Every time Nick Adamo wins a match, he shares a pack of fruit gushers with assistant coaches Steve O’Neill and Ron Van Buren.
After reaching the century mark in wins, it wasn’t only the usual snack, but also scoops of his favorite, Dairy Queen Cotton Candy ice cream.
"Not many people know this, but wrestling is all about food and weight," said Van Buren. "Nick has worked hard and his accomplishment is amazing to me. He’s so easy to coach and is a great listener."
It’s this closeness and quirky superstitions that coaches and athletes share, which has helped Adamo flourish and develop throughout the years.
"Nick is very technical and always has an idea of what he wants to do," said head coach Jeff Pandich. "He’s very structured and methodical in his moves."
Adamo moved up a weight class, to 119 pounds, and wrestled Tenafly’s Gary Puckhaber Feb. 16..
Fittingly he won his 100th match with a pin.
He already has his sights set on the future, although the varsity wrestler does admit that winning never gets old.
"Since I’ve won so many matches you kind of get used to it," said Adamo. "But every win is special and unique. I don’t even focus on who I’m wrestling anymore. I just do my thing."
"It’s been a pleasure to coach someone like Nick because not only is he a great wrestler, but he’s also a great kid," said Pandich. "He’s like an extra coach. We use him to demonstrate moves, so he’s not only an asset to us but to other wrestlers."
A powerful presence is just one of the intangibles Adamo possesses and the Demarest squad is fully aware of his guiding leadership. Adamo believes that being a complete wrestler means not only looking to better yourself, but also other teammates.
"He’s pretty tough and makes everyone around him work really hard," said sparing partner Jon Kanelstein. "He teaches everyone a lot of moves and gets on kids when he needs to."
Kanelstein recalled a time when he missed practice and Adamo not only gave him the third degree, but also took the time to fill him in on what he missed.
Adamo credits this strict work ethic to his two older brothers, Anthony and Dan. Nick is ecstatic that he and Dan, who’s a freshman wrestling at Duke University, are the only wrestlers in Demarest history to win 100 matches. Dan phoned Nick after the milestone match and congratulated his brother. The two frequently talk to each other throughout the season.
"I always look to follow in their footsteps and they set the bar really high," said Nick. "I’ve never felt like my brothers overshadowed me. They’re my mentors."
Nick thanks his entire family for getting him interested in wrestling back in first grade.
There’s more to Nick than being a wrestler. He is also a runner on the cross country and track teams. In addition to his prowess in athletics, he is an Eagle Scout and a studious scholar when it comes to academics.
Nick hinted that he might want to try and follow in his brother’s footsteps again. In December Nick took a trip to visit Dan at Duke University, but he isn’t disclosing any information about his future just yet. He is only sure about his message for the future.
"Wrestling is a very strict sport, you have to be very serious and come ready to wrestle everyday," said Nick. "Invest as much of yourself in it both in and off season. The bottom line is that it takes commitment."
Nick also said it’s too early to tell if anything has or will change in his life after winning his 100th match.
There is only one vivid memory that comes to mind.
"The team and I just went to IHOP to celebrate," said Nick. I had apple pancakes and a side of eggs, bacon and hash browns."
He smiled and added, "breakfast of champions."
E-mail: cheung@northjersey.com or call 201-894-6709
