Kawaun DeBoe named USA Wrestling Athlete of the Week

Kawaun DeBoe works for a fall in the 2016 Pennsylvania District 10 AAA Team Dual Championships. Photo: Sarah Crosby, goerie.com.

Kawaun DeBoe (Erie, Pa./Cathedral Prep) has been selected as TheMat.com Athlete of the Week on January 17, 2017.


The talented high school prospect posted a 6-0 record at 285 pounds for Cathedral Prep in the National High School Division at the 2017 Virginia Duals held in Hampton, Virginia. DeBoe’s performance helped the Ramblers earn a fourth-place finish at the prestigious event.


DeBoe, a high school sophomore, pinned every opponent he faced at the Virginia Duals, wrestling a total of eight minutes and 34 seconds in all his matches combined. His fastest fall came in 21 seconds against Malik James of Benedictine College Prep in the opening round.


As a freshman, DeBoe finished in seventh place at the Pennsylvania AAA state championships with a 34-7 record. He was also a Pennsylvania regional runner-up and district champion last season.


Prior to his time at Cathedral Prep, DeBoe won the Pennsylvania Junior Wrestling State Championships two times.


All the while, DeBoe has competed at a high level on the mat while combatting Blount Disease, a disorder that causes bones in the lower leg to bow outward, off the mat. DeBoe has persevered through surgery and several treatments to stay in good health and keep striving towards his goals in athletics and in life.


Each week USA Wrestling will select an Athlete of the Week based upon performance within wrestling for that week. The selection committee will consider any level of wrestling from youth programs through the senior level.


To nominate a wrestler for this honor please send the athlete’s name, wrestling program and weekly and career accomplishments to Richard Immel at rimmel@usawrestling.org.