- November 22, 2024
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Michael DeAugustino wrestles for Northwestern University. Courtesy photo
by: Barbara Boxleitner
Mike DeAugustino has plenty of motivation this wrestling season. The Flagler Palm Coast High School graduate is determined to surpass his past success in the 125-pound weight class for the Northwestern University men's wrestling team.
"I wasn't heavily recruited," said the senior, who graduates in June. "It was really cool when I got to be the starter. Now winning a national title is the end goal."
The three-year starter wants to overcome his disappointing finish to the 2021 season, when he had a 9-5 record. He entered last year's NCAA Division I Championship as the 12th seed in his weight class and was defeated in the wrestlebacks by the second seed. He opened the bout strong but lost 9-7 in sudden victory, the first overtime.
"I got up by a good amount. I didn't keep on putting on the points," he said. "I have to keep putting on the points and leave the match out of the referee's hands."
Northwestern head wrestling coach Matt Storniolo said DeAugustino was penalized multiple times for stalling during the third period, when he was in a defensive mode.
"Mike was his own worst enemy. He tried to be too tactical," the coach said. "He's learned his lesson. He's got to stay on the offensive."
"That difficult loss has fueled Mike," he said. "He's on a mission."
The loss was especially disheartening because DeAugustino was able to compete. He entered the 2020 tournament as the eighth seed, but the event was canceled because of the COVID outbreak. He finished the season 21-8 and received All-America recognition for being among the top eight.
"That's one thing that keeps me going. You want to be on the podium at March," he said. "In wrestling it really doesn't unless you're standing on the podium in March."
This season he is focused on scoring more to open leads. He entered the Jan. 22 dual meet against Nebraska ranked 11th nationally and won 6-1 there. Previously he recorded consecutive decisions over ranked Wisconsin and Minnesota wrestlers in dual meets. He trailed the No. 4 ranked Wisconsin opponent 4-0 in the second period before prevailing with a 9-5 decision. He said he stayed with his approach and technique.
"Knowing that you're never out of a match, knowing anyone can come back. Staying confident," he said.
DeAugustino has an unorthodox style, one he calls "funky."
The coach said he excels in positions that other wrestlers can't, and even try to avoid. "He's honed in his scrambling abilities and learned how to wrestle with a style that suits him," Storniolo said. "He's able to turn opponents' offensive attacks into positions he's able to score from."
"Sometimes Mike's able to flip the script on guys. Mike has an ability to wrestle through some very tough positions," he said. "He expects himself to win every time."
After this season, DeAugustino has two years of wrestling eligibility remaining, which he plans to complete while in a graduate program.
