‘He earned it’: Golden Valley senior honors father by winning CCC wrestling championship
Since putting on a Golden Valley singlet, Josh Hickman has wanted to become a Central California Conference champion.
Hickman, a runner-up as a junior, achieved that goal Wednesday.
The senior pinned Hilmar’s Luis Flores to win the 201-pound championship in the Central California Conference tournament at Atwater High School.
“It feels amazing,” Hickman said. “I’ve been going for it the last three years. I was one win short last year. I couldn’t ask for better coaches to keep me motivated to do it.”
It was an emotional win for Hickman because the victory comes less than two months after his father, Eric, died from an aggressive form of cancer.
“It was tough not having him here,” Hickman said. “I always hear his voice in my head. He’d be the first person I run off and hug after a match. I know he was here with me and he’d be proud.”
Eric Hickman was the type of father that was always involved with his children’s activities. Josh also played baseball and football at Golden Valley. Eric was the president of the baseball boosters and was always running the barbecue for the concession stand at home football games.
Dad was biggest fan
“He didn’t miss a game,” Josh said. “He was the loudest person there.”
Eric Hickman was diagnosed with cancer on Jan. 19. He died April 11.
Josh stepped away from sports for a week in January after his family found out.
“I stayed on Zoom while I tried to help take care of him,” Hickman said. “Other people might have gone down the wrong path. I tried to stay positive. I know God has a plan for me and everything happens for a reason.”
His coaches tried to be as supportive as they could. Returning to sports helped Hickman keep his mind off things. It allowed him to be surrounded by friends and coaches who cared about him.
Sports were an escape
“When I’m at practice or a game, it takes my mind off everything,” he said. “I have fun being with my teammates and coaches. My coaches found a way to make me want to be there, whether it was baseball, football or wrestling. It’s like a brotherhood.”
Hickman came up with a big pin in the Cougars’ final dual meet against El Capitan to help Golden Valley win a share of the CCC championship.
He followed that up with two pins at the CCC tournament to win the 201-pound title.
“He earned it,” said Golden Valley coach Chopper Mello. “This was a nice ending to see Josh reach a goal he’s been trying to accomplish. It’s kind of a double-edged sword because it’s nice way for Josh to finish off high school, but it’s also tough that we don’t have a postseason this year because I think Josh could have made some noise and maybe make a run to state.”
Hickman, 18, hugged his coaches in the corner after winning the championship. He celebrated with his family in the stands. He had to grow up fast in the last couple months. He’s ready for the next chapter of his life.
“I had to learn to be a man,” Hickman said. “My dad taught me everything I know. Now I have to try to be better.”
This story was originally published June 11, 2021 at 5:00 AM.
