Former MCC Wrestler Talks about Career

Chris DiPalo, 20, a former wrestler for Middlesex County College Blue Colt Wrestling team, was born in Summit, New Jersey, but was raised in Edison. Chris started wrestling in middle school, and has been wrestling for 10 years. "Chris is a great guy. You can't say anything bad about him," said long-time friend Emily Anderson.

As a high school wrestler, he amassed around 50 wins for J.P. Stevens. When he got to Middlesex, he embraced a different role that ultimately lead him to be team Captain. "He worked out hard and never complained about it," said teammate Berto Quintana.

For MCC, he had 10 wins in various tournaments. "Losing makes you mentally stronger. The practice after you lose is a lot harder than the practice before your match," he said.

He said, "Wrestling is a half mental game. You see a lot of upsets. These guys that think they'll win, sometimes lose to no-name rookies."

He said that his wrestling career is at an end.

"I think it's finished. The competition gets a lot harder as I get older," he  said. Even through his self-described hardships, he feels it is helping him with his education and goals, he said.

"[Wrestling] has definitely helped me achieve more," said DiPalo.

DiPalo said, "We definitely have a strong team[this year]. Mike Malinconico and Dan Corio are great coaches."

DiPalo said that he plans to give back.

"I'm a volunteer coach at John Adams Middle School."

DiPalo said he is entering one of his last semesters at MCC and wants to transfer to Jersey City University to finish his degree in Homeland Security.

The Blue Colts first match of the season is on Nov. 7.