Player Spotlight: Michael Degli Obizzi

DURHAM, N.C. ? Coming off a solid freshman performance and a subsequent redshirt year spent in intense preparation and training to move up two weight classes, Michael Degli Obizzi delivered in last week's UNC Pembroke Open. In Saturday's meet, Degli Obizzi's efforts paid off in 5-0 finish en route to the title in the 149 pound weight class.

Commenting on his performance, assistant coach Cameron Lawler said that one of the main factors in Degli Obizzi's success was his tenacity on the mat: “Degs had a fantastic tournament and he's a very exciting wrestler to watch out there on the mat... he had a close finals match, but was able to fight until the very end and win in the final seconds... showing great mental toughness”. Indeed, Degli Obizzi completed a come-from-behind victory over his finals opponent Dustin Centers in a reversal late into the third period.

Degli Obizzi is rightfully excited to see what his performance, as well as his team's, translates into for the rest of the season, stating “Pembroke was a good tournament to get started off with and to get ready for the season... we wrestled tough... there's some room for improvement, but we'll work through them and be ready for tougher tournaments... Dan Tulley hasn't wrestled first semester and we'll be even tougher when he comes back to the team... [and] a few guys will step it up as the season goes on.”

The next match of the season for Degli Obizzi and Duke Wrestling is this weekend's East Stroudsburg Open in Pennsylvania. Degli Obizzi has high hopes for the match, saying, “Although it should be a step up from Pembroke, we will hopefully have a repeat performance.”

Player Spotlight: Michael Degli Obizzi

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Michael Degli Obizzi

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Player Spotlight: Michael Degli Obizzi

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