Aaron Pico

Aaron Pico

Aaron Pico in 2014
Personal information
Full name Aaron Pico
Nationality American
Born (1996-09-23) September 23, 1996
Whittier, California, United States
Residence Whittier, California
Height 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)
Weight 145 lb (65 kg)
Sport
Country United States
Sport Wrestling
Event(s) Freestyle
Coached by Valentin Kalika, Sazhid Sazhidov (formally)
Medal record
Representing the  United States
Men's Freestyle wrestling
Junior World Championships
2014 Zagreb 65 kg
2015 Salvador 66 kg
Cadet World Championships
2013 Zrenjanin 63kg

Aaron Pico (born September 23, 1996) is an American freestyle wrestler. Pico was born in Whittier California to Gina and Anthony Pico.

Aaron Pico is a 7th generation[1] Californio. Pico is the direct descendant of Pío de Jesus Pico, who was the last Mexican Governor of California under the Providence of Mexico.

International wrestling

Pico won the 2013 FILA Cadet National Championship at 63 kg and Outstanding Wrestler Award earning him a spot on the U.S. Cadet World Team.[2] As a USA representative in Zrenjanin, Serbia, Pico was the only gold for Team USA at the World Cadet Championships. Aaron Pico defeated Japan’s Fujinami 8-6 in the Gold medal match.[3][4]

Pico was quoted. “I’m so happy to be here, as World Cadet Champion, and proud to have been representing my country.” Aaron gave praise to the many community supporters for his professional development including his parents, family and friends as well as his valuable coach which has made all the difference".

In November 2013 as high school sophomore made his senior level debut in a U.S.A vs Russia dual in Clifton Park, NY. Aaron faced Alibeggadzhi Emeev of Russia winning by decision 8-0.[5]

In early November 2014 defeated former 2013 Senior World Champion, David Safaryan of Armenia at the 40th Annual Henri Deglane 40th in Nice, France which is considered his biggest accomplishment to date.

Early wrestling career

Aaron first began pursuing the sport of Wrestling at the age of 4, and later began his formal freestyle wrestling training under the exclusive coaching of Valentin Kalika at the age of 13.

In 2013, as a Freshman at St. John Bosco High School Pico wrestled at 132 lb in high school and was ranked number 1 high school in the United States at this weight category.[6] Also as a Freshman in high school Pico was named the pound for pound top wrestler in America by the National High School Coaches Association.[7] Pico finished his high school career 42-0 finishing with a State Championship at the CIF State Championship Wrestling Tournament with a major decision over Paul Fox of Gilroy High School.

Professional management career

Aaron Pico is represented in MMA by Zinkin Entertainment. Pico was offered and signed major endorsement contracts with Dethrone Royalty an MMA lifestyle apparel company owned by Nick Swinmurn founder of Zappos and ownership partner of the Golden State Warriors. Dethrone Royalty and Limelight Media & Marketing established a blog link and website at http://www.aaronpicousa.com which follows Aaron’s wrestling career.

In April 2014 signed a multi-year shoe endorsement with Nike.[8][9]

In early November 2014, Aaron signed a long term unprecedented contract with MMA promoter Bellator MMA and its parent company Viacom, as their new blue chip prospect.[10] Pico is versed in wrestling, amateur MMA and boxing and has multiple wins under his belt. Bellator MMA President, Scott Coker states, "Simply put, Aaron has all the makings of MMA’s next great superstar, and to have him here at Bellator MMA is something special. Like many of us in the MMA community, Aaron is someone we’ve been watching closely over the last few years, and after sitting down with Bob Cook and his team, getting a chance to meet Aaron, and hearing his long-term aspirations, the fit became very obvious."[11]

Pico's skill has drawn comparisons to Jon Jones earning him monikers such as "Greatest MMA prospect," and "Prodigy.”[11][12]

Coaches

E.J. “Doc” Kreis is co-author of the ISSA's Strength and Conditioning Certification course.

In 2001, Doc Kreis was named one of ten Master Strength and Conditioning Coaches by the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association—the highest honor for a strength and conditioning coach. Doc Kreis was also named National Collegiate Strength Coach of the Year in both 1991–92 and 1994–95, and was the recipient of the 1995 Stan Jones Award. On June 1, 2003, Doc Kreis was inducted into the USA Strength and Conditioning Coaches Hall of Fame.[14]

Valentin Kalika has dedicated his whole life to wrestling. Valentin was a National Champion of USSR among students. He was a National Ukrainian Champ in Greco-Roman wrestling. He performed the rating: National Soviet Union Master of Sports in Greco-Roman Wrestling in 1977.[15] Coach Valentin Kalika is the Coaches Education Coordinator for Beat the Streets Los Angeles.[16] Also his second coach is Sazhid Sazhidov bronze olympic medalist and two time World Champion.[17]

Athletic achievements

Senior Level

FILA Junior Level


FILA Cadet Level

USA Wrestling Junior Level

USA Wrestling Cadet Level

High School

Boxing Accomplishments:

Pankration Accomplishments:

[29]

References

  1. ↑ "Photos: Wrestler Aaron Pico, a Pio Pico descendant".
  2. ↑ "InterMat Wrestling - Champs crowned at FILA Cadet Nationals, Pico earns OW". InterMat.
  3. ↑ "2013 FILA Cadet World Championships Recap: Pico captured gold in freestyle at Zrenjanin, Serbia". WIN Magazine: Amateur Wrestling News.
  4. ↑ "UPDATE Pico wins gold medal 26899". Team USA.
  5. ↑ "Pico soars in Senior level debut as Russia defeats USA 4-3". Team USA.
  6. ↑ "Aaron Pico Moves to #1". CalGrappler.
  7. ↑ "Aaron Pico - Freshman Named as Top Wrestler in America". CalGrappler.
  8. ↑ "Aaron Pico to wear Nike wrestling boots in pursuit of his dreams!". Athlete Performance Solutions.
  9. ↑ "Video Interview: Aaron Pico". YouTube.
  10. ↑ ""MMA's Greatest Prospect" Joins Bellator MMA - Bellator MMA".
  11. 1 2 ""The Next Jon Jones": Bellator Signs 18-Year-Old Prospect Aaron Pico to Long-Term Contract - Cagepotato".
  12. ↑ http://www.mmafighting.com/2014/1/4/5267484/akas-bob-cook-aaron-pico-is-greatest-mma-prospect-ive-ever-seen
  13. ↑ Jimson Lee. "UCLA and USC: A Brief Look Into Two of the Top Strength and Conditioning Programs in the NCAA". Strength Power Speed .com.
  14. ↑ "MSCC Member Bio".
  15. ↑ "Valentin Kalika Wrestling".
  16. ↑ "Valentin Kalika, Coaches Education Coordinator".
  17. ↑ "Aaron Pico with Russians wrestling stars in Adler Microdistrict camp". wrestdag.ru.
  18. ↑ http://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2015/February/14/USA-wins-four-more-golds-in-Cuba
  19. ↑ "UPDATE: Pico, Anthony, Maroulis win golds at Henri Deglane Challenge in France". Team USA.
  20. ↑ "FLASH: Pico wins bronze at Senior-level Soslan Andiev International in Russia". Team USA.
  21. ↑ "Tunisia's Amri Wins Grand Prix of Spain as Sweden, Kazakhstan Impress".
  22. ↑ "UPDATE: Pico gets silver, Gilman, Dean & Coon bronzes and USA second place at FILA Junior Worlds in Croatia". Team USA.
  23. ↑ "FILA Junior Freestyle World Team Trials Conclude". PA Power Wrestling.
  24. ↑ "Aaron Pico wins gold at Sirakov-Iliev Junior International in Plovdiv, Bulgaria". Team USA.
  25. ↑ "Pico, Snyder, Coon and Tomasello among champs in loaded FILA Junior Nationals freestyle finals". Team USA.
  26. 1 2 http://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2014/April/14/Vegas-previews-for-FILA-Jr-Vet-and-West-Regional?p=1
  27. ↑ http://www.fightleague.org/uploads/2008_USPankChampionships.pdf
  28. ↑ http://www.fightleague.org/uploads/2009_CAStateChampionships.pdf
  29. ↑ http://www.budo-ibf.co.uk/European.pdf

External links

This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 10/23/2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.