Fox Chapel youth wrestler on championship track

By: Josh Rizzo
Saturday, March 29, 2025 | 11:01 AM

Fox Chapel eighth grader Olympic Serrao has already shown the ability to learn from his mistakes.

Serrao was disappointed with his results against Manheim Township’s Frank Leanza at the Pennsylvania Junior Wrestling middle school championships.

Serrao lost by technical fall, 20-5, to finish second at 132 pounds. When the two met again in finals of the boys 13-14 age division at 132 pounds, Serrao lost 3-2. While it wasn’t the exact result he wanted, it was a demonstration that Serrao is capable of learning from the past.

“The first time, I didn’t think I was ready,” Serrao said. “I hadn’t lost to anyone in my age group or middle school in a while. After I learned his main moves, when we wrestled the second time, he only did it once.”

Serrao has built an impressive resume through his youth wrestling career. He is a two-time state champion in different age divisions. During his eighth grade year, Serrao went unbeaten during the school season and only conceded points twice.

In addition to wrestling for Fox Chapel, Serrao trains at the Division I Training Center in Clairton.

“I’ve learned a lot of new moves,” Serrao said. “They’ve taught me a lot of techniques that I don’t get in other places.”

Serrao said he is most comfortable when it comes to scrambling. He isn’t uncomfortable with being in those positions.

To help with wrestling, Serrao also competes in track and field. Serrao runs the mile and also does the 100-meter dash.

He said that wrestling helped him pursue his desire to be a sprinter.

“I think I always wanted to do it,” Serrao said. “Wrestling helped with becoming more explosive.”

Serrao ultimately would like to end up as a Division I wrestler. For his freshman season in high school, Serrao thinks he will end up at 138 pounds.

With his ability to learn from past matches, Serrao believes he can find success at the next level as well.

“I think depending on what they are doing, I can make adjustments during the match,” Serrao said. “I know I can make adjustments if I wrestle them again.”

Tags: Fox Chapel