Today we highlight freshman wrestling standout Luciano Mazzo, who has emerged as one of Region 19's top heavyweight wrestlers and who hopes to earn a qualifying berth in the upcoming NJCAA Division III Championships in Iowa. See his profile below.
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Clayton, NJ
High School: Clayton, Class of 2024, where he competed all four years in the Clipper program. "My Clayton coaches taught me all about how to train for these matches and especially on how to handle my mindset," said Mazzeo. "I felt I was well prepared by the time I got to Rowan College. I'm ready to step in and win some matches."
Position: Heavyweight wrestler
About Luciano Mazzeo: Mazzeo, who is 225 pounds but competes against bigger and stronger wrestlers at heavyweight, has compiled an impressive 7-2 overall record in the young campaign despite being possibly the lightest and smallest heavyweight wrestler among NJCAA performers this season.
Nothing to worry about, however. At Clayton High Mazzeo wrestled at 215 pounds for three years before moving up to heavyweight as a senior, when he won a District championship under Coach Bill Sharp. Mazzeo credits Coach Sharp and club Coach Brandon Kelly for helping him lay a foundation on how to compete in this tough weight class.
"My coaches taught me all about how to train for these matches and especially on how to handle my mindset," said Mazzeo. "I felt I was well prepared by the time I got to Rowan College. I'm ready to step in and win some matches."
Luciano Mazzo on Competing in Roadrunner Athletics: "My goal is simple -- win a national championship," said Mazzeo. "I won't be satisfied entering a national tournament and looking to place 5th or 6th. My mindset is to go all the way. Think big."
In the meantime, he will grind his way through the current 2024-25 season and continue mastering his playbook. He is off to a solid 7-2 start overall.
"The competition will get tougher as we enter the GSAC championships, the District meet and then Nationals." cautioned Toppin. "But Luca will continue to improve and will be ready for those big meets."
Interim Coach Paul Toppin on freshman Luciano Mazzeo: "He gets a lesson every week," said the RCSJ coach. "But he's been tough, quick and has shown great balance so far. Plus, he's learned how to stay out of trouble against the big guys."
"We impressed upon Luca that he had to change his style against each wrestler he faced. He needed multiple styles. He could be wrestling someone much taller than him in one match, but maybe someone similar in height who was heavier and stronger in his next match. Some of these wrestlers have 30-40 mounds more muscle mass than Luca, and he needs to be ready for that -- and he has been."