April 18, 2000

By Adam Littman
Athletic Media Relations

Mark Mansueto's superstitious blond hair has faded since the 1999-2000 wrestling season. The team members decided to dye their hair blonde last season for good luck, and in Mansueto's case, it initiated the best wrestling of his career.

Mansueto joined the Terps' wrestling squad in 1997 as a four-time Pennsylvania state qualifier, and West Chester High's all-time leader in wins (131). He gained ample experience in high school, but college would bring new challenges. As a freshman Mansueto placed in the top 10 of three tournaments on his way to a winning season with an 18-17 mark. In hopes to maximize his potential, Mansueto opted to redshirt the 1998-99 season to prepare for the year to come.

"I wanted to take the time to get stronger," said Mansueto. "I wanted to come out this season hungry to wrestle." He dedicated his free time to conditioning, and mentally preparing for a fresh start in the upcoming season. Mansueto also moved up in weight class from 126 to 141 pounds. The jump is also complemented by stronger competition - an aspect of the sport that grapplers traditionally avoid.

Despite the hard work in the off-season, Mansueto started slow. "The beginning of the year was tough. I wasn't wrestling well at all," Mansueto admits. "I started out in a mental slump." He knew his ability, and that he was not reaching his potential. After a number of meetings with the coaches, Mansueto finally hit a spark. He used his frustration to bring his wrestling up to the level he needed to find success. He tore through the ACC with a perfect 4-0 record. Mansueto led the Terps with a 10-1 dual record, including nine-consecutive dual victories to complete the regular season.

Entering the ACC tournament Mansueto was amidst his longest winning streak of his college career. He fought his way to the finals, but fell short of the 141-pound ACC title to Virginia's P.J. Bory, 6-4. "It could have gone either way and I felt like I could have beaten him, but it was his day," Mansueto says, referring to Bory's string of upsets as the No. 4 seed.

Despite the loss, Mansueto was one of four Terps invited to the NCAA nationals in St. Louis. The tournament was the highest level of competition Mansueto had encountered in his wrestling career. Mansueto recorded one win in three matches. He defeated Duquesne's Brian McDermott in his second match by a score of 9-2, the only Terp victory of the four qualifiers. "It was good to get the experience so when I go out their next year and the year after, I'll know what to expect," said Mansueto.

Now he and the Terps prepare for the upcoming season. "I'm getting stronger, and staying loose. If you stay fresh you'll want it more, and you'll do better," claims Mansueto.

His eyes are set on higher achievements for next year, including an ACC title and another NCAA appearance. "I want to go out to nationals and improve on my performance from this year. Who knows, depending on how much better I get, maybe even an All-American," he adds.

With hard work and added concentration, Mark Mansueto will help lead the Terrapins to victory in the new millennium.