Cardinal Character: Dan DeLalla ’07

As a wrestler, Dan deLalla is recognized as a force on the national level. While a season record of 23-3 would seemingly speak for itself, it does not highlight the fact that Dan has only lost this season to wrestlers ranked seventh or higher nationally and that he has already beaten the fourth ranked wrestler at his weight class of 157 pounds. deLalla is currently ranked sixth in the country and continues to show no concern for NESCAC competition, which he has destroyed through his four years on the men’s wrestling team. This year, the Virginia Beach native has already won the Ursinis Tournament, the Roger Williams Invitational, and the WWF/WWE King of the Ring. He is ready to repeat as the New England Tournament champion and maybe even shake it all night long.

Sam Astor: So Dan, you’re ranked sixth in the nation right now. What feels better: knowing that you’re sixth in the nation or knowing that you’re number one in the hearts of Argus-nation USA?

Dan deLalla: Definitely knowing that I’m number one in Argus town. It only took me three years to make it to number one in New England, but four years to make it here. It was a long journey.

SA: Indeed, and we respect that process. How do you think things look for the New England tournament this year?

DD: As a team I think we’ll finish in the top three or four, a lot of young guys should finish well. I think personally, I will repeat, and I hope to dominate in order to keep my seeding heading into NCAA.

SA: Most other athletes on this campus are concerned about being number one in the NESCAC. With only Williams and Trinity sporting wrestling teams, can it really be that cool to be the best in the NESCAC?

DD: It’s harder to be number one in New England than in the NESCAC. Competing against the likes of aspiring chefs at Johnson and Wales who want to slice you everyway like a Hibachi restaurant or the perennial power-house P.E. majors of Springfield College is tougher than your average Academic All-American from Amherst who cares more about the MCAT than the wrestling mat.

SA: Well I don’t think that Amherst would look as good in a wrestling singlet as you, nor do your uniforms have collars to pop. You do have some style though, what’s up with the intro music that I hear at home matches? Are you guys trying to compete with WWE?

DD: The real question is ‘Is the WWE trying to compete with Westech Wrestling?’

SA: Well, what’s the real answer?

DD: Coach Black likes to hype up our home matches and get more home support. Also, coming out to “Shook Me All Night” Long can’t help but pump up the wrestlers as well as the ladies.

SA: In that uniform aren’t you a little worried about getting pumped up yourself?

DD: Whoa now. Clearly AC/DC sits differently with you than it does with me.

SA: I was at the home match against Coast Guard last week and didn’t see you out there or hear “Shook Me All Night Long.” Can I get a refund on my ticket?

DD: It’s difficult to make weight more than once in a week and I had a big match two days later. During the summer I weighed in the low 180s, but getting down to specimen weight and lifting I made it to 170 in the fall. Ever since sophomore year I have told coach that 157 is my spot, and sometimes that means working out twice a day in addition to practice. This helps not only to make weight, but it keeps me in great shape. Regionally speaking, I don’t need this advantage to win matches, but on the national level where I hope to make my impact, it’s the only way to compete as I am actually on the smaller side of my weight class. Needless, to say I will enjoy when this season is over.

SA: Argus-Nation USA thanks you for your time, can I take you out for ice cream to thank you before you run down to make weight in a few hours?

DD: $@#% you. Maybe after nationals when I’m fat, happy, and wearing a nice medal around my neck.