- December 25, 2024
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Northwestern's Michael DeAugustino placed fourth in the 125-pound class at the NCAA Division I championships. Courtesy photo
Michael DeAugustino
For the second time in three years, Flagler Palm Coast graduate Michael DeAugustino is an All-American.
The Northwestern University wrestler placed fourth in the 125-pound class at the NCAA Division I championships March 19 in Detroit.
He made the All-American team two years ago, but he didn’t get to wrestle because the tournament was canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19. This time he got to stand on the podium.
“He's happy, but he's not completely satisfied,” his father, FPC athletic director Steve DeAugustino, said. “That's what makes him good.”
Michael DeAugustino, who came into the tournament seeded 10th, went 4-2. Both of his losses were to the same wrestler, second-seeded Vito Arujau of Cornell.
DeAugustino advanced to the quarterfinals and won two matches in wrestlebacks to advance to the third-place match. He decisioned fourth-seeded Brandon Courtney of Arizona State 10-6 in the consolation semifinals. Courtney was last year's runner-up in the 125-pound class.
“When you get in the top four area, you're in an elite group there.”
STEVE DEAUGUSTINO
“He definitely stayed on the offense,” Steve DeAugustino said. “He got a set of near-fall points, which always helps in a close match. He wrestled extremely well. Those guys can score in five seconds. They don't quit. It's exciting. When you get in the top four area, you're in an elite group there.”
Steve DeAugustino said he and his wife, Renee, and their two other children, Jaclyn and Stephen, were all able to attend the tournament and get together with Michael.
Michael DeAugustino graduates in June, but he has two years of wrestling eligibility remaining. He plans to attend graduate school next year and wrestle again next season. This summer he plans to do an internship with the Big Ten Network, Steve DeAugustino said.
FPC's flag football team is ranked 35th overall and 22nd in Class 2A in the FHSAA's first rankings of the season released March 18. The Bulldogs are the top-ranked team in their district and No. 3 in their region.
They were 1-0 heading into a March 23 road game against Spruce Creek. FPC will host the Five Star Conference tournament beginning March 26.
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