WPIAL Alum Q&A – Nico Megaludis

By: HSSN Staff
Monday, February 8, 2016 | 1:31 PM

The Franklin Regional wrestling program has been not only one of the best in the WPIAL, but in the entire nation over the past several seasons. While the Panthers have produced an array of Division I talent, Nico Megaludis stands atop the list of Franklin Regional grapplers.

As a freshman competing in the 103-pound weight class in 2008, the Murrysville native posted a record of 37-1, and finished in third place in the state tournament. Megaludis moved up in weight class in each of his next three campaigns, and recorded an undefeated mark each time.

As a sophomore, he went 46-0 in 112 pounds en route to the PIAA crown. He accomplished the same feat the following year at 119 pounds, notching a 36-0 record. In his senior season in 2011, Megaludis went an unfathomable 51-0, culminating with another state championship, this time in the 125-pound bracket.

Megaludis concluded his career with the Panthers with a mark of 170-1, capturing three PIAA championships.

Following his time at Franklin Regional, Megaludis matriculated to Penn State University, where he became an integral part of a dominant Nittany Lions squad. As a freshman, Megaludis went 28-8, including an unlikely run to the NCAA Championship match, where he finished as the runner up.

The ensuing year was even better, as Megaludis recorded a mark of 28-4, and again reached the NCAA finals, but came up short. In 2013-14, the 125-pounder notched 31 victories, and finished in third place in the national tournament. All three of those seasons, Penn State claimed the NCAA team championship, and he earned All-American honors.

However, Megaludis did not compete last season, as he instead redshirted while the team reloaded its talent.

That decision has paid dividends thus far, as Megaludis currently boasts a record of 21-2, and the Nittany Lions are undefeated (13-0) and the top-ranked team in the NCAA. In the upcoming weeks, Megaludis will look to earn his first national championship, while Penn State aims to secure its fifth team title in the past six seasons.

Nico took time from his schedule to answer a few questions about his career on the mat, as well as his future profession and favorite hobby.
 

Q: Both you personally and the team overall have been dominant thus far this season. What have been the biggest keys to the success in both regards?

A: The way we go out to compete. We love to compete to make our opponent hate wrestling us, and constantly pushing the pace. We want to keep scoring and scoring.

Q: How would you describe your style of wrestling?

A: Fast paced the whole match. I like to wear down my opponent and get them tired while always looking to score.

Q: What was the thought process behind redshirting last year after three years of tremendous success prior to that?

A: I needed to sit back and focus on technique and positions. When you are constantly competing throughout the year, it is a little harder to learn specific techniques because you are constantly getting ready for the next match. I did not compete too much except in some international tournaments because I wanted to grow as a wrestler and be able to focus on getting better in certain areas.

Q: What has been your best memory on the mat thus far at Penn State?

A: I think every year has a new memory. Each year, I am surrounded with unbelievable teammates, from new guys to guys who have been there for years. I think the best memory so far was beating the guys my freshmen year at nationals who beat me throughout the year. My best memory is going to be standing on top of the podium on March 19th this year.

Q: What makes Cael Sanderson such a great coach?

A: He just loves the sport. He is willing to go out of his way for the athletes in any way to help us. He gives great motivational talks that really just energize us and remind us why we chose this sport and love to compete. He also will get on the mat and beat up anyone in his way haha. He is a great guy and I am thankful to have him as a coach along with all our other coaches who care so much about us.

Q: What were the deciding factors in attending Penn State initially?

A: The fan base and alumni are unbelievable. They are the most enthusiastic and passionate people I have ever seen. Also, I made my commitment early when the new coaching staff came at the end of my sophomore year in high school. It was a no brainer to pick the best coaches, best alumni, and a school that was only two hours away from my home.

Q: At Franklin Regional, did you feel a lot of pressure because you were the favorite in every match? If so, how did you handle it?

A: Not really, I view pressure as a good thing if you think there is pressure on you. But really, pressure does not exist, it is a made up thing that people’s unconscious thoughts think.

Q: Have you followed the Panthers squad since graduation, and have you kept in touch with any of the coaches or grapplers?

A: Yes, I have followed them. During my redshirt year last year, it was fun to watch them in dual meets and the Powerade over Christmas break. I like to work with the guys on the team when I come back. There are a bunch of studs who wrestle hard on the team.

Q: What is your degree and ideal future profession?

A: I am a finance major. I want to work with Northwestern mutual as a financial adviser. I find it a very interesting profession, and my dad also works with the company. I plan on starting working there next year. It will be great to do this while also being able to train at our Olympic training center at Penn State for the Olympics.

Q: Have your classes gotten easier or harder since your freshman year?

A: My major classes have gotten harder, but every other class is not too bad, for the most part. You learn better studying habits and what to expect in college classes.

Q: What is a must-see destination for a visitor at Penn State?

A: I think most people would say the creamery because of their ice cream, although I have never really eaten it haha. But for me, I would say you have to come see a Penn State wrestling match!

Q: Do you have a pre-match ritual?

A: I always get a good warmup and get my lungs ready to go for the match. Other than that, I just tell myself I am winning, I am relentless, I am calm, and I love to compete. I just tell myself those things to let me realize how much I love the sport. I also like to do my cross when I am out on the mat before every match.

Q: What is your all-time favorite movie?

A: Dumb and dumber

Q: Outside of wrestling season, what is an activity or hobby you enjoy in your free time?

A: When I am back home a lot out of season, I like to golf with my buddies and hang out with them when I get the chance to finally see them.

Tags: Franklin Regional