LOS ANGELES, CA — History was made Saturday night at Roybal High School as Birmingham High School continued its dynasty, capturing a record-setting ninth consecutive Los Angeles City Section championship with a dominant team score of 333 points.

The Patriots didn’t just win — they rewrote the record books. Birmingham sent 12 wrestlers to the finals, a feat unmatched in the 52-year history of the tournament, further cementing its legacy as one of California’s premier wrestling programs.

Henry Asilikyan Makes History at 120

Another milestone came at 120 pounds, where two-time CIF state champion Henry Asilikyan became the first male wrestler in Birmingham history to win four section titles, pinning his opponent in just 52 seconds. In doing so, Asilikyan also became the first wrestler outside of San Fernando High School to win four section crowns — a record previously owned exclusively by San Fernando athletes.

Birmingham claimed individual titles at 120, 132, 144, 150, 157, 165, and 190 pounds, showcasing incredible depth from top to bottom.

Individual Championship Bouts

106 Pounds

The finals opened with fireworks as Junior Lopez of Banning High School edged Birmingham’s Deshawn Hypolite in a high-scoring thriller, 28–19.

113 Pounds

Top seed Christian Zacarias of El Camino Real Charter High School dominated Greg Gyumushyan of Birmingham, earning a 15–0 technical fall to capture his first section title after finishing runner-up a year ago at 106 pounds.

126 Pounds

The third time proved to be the charm for Matthew Gonzales of San Fernando, who finally broke through with a 9–4 win over Canoga Park’s Devin Ferrell after twice finishing second to Asilikyan.

132 Pounds

Arno Vardanyan of Birmingham secured his third section championship with a pin over Cael McClenahan of Granada Hills Charter High School in 2:46. Vardanyan continues to look like a major threat heading into state.

138 Pounds

Defending champion Lincoln McClenahan got redemption, pinning freshman sensation Arkadii Oganisian in 5:15 after losing to him in their previous regional matchup.

144 Pounds

Lum Hasani restarted the Birmingham momentum, scoring a commanding 13–0 major decision over Ruben Soliz of San Fernando to claim his first section title.

150 Pounds

The Patriots’ “Murderers Row” began as Greg Torosian pinned state-ranked Marc-Daniel Jumanan of Canoga Park in 1:38 to capture his third section crown. He has the potential to end Saturday night as a CIF state champion.

157 Pounds

After two runner-up finishes, Roman Arakelyan finally broke through. He stormed to an early lead before pinning Luis Marrero of San Fernando, punching his ticket to state in style.

165 Pounds

Nationally ranked Slava Shahbazyan made quick work of his opponent to secure his third straight section title and solidify himself as the favorite at CIF state championships.

175 Pounds — Match of the Night

The rubber match between Matthew Hsu of Palisades Charter High School and Akosha Okenov delivered pure drama. Tied late, Hsu scored a takedown with just two seconds remaining to secure the win, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

190 Pounds — Comeback of the Tournament

Birmingham’s Ari Hasani, ranked No. 15 in California, trailed 11–5 entering the third period against Abtin Rostama of El Camino Real. In a stunning rally, Hasani turned the match with a late takedown and pin, igniting the Birmingham faithful.

215 Pounds

Luis Cervantes of Banning pinned Brandon Arana of San Fernando in 1:20, giving Banning two male state qualifiers for the first time in program history.

Heavyweight

Three-time champion Abraham Datte of Monroe High School cruised to another title and looks poised for a deep run at state after twice finishing in the blood round.

Looking Ahead

With momentum at an all-time high, Birmingham heads into the CIF State Championships looking more dangerous than ever. The Patriots’ depth, star power, and experience have put them firmly in the spotlight — and after a historic night in Los Angeles, the rest of California is officially on notice.