Should he win a fourth title, he would become only the sixth boy to accomplish that, joining San Fernando’s Andy Moro (1996 to 1999), Raphael Reynolds (2002 to 2005), Mike Solis (2005 to 2008), Rashaad Reynolds (2006 to 2009) and Willie German (1999 to 2002), though none of them captured a state title.
City Section Championships Results
Aslikyan was one of nine Birmingham boys who made the finals in their division. Arno Vardanyan won at 126 after taking the 120-pound title a year ago, Arman Arutiunian won at 145, Gregory Torosian celebrated his birthday by capturing the 150-pound title (he won at 145 last year) and Slava Shahbazyan won on a first-period pin to take the 165-pound title.
Birmingham’s Elizabeth Reyes celebrates, right, after pinning Granada Hills’ Maya Magana to win the City Section 155-pound title at Roybal Learning Center on Saturday.
(Steve Galluzzo / For The Times)
Wyoming-bound senior Steven Perez, who earned All-State football honors as a linebacker at Wilmington Banning in the fall, won the 215-pound title with a 13-4 major decision over San Fernando’s David Torres.
Conclusion
Aslikyan’s third City title is just another milestone in his impressive career. With his sights set on further success, he is well on his way to becoming one of the most accomplished wrestlers in City history.
FAQs
* What is Henry Aslikyan’s weight class?
+ 113-pound division
* How many individual titles has Aslikyan won?
+ Three
* What is Aslikyan’s goal for next year?
+ To win a fourth City title and two more state titles
* Who is Aslikyan’s coach?
+ Meruj Aslikyan, his dad
