Greg Aprahamian

Lifetime Service to Wrestling

Early Life and Family

Greg Aprahamian was born on August 22, 1962, to Dr. Charles and Patricia Aprahamian. As the second youngest of six brothers, Greg grew up in a household where four older siblings taught him resilience and toughness from an early age.

High School Achievements

Greg excelled as an athlete at Brookfield East High School, starring on the football and track and field teams. However, wrestling was his true passion. Pouring his heart and soul onto the mat, he built an impressive high school wrestling career.

Education and Early Career

Greg knew early on he wanted to be an educator and coach. He began his higher education at UW-Platteville, wrestling with the team, before transferring to UW-Stout. There, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Technology Education, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Driven to advance, he returned to UW-Platteville for a master’s degree in industrial technology, completed in 1987.

Coaching Career at Muskego

In 1987, Greg joined the Muskego School District as a teacher and coach for football, track and field, and wrestling—a sport with a strong tradition at Muskego. Starting as an assistant wrestling coach, he became head coach in 1992, serving until 1998. His pinnacle came in 1994 when he led Muskego to its first and only Team State Championship. That year, he also earned Coach of the Year, an honor he deeply cherished. His dual meet record was an impressive 116- 29, with a near-perfect 48-1 in conference duals, three Team State appearances, and numerous state qualifiers and place winners.

Building a Legacy at Kettle Moraine

In 1999, Greg took a teaching and coaching role at Kettle Moraine High School. The wrestling team initially had talent but lacked numbers—a challenge he met by recruiting from his football and track teams, including novices and former wrestlers. His strategy transformed the underdog squad into a powerhouse. In 2001, he led Kettle Moraine to its first and only Classic 8 Conference Championship. Over his tenure, he coached 10 state place winners, one state champion, and many qualifiers, solidifying his reputation as a program builder.

Coaching His Children at Mukwonago

From 2006 to 2012, Greg coached at Mukwonago High School to guide his sons, Ryan, and Tyler, donating his salary to fund mats and assistant coaches. His daughters, Brittany, and Megan, served as team managers and statisticians, helping the team secure multiple Team State appearances and Conference Championships. After his sons graduated, he returned to Kettle Moraine, coaching middle schoolers with Tyler to spark interest in high school wrestling.

Planning to retire in 2018, Greg coached his final year of teaching, staying close to the wrestlers he mentored.

Supporting Ryan’s Wrestling Journey

Greg’s oldest son, Ryan, wrestled at UW-Whitewater, where the team placed second nationally in 2014. Greg and his wife, Tammy, enjoyed traveling with other parents to cheer at meets and tournaments, proud of Ryan’s dedication and the team’s success.

Lifelong Learning

Beyond his degrees, Greg pursued additional coursework throughout his career, reflecting his commitment to growth. Licensed to teach Technology, Science, Engineering, Construction, and Automotives, he was an accomplished educator and coach with over 30 years of experience. He helped student-athletes reach their potential, leading teams to victories. Greg trained wrestlers to improve form and use techniques to boost speed and endurance while minimizing injury risk. He guided them to peak performance, priding himself on core conditioning, collaboration, effective methods, and enthusiasm. He also instilled motivation and dedication in his own children.

Legacy and Family

Tragically, Greg passed away unexpectedly on January 18, 2023, just before he and Tammy were to enjoy retirement. He left a rich legacy, touching countless lives through his years of teaching and coaching. Survived by four adult children—Brittany (Daniel) Dubnicka, Ryan (Daysi) Aprahamian, Tyler Aprahamian, and Megan (Daniel) Edwards—his memory lives on through his grandchildren, Raylee, Drew, Max, Jackson, and Gregory, with hopes of more to come, and in the many lives he shaped as a coach, teacher, and father.

Muskego:

• 116-29 Dual Meet Record

• 48-1 Conference Dual Meet Record

• 3 Team State Appearances

• Team State Championship in 1994

• Coach of the Year 1994

Kettle Moraine:

• Led Kettle Moraine to its first and only Classic 8 Conference Championship in 2001

• 10 State place winners

• 1 State Champion

Mukwonago:

• 7 seasons with Mukwonago, teams won Classic 8 Conference 6 out of 7 seasons.

• Team State appearances in 2006, 2007, 2011

• Team state semifinals 2011 

Coached at 3 different Classic 8 Conference Teams: Muskego, Kettle Moraine, Mukwonago