Athlete of the Week: Dustin DeNunzio `99

At a school that prides itself on setting the highest standards, senior wrestling tri-captain Dustin DeNunzio has proven that the standards can always be set a little higher.

In his four years, he has redefined Harvard wrestling and brought it to a whole new level of competition--a level that includes not only the best in the conference, but also in the nation. And it is by making history yet again that DeNunzio ended his Harvard career last week at Nationals, becoming fourth in the nation in the 141-pound weight class and the Crimson's second ever repeat All-American.

In a tournament that brings together the finest wrestlers in the nation, DeNunzio's performance placed him among the best of the best. After falling in the second round, he rallied with five straight victories to make it to the finals of the wrestlebacks. This rally included victories over the Nos. 2, 5, 8 and 12 seeds, as well as two pins, an extremely impressive feat against such high caliber opponents. Though he lost a close 4-3 match to finish fourth, DeNunzio put up a terrific effort against Clarion's Mark Angle, the No. 1 seed of the tournament.

For this athlete, though, such a remarkable finish is the norm rather than the exception. DeNunzio has also claimed two consecutive EIWA championships, another first for the Crimson. He has twice been a member of the First All-Ivy team, and he earned All-American honors at last year's Nationals with a sixth-place finish. When he graduates Harvard this spring, he does so as the winningest wrestler in Crimson history.

"Dustin's accolades are many, but most importantly, he has left a strong mark on the wrestling program and has raised the expectations of the current wrestlers and the future ones to follow," Coach Jay Weiss said. "His leadership abilities will be missed, but he has raised the bar for many to match."

For this tremendous contribution to Harvard wrestling, capped off by a spectacular performance at Nationals, the Crimson salutes Dustin DeNunzio as its Athlete of the Week.