A LEGACY OF WINNING
Olivia DeGeorgio was chasing history this year. The senior wrestler had a chance to become the first three-time state champion for College Park. With the pressure on at the UIL state tournament at the Berry Center, she delivered once again. DeGeorgio finished her final prep campaign as the 102-pound champion in Class 6A. She won her first two matches by pin and earned a hard-fought 4-3 decision in the semifinals. DeGeorgio then defeated Allen senior Eliana Martinez with a 10-4 decision in the championship match.
DeGeorgio finished her senior season with a 32-1 record, her only loss coming against Martinez at the regional tournament. That defeat made the victory at state even sweeter.
DeGeorgio has posted an 87-2 record over the past three seasons under College Park coach Erik Spjut. Her individual success has also helped the team reach new heights. The Cavaliers took second place at the state tournament this season, the highest finish in program history.
DeGeorgio will be headed to the college ranks to wrestle at Texas Wesleyan in Fort Worth.
For her impeccable season and career, she is the All-Greater Houston girls wrestler of the year.
Q: What was your focus this season as you were going for the state title three-peat?
DeGeorgio: My main focus for the start of the season and going to the big tournaments and everything was that I just wanted to prove a point that I was meant to be on top. When I was at state, I wanted to prove myself, especially in my finals match because I knew that’s when it counted the most. I wanted to leave College Park a threetimer.
Q: Winning three state titles — what does that accomplishment mean to you?
DeGeorgio: It’s unbelievable. It’s a big accomplishment. I worked really hard these last four years, and it just shows how dedicated I really was.
Q: How do you think you’ve grown as a wrestler these past four years?
DeGeorgio: I definitely improved my mental game. I was always nervous and always scared to lose. But I always reminded myself and I was always reminded by my coaches and teammates that I have nothing to lose. It’s just a match, and if I do lose, I can learn from it.
Q: What has Coach Spjut meant to you as a mentor during your time at College Park?
DeGeorgio: It means a lot especially because the coaches and the team, we all have a good bond. They’re tough on us, but it’s all with love.
Q: What would you say your strengths are as a wrestler?
DeGeorgio: I think one of my strengths is my aggressiveness and my dedication to get better and prove a point.
Q: Where does that come from? DeGeorgio: I’ve been wrestling for 10 years, and it’s just been in my blood. I’ve always been this way. Q: When you get to the state tournament, what’s the key to getting out there and executing?
DeGeorgio: To calm my nerves, I would always watch my old matches to see what I’m good at and what my weaknesses are so I could make sure to work on them in the matches leading up to my finals match. That way I could be prepared for anything.
Q: What most excites you about the opportunity to wrestle at the college level?
DeGeorgio: I’m excited because it’s a whole new level and I get to prove myself. As an incoming freshman, I can show the people who are already in college how good young people can be.