13-Year-Old Union City Wrestler Claims Double 'All American' Honors

Information submitted by Kim Perez—

Union City teen Aaron Perez recently won fifth place at the Cliff Keen USA Wrestling Kids Nationals. By finishing fifth, he earned "All American" honors, which was his goal when he entered the three day tournament in Orem, Utah on June 23.

Most 13-year-olds would have been happy with a fifth place finish in Greco-Roman wrestling, especially since this was his first national competition, but Perez had bigger plans.

Greco-Roman Nationals concluded last Tuesday morning with the top eight finishers earning a medal and "All American" status. 

After a 5-2 record in the tournament, Perez continued his hot streak, winning the first two matches in the freestyle tournament. After a quarter final loss Wednesday morning, Perez rallied back in the consolation bracket with two more wins.

The first win, assured him of a top eight finish, and his second "All American" honor. The second win moved him into the consolation semi-finals match. Unfortunately, the soon-to-be James Logan wrestler suffered a leg injury in his previous match and was forced to default his next two matches, earning him a sixth place and his second "All American" honor in three days.

According to TheMat.com under future Olympian rankings, Perez is ranked seventh in the nation and also beat the fourth, fifth and sixth ranked wrestlers in last week's national tournament.

Perez is coached by his father, Jacob Perez, and brother, Eric Perez, who were also wrestlers at James Logan and currently coach at the high school. 

Jacob Perez was the first state placer at James Logan in 1984 under Tom Rosenthal, who recently retired.