All-American Mike Corcetti

Mike Corcetti, who wrestled at Kiski Area three years ago, was recently awarded as an NCAA All-American wrestler. Corcetti took 4th place at nationals last year as a red-shirt freshman after going in unseeded. The final eight finishers automatically become All-Americans. The honor was given to him in an official recognition at the first match at Pitt-Johnstown, where he wrestles.

Corcetti at 11-2 and wrestling at 184lbs. is ranked number one in the NCAA, Division II. UPJ is ranked third in the nation as well. Mike was also one of three wrestlers from UPJ to be invited to the prestigious 2005 Midland Open in Chicago just before New Years. Mainly a tournament for the top NCAA Division I wrestlers, the tournament does invite roughly 10 to 20 percent of its participants from Div. II.

Corcetti says winning one of the matches that put him into fourth place in the nation last year was, "bit of a surprise at first, being the underdog, worked my butt off all season long. I went out and wrestled my best. The second match I was down 7-1, but came back and won 16-14." How'd he do it?

"It was persistency, I guess. I never gave up hope, and just kept pushing and pushing. It just wore on the kid and he started to collapse. It was pretty exciting. I couldn't believe it when it was over."