Devon Diaco '22 Recruiting Profile

I first started wrestling in freshman year.  However, I had prior experience with grappling, competing and training in mixed martial arts since I was 5 years old and achieving my black belt status(8 years total). I've been a member of my varsity wrestling team for 4 years(Fr- 99 lbs, So- 99 lbs, Jr- 106 lbs, Sr-120 lbs). It wasn't until sophomore year when I realized my true potential, and it was then that I decided to take the sport to the next level. I've been attending camps and club team practices ever since then and my technique and ability in the sport has continued to improve exponentially. 

Since I am a young 17 year old senior, I will be attending the Trinity-Pawling School for a PG year(post grad). I am using this extra year of high school for another year of physical development/another year to mature in the sport. Unfortunately, my season this year was postponed to the spring/summer season. It will be shortened and contained within our division only. Obviously, with the situation at hand(Covid-19), wrestling has been tough to find, especially in New York City. I plan to utilize this opportunity next year by lifting in the weight room and practicing in the wrestling room everyday. I will be attending off-season tournaments this spring/summer as well as the fall season. My ultimate goal by the regular season of next year is to place at Prep Nationals and become a high school All-American. 

The reason why I believe I am an asset to any college program is because of my coachability. I believe that I am extremely receptive to feedback constantly looking to improve in all elements of the sport. Not only am I coachable, but I pick up techniques and moves quite quickly. With the right coaching and guidance, my game can evolve and improve immensely. Prior experience with grappling familiarized me with mat wrestling, which is why I believe I am coachable in this way. 

As a diligent person on and off the mat, I've always felt that my athletics and my academics are equally as important. I choose to rise to the occasion when it comes to managing the responsibilities of both aspects. Additionally, I always challenge myself academically taking APs and other accelerated classes(Total: 4 Honors classes, 3 APs). For my PG year next year, I plan to take an additional 1-2 APs. As far as achievements go, I am a member of the National Honor Society. I've also maintained first and second honors in all my classes throughout high school. (First - 90+ average, Second - 85+ average).

My athletic achievements in wrestling include: 

Placements: 3x Divisional Finalist 1x Champion, 2x NYCHSAA State Placer 1x Finalist, 2x Mayors Cup Medalist, 2x Dave Ironman Invitational Placer 1x Finalist, 2019 Long Island Lutheran Invitational Placer, 2019 Rahway Invitational Placer, 2018 JV Cities Champion. 

Dual Meet Tournament Records: CHSAA Divisional Duals Career Record: 8-1, Catholic State Duals Career Record: 12-1 , St. Benedict's Prep Gift of Life Duals Record: 3-0

Year by Year Records: Freshman Year Record: 13-7, Sophomore Year Record: 30-8, Junior Year Record: 34-5 (32 pins), Senior Year Record: TBD

Overall Record: 91-22