Antonio Amelio '21 Recruiting Profile

Many factors and experiences have influenced where I am in my life, athletically, academically, and personally. In first grade, I was forced into trying wresting. Sitting in an elementary hallway hugging my mother’s leg crying for her to let me quit, I was ushered into the wrestling room. Ten years later, I am going to 7-8 practices a week and loving every aspect of the sport. I appreciate that I am able to be on a wrestling team that has helped me develop as an athlete, as a student, and as a person. Specifically, during the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League (WPIAL) team tournament, my team lost by one point in the quarter final round. Obviously, we were shocked and disappointed, and I was distraught, for we thought we would advance further. After two days of crushed spirits, our team received great news. On a technicality, my team won and ended up finishing in the top 6 in the state. This was such an emotional roller coaster; it made me further understand the peaks and valleys of victory and defeat. During a period of reflection, I found myself wondering what I could have done differently to change the outcome of the match. It furthered my determination and dedication towards the sport and life because I now want more than ever to do my absolute best. I know that getting a second chance was a once in a lifetime opportunity and that will not likely happen again.

As a student, I value my education tremendously. I want to come out of high-school and college with an excellent educational background that will allow me to continue to learn throughout my life. I feel very prepared for the challenges I will face throughout the rest of high school and college because of the classes I have taken, specifically ninth grade English. My teacher was always asking for something different and half of the time, I did not know if I had accidently walked into the French room. This course was harder than any Advance Placement class I have taken, yet the challenge made me grow, not only in my writing, but in how I approach a question or a problem. Needless-to-say, I value education as the building blocks for my future.

For anything I do, no matter the circumstances, it is super important that I respect all people equally. Throughout the course of my life, I have faced many obstacles, but my greatest asset that I always can depend on and believe in is my family. Through the decision-making process even with choosing a high school, my family helped me make the best decision for my future just as they will as they aid me in my decision-making process for college. My family has provided outstanding support and helped me value every opportunity I have received. I cannot image my path if I had not let go of my mother’s leg to take a risk. The truth is clear; mother knows best.