The562’s coverage of Millikan Athletics for the 2025-26 school year is sponsored by Brian Ramsey and TLD Law.
It started with a simple talk at school, but it quickly turned into an experience that would stretch across the world.
When Long Beach State lacrosse coach James Otto visited Millikan High School to speak with the lacrosse team about an international 6v6 tournament in Manila, Philippines that took place over Winter break, Aaron Abea knew immediately he wanted in.
The idea of traveling overseas to play the sport he loved was exciting enough on its own, but the opportunity became even more meaningful when his older brother, Elias, signed up alongside him.
“At first, I was shocked and excited,” Aaron said. “The idea of traveling that far just to play lacrosse was crazy to me.”
After a grueling 15-hour flight, the reality of the moment set in. Abea wasn’t just visiting another country – he was representing Long Beach and Southern California lacrosse on an international stage. Even more special, he was doing it with his brother by his side.
The trip marked several firsts for Aaron Abea. Before Manila, the longest flight he had ever taken was an eight-hour trip to Puerto Rico. Spending winter break in a tropical climate was also new territory. But beyond the novelty of the experience, the significance ran deeper.
Aaron was the youngest player on the Southern Lacrosse Club (SLC) roster, competing against college-level athletes, many of whom played at Division II or MCLA programs.
“I was proud,” Abea said. “I knew how far I had come – literally and figuratively – to be there. Playing lacrosse with my brother again while representing my city is something I’ll never forget.”
The team’s journey to Manila was made possible by Otto, who organizes the annual Manila 6s tournament and is heavily involved in the Philippine Lacrosse Association. He reached out to Southern California coaches to assemble a roster that would represent the United States in an Olympic-style 6v6 tournament.
Millikan head coach Jared Weckerly was selected to lead the SLC squad, which featured a mix of current and former Moore League players. Among them was Aaron, who is expected to play midfield this season for the Rams, his brother Elias, and Moore League alum Andrew Pacheco of Lakewood.
Despite facing older and more experienced competition, the team held its own, finishing the tournament with a 2-2 record.
“For a group that included a high school player and a couple of guys who had just graduated, we played fairly well,” Weckerly said. “A lot of the other teams were loaded with college players.”
Weckerly’s message to the team was simple but powerful: embrace the challenge and take pride in where they came from.
“It was all about putting where you’re from on your back,” he said. “Representing Southern California all the way out in Manila was huge. I wanted them to fight, compete, and show they belong at that level.”
