A visit with WPIAL wrestling champion Dominic DeLuca

Background Info: Dominic DeLuca is a true three-sport star at Derry Area High School. He was a All-State linebacker for the football team. He's won PIAA silver and bronze medals as a wrestler. And he was a WPIAL second-team selection as a volleyball player last year. As a wrestler, he compiled a 116-23 record in his first three seasons. He was a WPIAL Class 2A runner-up at 170 as a freshman. He placed third in the WPIAL and PIAA as a 182-pound sophomore. Last year, he won a WPIAL title and placed second in the PIAA. This year, he's ranked No. 1 in the WPIAL. His favorite sport is football, as he recently accepted a scholarship to Mercyhurst University.

Dominic DeLuca's WPIAL experience as a wrestler.
"My freshman year, I was at 170 pounds. I wasn't the biggest dude. I was scrawny and undersized. The losses I experienced that year and as a sophomore really helded me. It showed me what I needed to do to be a champion. I really worked on my lifting to get bigger going into my junior year. It's huge to win a WPIAL title and to know that I have a chance to win another this year."

DeLuca's PIAA experience as a wrestler.
"I've been so close the last two years, third as a sophomore and second last year. It was really tough to get to the championship match and come up short. That silver medal is hanging in my room. I look at it every day as incentive. It keeps me motivated. I will be ready for states this year."

DeLuca and his college decision: football or wrestling.
"It was a very tough decision, but I decided to pick Mercyhurst for football. I just love football. I also had football offers from Towson, Robert Morris, Lake Erie, Cal (Pa.) and Lock Haven, and wrestling offers for Bucknell and VMI. It felt like home at Mercyhurst when I made my visit."