WNY Athletics Wrestler Of the Week: Giovani Russo

Fredonia senior Giovani Russo has been selected as the WNY Athletics Wrestler Of the Week for the week of Monday 2/4 – Sunday 2/10.

Giovani won his first sectional championship last weekend in winning the Division II 132-pound title at the state tournament qualifier at Lake Shore. Russo was a sectional runner-up in 2017-2018 and went to Albany as a wildcard entry.

Russo may have had the most difficult path to the championship of anyone in Section VI on Saturday. In winning his first sectional title, Russo had to defeat a defending Section VI champion, a fellow returning state tournament qualifier, and another returning sectional place winner (in order) on Saturday.

The Fredonia senior improved his season record to 32-3 and has been a critical piece in head coach Joe Santilli’s lineup, helping to lead a revived 2018-2019 Hillbillies squad.

In addition to being a star wrestler, Russo is a leader and displays outstanding character.

Giovani is a three-year captain of the team, a National Honor Society member, and is in many AP classes and regularly maintains over an A average.

As a testament to his character, during the 2017-2018 season, in a stunning display of good sportsmanship, Russo helped a wrestler from Chautauqua Lake complete his first ever full length six minute match. The degree to which Russo displayed such strong character and sportsmanship toward his opponent was recognized when the Chautauqua Lake team awarded him with their annual sportsmanship award that is normally reserved for members of the Thunderbird team.