Garen Keshishian (12) is the seventh athlete to go to State at Aliso Niguel High School for wrestling.
Keshishian joined the wrestling team his freshman year and since then has been a crucial team member. He is one of three team captains for the varsity wrestling team. Recently, he was awarded by the California Interscholastic Federation for demonstrating excellent sportsmanship. Along with helping his team make it to CIF, he won the Orange County All-Star Championship, is a two time masters qualifier and has many more great accomplishments.
The championships took place in the Mechanics Bank Arena in Bakersfield, California on Feb. 27 through March 1. Keshishian faced boys from high schools all around the state and competed in the 113-pound weight class. His opening match was against Connor Jeong from Castro Valley High School and wrestled in the consolation rounds.
During his consolation rounds, he faced opponents such as Slade Hanes from La Quinta High School and Noah Butler from Northview High School. Unfortunately, despite Keshishian’s hard work and determination, he did not place in the tournament.
He says, “It was a great experience, especially being the seventh in school history. And seeing the guys in 2018 making it, so finally breaking the curse and making it this year is a pretty cool experience.”
Keshishian trained two times a day, every morning and afternoon along with cutting his weight constantly. Years of discipline and dedication has gotten him to state, CIF and winning championships. Qualifying for state is also mentally and physically training to compete at the highest level. Since then his work ethic has grown and will forever leave an impact on Aliso Niguel’s wrestling legacy. Wrestling is more than just a sport to Keshishian, it is passion and his life. He constantly makes his team members and coaches proud, along with representing Aliso Niguel.
Cameron Levine (12) says, “I’m really proud of him. He is a great wrestler and he is very hard working. Ever since he joined the team, he has had such a big impact and has always been a contributing member.”
Keshishian adds, “My advice for trying to go to state is, try to make the podium which is top eight and train as much as you can, but don’t over do it.”
