Scarlet Spotlight - DJ Russo
Oct 27 | Wrestling
By Danny Smith
Throughout practice, around campus, or simply sitting around his fellow wrestlers in the locker room, there is a different presence about DJ Russo (Netcong, N.J.). The red-shirt sophomore has had his share of highs and lows during his brief Rutgers wrestling career, leaving him determined, focused and anxious to hit the mats and show how he has matured both mentally and physically.
After red-shirting his freshman season, last year Russo finally had the opportunity to prove to himself and his teammates that he was ready for Division I Wrestling. In his first-ever match, Russo more than proved he was ready for the competition when he defeated an All-American en route to a sixth-place finish in the Oklahoma-Brockport Gold Tournament.
After breaking onto the scene in his first tournament, Russo went through some struggles both on the mats and off. Unlike most wrestlers, throughout his entire career Russo has struggled to keep weight on and maintain the proper heavyweight body for the collegiate level. The daily physical grind began to take a toll on Russo, who admits he was not in proper condition entering the season. In addition, Russo’s late mother was ill throughout most of the year, making it near impossible to focus on wrestling matches.
“Last year was hard,” said Russo. “It was hard to separate myself between the two worlds. When you spread yourself too thin mentally you’re not going to be able to concentrate on anything.”
While portions of last year may not have gone as expected, Russo has now fully committed himself to his body, and is determined to succeed.
“I just want to rectify anything I wasn’t happy with last year,” he stated.
Over the summer Russo focused on a strict dietary and training program, which was evident when he arrived at camp a bulky 255 pounds. Coach Goodale is thrilled with the dedication Russo has shown over the summer, and has worked hard with him to emphasize a proper wrestling style for Russo’s large frame.
“DJ’s a heavyweight and he’s really begun to wrestle like a heavyweight,” said Goodale. “He’s now using his strength and height to wrestle big.”
Russo got to see first hand what it takes to succeed and has done all that is possible to achieve his goal. While no one is perfect, it doesn’t hurt to strive to be so. Throughout sports every athlete knows to never look past the next match. While this could not be more true than in wrestling, after all the effort Russo has dedicated to his game, it’s hard not to look forward to some of those top matches.
“I just can’t wait to compete,” he said. “I am really looking forward the top tier matches. I think I have a legit crack at them this year.”
Through the good and the bad, Russo has stayed dedicated to the team and the sport. To him, wrestling is a career and a lifestyle. While even Russo himself cannot predict how his career will end, the sport will never leave him. Whether it’s as a coach or a spectator, Russo is hooked.
“This sport is really something deep in me now,” he said. “It’s not something you can ever leave completely.”
The sport really has become a part of DJ’s life even when he is not around the mats or the locker room. While he is not sure if his life will end up in the business world, the medical field or in one of his various other interests, he will carry some of wrestling’s lessons throughout.
“I learned perseverance,” said Russo. “I don’t think there is anything tougher than what I do here. Just the mental focus, the mental drive you need to have. That’s when wrestling will really benefit itself in the future.”
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