Student-Athlete Of The Month: Nick Melfi

Severn Wrestling

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As Severn wrestling fought its way to winning both conference titles this year, it would be perfectly understandable to give credit to some of the older members of the team for their success. But coach Tom Wheeler said that the team’s youth was a major piece to the team’s puzzle, with five sophomores and one freshman on the team. That freshman was Nick Melfi Jr.

“I was excited; it was something new, being honored like this,” Melfi said after coach Wheeler nominated him as Student-Athlete of the Month. “He is a really good coach, and I’m just happy that he chose me because it shows a lot.”

Melfi was a major contributor this season as he finished with a record of 25-5 while wrestling in the 106-pound weight class. Severn won both its conference regular season and tournament titles and for Melfi, it was a great feeling.

“Seeing our team work hard throughout the year and for it to pay off like that, it really meant a lot,” he said. “For everybody, it was special. We were all on the bus riding home, just really excited about what we had done.”

A multi-sport athlete who also plays soccer, Melfi decided that getting back into wrestling would be good for him as he made his way into high school.

“When I was younger, I wrestled and then I took a break, and then I started it back up in high school,” he explained. “It’s fun, competing for your high school team. Going to dual meets and tournaments with your team is a fun experience.”

In the postseason, Melfi continued his strong season as he finished fifth in his weight class at the Maryland Independent School State Tournament. That qualified him to compete in the national prep tournament, however, he was unable to compete. But just having qualified, that showed Melfi the potential he had for the coming years.

“I now know what I am capable of doing,” he said. “So if I go to national preps next year, I have an idea of what I can do there as well.”

Going into next season, Melfi understands that for him to improve, he’ll need to work on his technique while also learning how to be better prepared heading into tournaments. Melfi will be a part of a good core of wrestlers for the Admirals next season, and next year will be built upon the great foundation that he and the rest of the team laid this year.

In partnership with The Matt Wyble Team of Century 21, the Voice’s Student-Athlete of the Month series recognizes the many student-athletes in our area who make an impact not necessarily by way of statistics or stardom, but by their unique contributions. Contact Zach Sparks at zach@severnaparkvoice.com to nominate a young person in our community making a positive impact through sports.

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