Thursday, October 1, 2026
John F. Kennedy High School junior Peter Mikedis has etched his name into the school's wrestling history, becoming the first Kennedy wrestler in more than four decades to earn Greco-Roman All-American honors at one of the nation's most prestigious tournaments.
Competing at the 16U National Championships at the FARGODOME in Fargo, North Dakota, on July 14 and 15, Mikedis finished fifth in the 175-pound Greco-Roman division with a 5-2 record, earning All-American status. He also posted a 6-2 record in the freestyle division before falling in the "blood round," one victory shy of earning All-American honors in that discipline as well.
The accomplishment marks the first time a Kennedy wrestler has earned Greco-Roman All-American recognition since 1982.
"It means a lot to me because it's something I've been working toward for a long time," Mikedis said. "There have been a lot of early morning workouts and sacrifices that went into getting here. Being able to get All-American honors on the national stage is really special to me."
Despite reaching one of the sport's highest milestones at the high school level, Mikedis said he views the achievement as motivation rather than the finish line.
"I don't see it as a finish line," he said. "It motivates me to keep getting better because I know I still have more to accomplish."
Mikedis said making school history is especially meaningful given Kennedy's long wrestling tradition.
"It's honestly amazing," he said. "Knowing that I was able to do something that hasn't been done in over 40 years, I'm really proud of myself. JFK has a lot of history, so having my name in that history means a lot. I just hope it shows the younger kids in the program that if you put the work in, anything's possible."
Kennedy wrestling coach Brian DeGaetano said Mikedis' success is the result of years of steady growth and determination.
"Every year he has been with us he has made tremendous improvements in his wrestling," DeGaetano said. "He is relentless in his pursuit of excellence. He's been very close to getting on the national podium in previous years, and he achieved it. We couldn't be more proud."
The national success comes on the heels of a standout junior season. Mikedis captured the 165-pound Nassau County championship in February and was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Wrestler. A two-time All-County selection, he has wrestled on Kennedy's varsity team since seventh grade.
Winning the county title helped prepare him for the national stage, he said.
"Winning counties gave me a lot of confidence, but it also reminded me that every match has to be earned," Mikedis said. "Wrestling in a tough tournament like that prepared me mentally. When I got to Fargo, I wasn't overwhelmed because I'd already been on a big stage with big matches, and I trusted the work I put in."
Looking back on his years in the program, Mikedis said his perspective has changed as he has matured.
"When I was younger, I just wanted to win as many matches as possible," he said. "As I've gotten older, I've learned that wrestling is more than that. It's discipline, resilience and how you respond when things don't go your way. Every setback has helped me improve."
Mikedis credited his coaches, teammates and family for helping him reach the national podium.
"They've always believed in me, pushed me to improve and supported me through everything," he said.
As he prepares for his senior season, Mikedis has no shortage of goals.
"I want to keep getting better every day, compete for a state title, help lead my team to a county or state championship, and then wrestle in college," he said. "I want to continue challenging myself against the best competition and see how far I can go."
