LOS ANGELES, CA. — Championship wrestling returns to Birmingham High School, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Under the leadership of head coach James Medeiros, a former CIF state champion and two-time NCAA qualifier at Fresno State, the Patriots have built one of the most dominant dynasties in Los Angeles City Section history. Since taking over the program, Medeiros has guided Birmingham to an astonishing 26 City Section championships across boys and girls wrestling, turning the Patriots into the gold standard of the section.

Now, the spotlight shifts to Saturday at 1:00 PM, as Birmingham plays host to the Los Angeles City Section Dual-Meet Finals—with both programs chasing history.

Boys: A Dynasty on the Brink of More History

The boys wrestling team will be aiming for its 5th consecutive dual-meet championship and 9th overall, while also continuing a remarkable run of six straight City Section tournament titles, with a seventh firmly in sight.

Anchoring the Patriots lineup is a lineup loaded with star power:

• Henry Asilikyan, two-time CIF state champion
• Arno Vardanyan, a proven postseason hammer
• Greg Torosian, Fargo national champion
• Slava Shahbazyan, the No. 2-ranked wrestler in the nation

Once the girls’ finals conclude, the Birmingham boys will square off against Palisades High, with a packed gym and a City title hanging in the balance.

Girls: Power, Precision, and Poise

The girls wrestling program has been just as relentless. Ranked No. 10 in the state by Fernando Serratos, the Patriots are chasing their 4th straight dual-meet title and 5th overall, continuing their own championship-era dominance.

Leading the charge are:

• Diana Barone, ranked No. 4 in California
• Adelaida Fernandez, ranked No. 6 in the state

The Birmingham girls will open the finals by taking on Banning High at 1:00 PM, setting the tone for an afternoon packed with intensity and title implications.

The Stage Is Set

With banners on the walls, elite talent on the mat, and championship legacies on the line, Birmingham High is once again the epicenter of City Section wrestling. If history is any indication, fans should expect high-level matchups, emotional swings, and a finals atmosphere worthy of the moment.

Championships are earned here.
Saturday. 1 PM. Birmingham High.