Student: Anthony Ayon
Year in School: Junior
Plans After High School: Anthony wants to attend a junior college or university to wrestle at the collegiate level. He also is interested in getting his welding license at some point and becoming a welder.
GPS Focus: GROWTH & PRIDE
What Makes Anthony #BulldogSTRONG: Throughout the course of the global Covid-19 pandemic, no high school sport was negatively impacted the way that wrestling was. High school wrestlers with big ambitions were barred from competing in big events like the CIF State Tournament, local tournaments, and even duals as the pandemic forced shutdowns, possibly jeopardizing collegiate opportunities and scholarships for many athletes. Such was the case for Golden Valley High School’s junior standout 108 pound wrestler, Anthony Ayon. “Honestly, I was looking forward to my sophomore year because I was only 80 pounds my freshman year,” humbly comments Anthony, “Covid messed everything up. So, this offseason, I trained hard as I was focused on having a big year this year.” For Anthony, his focus has involved showing up every day to the wrestling room and putting in work; he has not missed a single day of practice. Anthony’s focus also involved holding his teammates accountable to the legacies of being a Golden Valley wrestler, representing the Bulldog that is featured on the chest of his singlet. “It means a lot to be in the Golden Valley wrestling program because of the tradition of excellence that exists here. It truly is an honor to wrestle for our coaches,” Anthony graciously expresses, “Wrestling is a tough sport, but at Golden Valley, I have made the most memorable moments with my teammates and coaches working hard together every day in the room.”
At 108 pounds, Anthony Ayon has been focused and determined to have a great junior year as evident with his 28-4 record and in being the CIF Central Section DII Champion.
Suffice to say, Anthony has had an amazing junior campaign, establishing himself as one of the top 108 pound wrestlers in CIF Central Section and in the state of California respectively. This year, Anthony has an impressive 28-4 record, currently ranked #14 in the state, and possesses an impressive resume to back up his success: 8-1 at the Channel Islands Rotational, 2-0 at State Dual Championships, 1st Place at Mission Oak Invitational. Perhaps more impressive is that Anthony was the CIF Central Section Division II Valley Champion and earned a 4th Place finish at the CIF Central Section Masters Championships last weekend, going 4-2 over two days. Anthony also qualified for the CIF State Wrestling tournament this weekend with visions of a state title on his mind. “My goal this year is to place at the state tournament,” humbly comments Anthony, “Hopefully, I will be at the top of the podium.” After his first match yesterday at the state tournament, Anthony is 1-1 and is poised and focused for a successful Day 2 navigating through the consolation bracket. For the tremendous effort and GROWTH he has experienced since his freshman year and in the authentic PRIDE he has in being a Bulldog wrestler at Golden Valley High School, Anthony Ayon is #BulldogSTRONG.
Anthony Ayon has had his hand lifted victoriously many times this season with a 28-4 overall record.
What #BulldogSTRONG Means to Anthony: "#BulldogSTRONG means that you have to give maximum effort and be the best version of yourself. #BulldogSTRONG is the top of the top.”
What Teachers and Staff Think of Anthony:
“Over the course of the season, Anthony has become a leader for the Golden Valley Boys Wrestling team. Through his commitment and dedication to the sport and his teammates, he is an example of what it means to be #BulldogSTRONG. We as a coaching staff are looking forward to having Anthony back for his Senior season next year. I believe he will continue to lead his teammates towards maintaining a positive culture and tradition at Golden Valley.” Spencer Hill, Head Boys Wrestling Coach and English Teacher, Golden Valley High School
“I have known Anthony since he was little and he has always been a respectful, hard working, and talented kid in the sport of wrestling. He is a leader in the room and always puts effort in helping his fellow teammates get better. Anthony has a bright future ahead of him.” Joe Rojas, Assistant Boys Wrestling Coach and PE Teacher, Golden Valley High School
“Anthony has been a great addition to our boys wrestling team this year. He is a hard worker in the wrestling room, and he is showing benefits of it at the right time. Some wrestlers never qualify for state, so to do it as a junior it is important. It has been fun to watch Anthony grow this year and look forward to big things from him in the future.” Robert Haskell, Athletic Director, Golden Valley High School
“Anthony is a great kid. He tries hard to get good grades and keep them. He sets goals with his sports and challenges himself on a daily basis. He is liked by his peers, and always has a smile on his face. I love the fact that Anthony wants to do well and will talk with me about what he needs to do and how he can better himself.” Lori Ambrose, English Teacher, Golden Valley High School
"Anthony is a great leader inside and outside of the classroom. He is very respectful in all his social interactions with students and staff members. He is a dedicated athlete that takes pride in everything that he does. His passion for wrestling has been a catalyst to his excellence. Overall, Anthony is #BulldogStrong!” Joel Jauregui, Math Teacher, Golden Valley High School