FARGO FEATURE: New Jersey big man Andrew Campolattano puts talents on display
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by Craig Sesker
FARGO, N.D. - It was early in the second period when New Jersey's Andrew Campolattano grabbed North Carolina's Cody Wesson in a front headlock and sent him flying with a cement mixer.
A short time later, the referee slapped the mat as the powerful New Jersey standout recorded a quick fall. It wasn't your typical move for a big man, but the 189-pounder is anything but your typical wrestler.
Campolattano continues to prove he is one of the brightest young prospects in Fargo as he continues his march toward his second Cadet Nationals title of the week.
Campolattano has won his first three matches in freestyle on Wednesday after capturing the Cadet Nationals Greco-Roman title earlier in the week. He also won Cadet Nationals in Greco-Roman in 2007 and placed second in freestyle.
"Mental toughness, that's the key to being successful in this tournament," Campolattano said. "I'm confident in my conditioning and I believe I have a lot of heart. Winning Greco gives me a big confidence boost. I'm more of a freestyle guy than Greco, so I'm real comfortable now that we're wrestling freestyle."
The burly Campolattano went undefeated and won a New Jersey state high school title as a freshman in 2008.
Mike Grey, now wrestling collegiately for Cornell, is the only wrestler in New Jersey history to win four state titles.
"The topic comes up a lot," Campolattano said. "I just try not to think about it too much. It's definitely exciting to have that opportunity to win four state titles."
Campolattano said he loves the atmosphere in Fargo.
"I live for wrestling in big places like this," he said. "It's the best feeling ever to compete in a tournament with all these tough wrestlers.
A short time later, the referee slapped the mat as the powerful New Jersey standout recorded a quick fall. It wasn't your typical move for a big man, but the 189-pounder is anything but your typical wrestler.
Campolattano continues to prove he is one of the brightest young prospects in Fargo as he continues his march toward his second Cadet Nationals title of the week.
Campolattano has won his first three matches in freestyle on Wednesday after capturing the Cadet Nationals Greco-Roman title earlier in the week. He also won Cadet Nationals in Greco-Roman in 2007 and placed second in freestyle.
"Mental toughness, that's the key to being successful in this tournament," Campolattano said. "I'm confident in my conditioning and I believe I have a lot of heart. Winning Greco gives me a big confidence boost. I'm more of a freestyle guy than Greco, so I'm real comfortable now that we're wrestling freestyle."
The burly Campolattano went undefeated and won a New Jersey state high school title as a freshman in 2008.
Mike Grey, now wrestling collegiately for Cornell, is the only wrestler in New Jersey history to win four state titles.
"The topic comes up a lot," Campolattano said. "I just try not to think about it too much. It's definitely exciting to have that opportunity to win four state titles."
Campolattano said he loves the atmosphere in Fargo.
"I live for wrestling in big places like this," he said. "It's the best feeling ever to compete in a tournament with all these tough wrestlers.
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