Tampa Prep Sophomore Wins Double Gold at National Wrestling Tournament
Tampa, Florida (PRWEB) August 17, 2015 -- Tampa Preparatory School is excited to announce the incredible accomplishments of sophomore Anthony Artalona at the Asics Cadet-Junior National Wrestling Tournament held in Fargo, North Dakota. Anthony accomplished a feat that had been completed by very few, as he dominated his opponents in both Olympic styles of wrestling practiced at this tournament (Greco-Roman and Freestyle) to become a Double Fargo Champion, placing gold in both events.
The North Dakota State University welcomed more than 3,000 fourteen-to eighteen-year-old athletes competing in either (or both) of the Olympic styles of wrestling. Competing at this level is no easy task; many wrestlers focus only on one style of wrestling to increase their chance of placing.
Coach Andy Bricker spoke about Anthony’s work ethic and what it is like to coach a student-athlete like him, “Anthony is a genuine human being, he is the student-athlete that every coach wants. He will out work anyone and do anything you tell him. There isn't anyone like Anthony Artalona.” It is no surprise to anyone who knows Anthony that he did not only focus on one style of wrestling, but competed and dominated in both Greco-Roman and Freestyle.
Competing in both styles of wrestling and winning double gold was just part of Anthony’s rare accomplishment. He showed the entire country what an incredible competitor he is. By winning almost all of his matches by a technical fall or pin, both of Anthony’s Semi-Final Championship matches lasted less than thirty-five seconds.
In the Greco-Roman Championship Final, Anthony displayed a huge amount of maturity, even though he is a young competitor, by staying in a great position and pulling off a 13-10 victory. During the Freestyle National Championship Final, he continued a dominating performance by winning the match with a score of 11-4.
Tampa Preparatory School could not be more pleased to have Anthony represent the school on both the state and national levels. Anthony has an incredible work ethic, which can be seen throughout his athletic and academic accomplishments.
Tampa Prep’s Athletic Director Michael Flynn says, “Anthony is an amazing wrestler, but an even better young man. Hard work and dedication are mantras for this young man in every aspect of his life. As an Athletic Director, I am always looking for ways to motivate student-athletes to be their best in and out of the athletic arena. Anthony makes my job a lot easier because of the way he carries himself as a young man and as a student-athlete.”
Along with winning double gold at this National Wrestling Tournament, Anthony is also a two-time Florida High School State Wrestling Champion. Through his sacrifices, hard work and endurance, it is easy to see how his skill and character has distinguished him as one of the best wrestlers in the country. Tampa Prep is proud of Anthony’s most recent accomplishment and excited to see what his next great achievement will be.
Katie Hehn, Tampa Preparatory School, http://www.tampaprep.org, +1 (813) 251-8481 Ext: 4037, [email protected]
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