Birmingham’s Aslikyan Pursues Historic Wrestling Victory
Birmingham High senior Henry Aslikyan is poised to make history this Saturday at Roybal High School, competing for his fourth consecutive City Section wrestling championship. Last season, Aslikyan secured the individual title in the 113-pound division (Steve Galluzzo / For The Times). This achievement would be unprecedented for a Birmingham athlete, marking a new standard of excellence for the school’s wrestling program.
Aslikyan’s journey has been one of consistent growth and dominance since his freshman year. He has consistently improved his strength and technique, becoming a two-time state champion while controlling the lower weight classes within the City Section. Now, he faces his greatest challenge yet in the highly competitive 120-pound weight class, widely considered the toughest in the state.
Patriots Aim for Multiple City Titles
The competition isn’t solely focused on Aslikyan’s pursuit of individual glory. Adelaida Fernandez, also of Birmingham, is determined to capture her third consecutive City title in girls’ wrestling. Joining her in the quest for a third championship are Greg Torosian and Arno Vardanyan, both representing the Patriots in boys’ wrestling.
Birmingham’s success extends beyond individual contenders, having already claimed City titles in both boys’ and girls’ dual meets this season. The team’s collective strength positions them as a major force in the upcoming state championships in Bakersfield, where Aslikyan will also be competing for an individual title. Experts predict the 120-pound division in Bakersfield will feature at least three current state champions.
Heavyweight Contender and Championship Outlook
In the heavyweight division, Abraham Datte of Monroe High enters the competition as a two-time City champion. Datte’s experience and power make him a formidable opponent and a strong contender for a third consecutive title.
This spotlight on high school athletics highlights the positive achievements of student-athletes. News and updates can be submitted to Eric Sondheimer at eric.sondheimer@latimes.com. Sondheimer, the prep sports columnist for the Los Angeles Times, has been recognized seven times by the California Prep Sportswriters Assn. for his outstanding work.
