ABOVE: Aaron Becker poses with the gold after securing the state title in the 9th grade bracket for the Red Bulls. Submitted photo.

FAIRMONT – Eighth-grader Aaron Becker continued the winning ways of his family by securing a first-place finish in the Minnesota 9th Grade and Under Wrestling League State Individual Tournament on Feb. 1 at Champlin Park High School.

Becker pinned Leland Pace of Hutchinson in the 189-pound championship match in 1:28.

Becker began his wrestling career during his first year of preschool and though it wasn’t his favorite at first, he fell in love with the sport as time went on with the encouragement of his father.

“He got me into it by just dragging me to practice, taking me to some smaller tournaments,” said Becker.

Becker notes that it was around sixth grade when he became fully committed as the thrill of victory became something he fell in love with.

“It was my sixth-grade year,” said Aaron Becker. “It was when I started doing a lot more Nationals and I was winning a lot more. And then I was like, I can’t really do basketball because I’m not that great.”

Hailing from a basketball family, Becker selected a different option and has opted to stick around for the next four years of varsity eligibility.

“I was way better at wrestling and I’d been doing it for longer,” said Becker. “I was tempted to do basketball because all my buddies were in it, but I ended up finding family and wrestling.”

Despite his confidence on the mat, Becker acknowledged that there was some added pressure heading into the state tournament where he had to face off against some familiar faces.

“I was nervous,” said Becker. “I had to wrestle one of my former teammates from Heartland Duals and he’s a good wrestler. And then I had to wrestle my other buddy that I’d lost to twice”

Becker gives a lot of credit to the coaching staff for his success as his career progresses. Stating that they provided the push to work harder even in the offseason. Becker has a game plan to continue to work with coach Dusty Faber as well as hitting the weight room.

The sibling rivalry is real between Becker and his older sisters Kennedy and Katie, who each have had amazing high school careers in their respective sports.

“They say they’re better than me at most of my sports,” said Becker. “But, we know who wins.”

Becker is another Fairmont multi-sport athlete. In addition to wrestling he also plays baseball, football and some golf when not wearing a Red Bulls uniform.

“He is very athletic, and he’s an eighth grader,” said his father, Seth. “To get him motivated is always the thing to do, and he’s starting to figure that out, and that’s what I really like. And, you know, I’m excited to see what this kid’s future’s gonna hold.”

Outside of athletics, Becker enjoys hunting, fishing, and playing the occasional video game with his friends. His main focus will remain wrestling as his career progresses, and with four years of varsity eligibility left he has a shot at achieving all of the goals he has set for himself.