Rich DeStefano was a standout heavyweight wrestler that won a
New England championship as an individual and was a part of two
team championship-winning teams.
DeStefano boasted a 30-5 record with 13 pins over a three-year
career on Boynton Hill. The three-time All-New England performer
climbed the ladder at the regional competition beginning with a
third-place finish following an 11-0 campaign that featured eight
pins.
“Rich as a "light heavyweight" used great technique and
speed to outperform and win most of his matches,” commented
Hall of Fame coach Phil Grebinar. “He was a fierce competitor
who was always prepared to put forth his best efforts for the
team.”
His single-season pin percentage of .727 and five consecutive
pins to close out the 1992–93 dual match slate are both tied
for second in the Engineers record book.
As a junior, DeStefano registered a second place showing after a
12-1 season with three pins. He closed out his career with the New
England title, while helping the Crimson and Gray take home their
second straight NECCWA team crown. He accomplished all of this
while being a member of the Marines ROTC.
“Rich will always be remembered for his great performance
in the closing bout of New England Championships at Roger
Williams,” continued Grebinar. “Going into the final
bout, WPI needed Rich not only to win but to score pin points for a
WPI team victory. Cool and confident, Rich proceeded to win with a
pin, giving him the championship at heavyweight as well as giving
the team another New England team championship.”
“In the first period, Rich shoots his patented single to a
knee-tap dump and puts his opponent straight to his back and pins
him,” remembered Hall of Fame teammate Garrett Trombi.
“Our whole team just went crazy and nearly stormed the mat.
I’m not sure the people in the stands (nor Williams)
understood the implications, but we did.”
A native of North Reading, Rich graduated from WPI in 1995 with
a degree in management information systems. After graduation, he
became a commissioned officer in the United States Marine Corps,
where he flew helicopters as a naval aviator for ten years. He is
now working in the defense industry. He also enjoys coaching
wrestling for the local wrestling club in his area. He lives in
Groveland with his wife, Patti, and their children, Megan and
Richard.
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