Aidan Cockrell Makes PCA Wrestling History by Winning State Championship

We are proud of Aidan Cockrell, our first state champion in PCA Wrestling’s history. Aidan had 37 wins on the season and 109 wins in his varsity career, concluding with an AHSAA State Championship. Read below what Coach Trent Staggs said about Aidan’s accomplishments and work ethic.

“The time and dedication that Aidan put into winning a state championship set him apart from the others he competed against. Last season, he concluded as a state runner-up and was ranked the number one heavyweight in 1A-4A this year. This ranking remained all season long, placing a target on Aidan’s back as the best competition, which is always challenging. He knew every time he stepped on the mat that he would get their best match.

Aidan got on a winning streak as the season progressed and dominated people. His first loss of the season was against the 5A state champion from Elmore County, which encouraged Aidan to work harder and focus on what he wanted to accomplish at the end of the year. He did a great job the rest of the season, taking only one other loss and winning close matches as he went on to win the 1A-4A AHSAA South Super Sectional championship.

In the AHSAA State Finals, Aidan wrestled the same wrestler he had defeated the previous week in the sectional championship. He controlled the match, wrestling with a smart and physical style. With 3 seconds left in the final period, Aidan scored the reversal to win 2-0 and earn the title of State Champion.

He handled the pressure of the entire season and wanted to win the first state championship for himself, his school, coaches, and teammates with humility and Christ-like faith. Although he battled injuries as the season continued, he never let that distract him from his goals. He is not only a great wrestler but also the ultimate teammate. He is always there to cheer on his teammates and support them.

Aidan has been a great example to his teammates of the work and dedication it takes to win a state championship. He has shown them the path to get there. As a coaching staff member and Aidan’s head coach, I could not be more proud of Aidan and his accomplishments this season and throughout his PCA Wrestling career. He deserved this championship!”