Campus Notes – Spotlight On: Ron Tarquinio
COLLEGE: Pitt
YEAR: Junior
SPORT: Wrestling
CLASS: 141 pounds
HIGH SCHOOL: West Allegheny
Instant respect
In his first two seasons, Tarquinio was regarded as an above average wrestler. He qualified for the NCAA Tournament both years, but never placed.
His reputation changed when he beat Nebraska’s Matt Murray in the semifinals of the Las Vegas Invitational in early December.
Murray, last year’s NCAA runner up at 141 pounds, is the top-ranked wrestler in that weight class this season.
Tarquinio, who captured the championship at Las Vegas, vaulted in the rankings. Now at 20-5 on the season, Tarquinio is rated as high as fifth by national magazines.
And his sights are squarely set on an NCAA Championship.
“I definitely think I could (win) considering that way I wrestled at the end of last semester, “Tarquinio said before his Panthers prepared to take on Clarion in an Eastern Wrestling League match.
“But I’m not where I want to be right now.”
Considering his record and rankings, that’s surprising. But Tarquinio, who also won the Mat Town Invitational at Lock Haven, said the key is never to rest on past laurels.
“I’m working on strategies, staying aggressive and my pace during the match, “he said.
Saint City
While in Las Vegas, Tarquinio wrestled.
That was about it.
“We went out to eat after the tournament was over and then took the red-eye (flight) home, “he said.
He didn’t get to do too much because he was interested in winning the tournament and making weight, which is different from high school.
“You have to keep a flat weight, “said Tarquinio, who won a WPIAL title at West Allegheny in 2001. “In high school, you’d get a pound if the tournament was over two days. Not in college.”
To keep weight, Tarquinio said he closely monitors his diet. He eats four small meals per day in order to keep his metabolism up.
“It’s just about staying on good eating plan, with a good diet, “Tarquinio said. “I don’t have too much trouble.”
Getting back
While the NCAA title is certainly a goal, Tarquinio must get through the rugged EWL Tournament first – a flight which contains the top wrestlers from schools like West Virginia and Clarion.
If he finishes in the top three there, he’s off to St. Louis in March for the NCAAs to compete against the top 30 or so wrestlers in the nation at 141 pounds.
In each of the past two years, Tarquinio finished 1-2 at the NCAAs.
“If you lose early, “he said, “you have to wrestle many times to get back into placing. I you win your first three or four bouts, you have a better chance.”
West A pride
Tarquinio didn’t play football past eighth grade, but he enjoys going to Heinz Field to watch the Panthers in the fall. It’s especially sweet because two high school buddies – quarterback Tyler Palko and fullback Kellen Campbell – start for the Panthers.
“I’m really good friends with Kellen and Tyler, “Tarquinio said. “I’ve known Kellen for years growing up.”
Wrestling Gear
