Steven Mocco of New Jersey named national winner of the Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award

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Tony Linville (National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum)
06/04/2001


 Steven Mocco of North Bergen, New Jersey received the national Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award given by the National Wrestling Hall of Fame on Saturday, June 2.    Mocco was one of five regional winners of the award, which is based equally on outstanding wrestling achievement, scholastic achievement and citizenship. He received his national award from Nancy Schultz, the wife of the late wrestling legend, during induction ceremonies.    Other regional winners were Nathan McMillin of Mt. Zion High School, Mt. Zion, Illinois; Alex Tirapelle of Clovis High School, Clovis, California; Paul Duren of Del City High School, Del City, Oklahoma; and Matt Markowski, Fort Myers High School, Fort Myers, Florida.    Steven Mocco of Blair Academy will graduate with a 3.8 GPA and is a member of the Honor Roll.  He was awarded the Stephen Curry Prize from Blair Academy for academic and social excellence.      Mocco's wrestling career record is 216-1 with 187 pins.  He is a four-time State and National Prep Heavyweight Wrestling Champion.  He is a two-time Junior National Freestyle Champion and a Cadet National Freestyle Champion.  He won the NHSCA National High School Championships and received the Most Outstanding Wrestler Award.  Among his many wrestling awards and honors are the National High School Coaches Association Wrestler of the Year Award and the Dan Hodge Award for High School Wrestler of the Year.     Mocco has been active in his community volunteering 20 hours a week during his summer vacation working with senior citizens at Hamilton Park Health Care Center.  He visits youth recreation wrestling programs to speak to young wrestlers about good health, study habits and wrestling techniques.  He is also active at Rev. Wilcolm's Community Church of God.    Steven Mocco will attend the University of Iowa next fall.