| My name is Brenden Agcaoili. I am very honored to be chosen as NVSportsLocal’s High School August Athlete of the Month. I am 16 years old. I was born in Maui, Hawaii. I began my wrestling journey when I was four years old with Makali’i Wrestling under Coach Bob Vickers, where I won my first Hawaii State Championship, during my first year. From then, I knew I wanted to continue wrestling. |
| |
| Since wrestling was not year round back then, and I wanted to continue contact sports, so I joined Jiu-jitsu during the off season. I wrestled for 808 Wrestling under Coach Nikon Los Banos and Coach Kai Flores. During that time, I became a 2x Hawaii State Champion and also won my First Hawaii Triple Crown Championship in 2014. I moved to Las Vegas in 2015 and wrestled for Team GV (Green Valley). Coach Jake Rollans was my first wrestling coach when I moved here, and he has been an incredible part of my wrestling journey. Throughout my youth years, I won a few tournaments such as, Royal Crush Nationals, Nevada State Championships, Beehive Brawl, Jr Battle for the Belt, RMN Triple Crown, Freakshow, and King of the Mountain. I also placed in Reno Words in 2019. |
| |
| In 2019, I started to work with Coach Britain Longmire. Since then, he has been a major part of my wrestling journey even now. I am very thankful for his guidance. Towards the end of the year, I began wrestling with Pistol Wrestling Club, under Coach Pete Martin. Although I wasn’t with the team for too long, I appreciated the opportunity and knowledge he instilled in me in a short amount of time. COVID happened and Pistol eventually became Gold Rush Wrestling with a new owner. |
| |
| Coach Chase Pami took over the club and since then, the opportunities for growth have been endless. He is an awesome coach and leader, with the guidance of Coach Ed Sorgani, Coach Jake Rollans, and Coach AJ Guardado, who have also all played a big role in molding me into the wrestler I am today. Without their knowledge, time, patience, motivation and trust, I wouldn’t be where I am today in my wrestling journey. I didn’t just become a better wrestler, but a better person on and off the mat. |
| |
| During my time with Gold Rush, I have accomplished many accolades throughout the years, which most recently include 2024 US Open U17 Freestyle All American, 2024 Western Regionals Freestyle Runner Up, 2024 Western Regionals 3rd Place Greco, 2024 WesternStates 16U Greco Champion, 2024 Western States 16U Freestyle Champion, and 2024 Western States Juniors Champion. Most importantly, they have taught me that it’s not about the wins or losses, but the journey that it takes to get where I’m at, the lessons learned, and trusting the process. |
| |
| In 2023, I became a US Open U15 Freestyle Champion. It was a big deal for me because this was the first time I competed in Freestyle and Greco in years. Being able to run through the smoke to make my grand entrance to the mat for the Finals was an experience I’ll never forget. It was nerve-racking yet exhilarating! After winning my match, it made me eligible for the U15 Pan American Trials in Colorado Springs. Unfortunately, I fell short of representing Team USA, but I became Runner-Up in Greco and 3rd Place in Freestyle. |
| |
| I have just entered my Junior year at SLAM NV as a 2x Nevada State High School Champion. I ended my Sophomore season with my 100th Varsity Win–after my Finals match. I am very grateful and blessed to be a part of SLAM Wrestling. I have spent the last two years under great coaching staff–Zach Hocker, Jake Rollans, and Michael Abrams. Our coaches have given us a lot of opportunities to grow in the sport by taking us to compete in tough out-of-state tournaments against many elite and ranked wrestlers. The relationships and memories our team makes during the season is something I will always cherish. I am looking forward to a new high school season with the best teammates I could ever ask for. |
| |
|
Most recently, I attended the US Marine Corps Nationals, where I became a Double Fargo All American! This was a huge accomplishment and milestone for me. Also, I was recently ranked #24 by MatScouts. I am excited to set new goals and see what I can achieve in the years ahead. |
| |
| Also I would first like to thank God for giving me Faith to keep going. Thank you to my parents for supporting me, believing in me, and giving me the opportunity to wrestle and travel. I’d also like to thank my coaches and teammates for pushing me to my limits and making me the wrestler I am today. This wouldn’t be possible without all of you. Lastly, thank you NVSportsLocal for the recognition!; |
| |
