If San Marino wrestling Coach John Azevedo was the petty type, he might consider wiping Poway High School off his holiday invitation list next year. But ‘competition’ is his middle name and those other Titans (they share the nickname) will no doubt head north in 2016 to defend the Ara Kumjian Invitational championship they won last Saturday in Dingus Memorial Fieldhouse.
As for the hosts, three of “our” Titans won their weight class and another claimed second at the fifth annual tournament held in honor of former San Marino High School athlete Ara Kumjian, who passed away in 2010 after a long battle with brain tumors. Sophomore Tino Lopez (120 lbs.) and seniors Julian Flores (138 lbs.) and Zander Wick (145 lbs.) had their hands raised in victory, while senior Aaron Padilla fought gamely before dropping a 2-1 decision in the 160 lb. title match.
Senior Evan Wick is nursing an ankle injury and was unable to participate.
Flores, the defending Rio Hondo League, CIF, Master and State champion, has committed to Drexel University and the Wicks will grapple next year for the University of Wisconsin. Overall, San Marino finished fifth behind Poway (1st), Palm Desert, the Poway ‘B’ team and Vista Murietta. Twenty teams participated.
The event was highlighted by the appearance of several members of the Kumjian Family, who made a brief presentation to the wrestlers and their families about Ara’s love of the sport. Despite being stricken with the tumors at the age of 16, Ara was able to earn three letters in football and track and four in wrestling.
San Marino resident Fred Sohl, a former coach of Ara’s was joined by Ara’s father Sarkis, brother Garrik and cousins Martin Kunjian and Eric Kouyoumjain. San Marino hosts state power Bakersfield for a dual meet on Tuesday, Dec. 22 at 5 p.m.
