The University of Southern Maine Athletics department and head coach Mike Morin '10 have announced the addition of former Husky standout Peter Del Gallo '20 to the wrestling coaching staff for the 2021 season.
A three-time NCAA Division III Wrestling National Championship tournament qualifier, Del Gallo finished his tremendous collegiate career with a 133-10 record, and as one of USM's most decorated student-athletes.
Dominating in his weight-class during the 2018-19 season, Del Galo placed third at the NCAA Championships, garnering All-American honors. He also earned numerous New England Wrestling Association (NEWA) Wrestler of the week honors, was named to the NEWA and Pilgrim Wrestling League All-Star teams, and ranked no. 1 nationally at 125 pounds for a majority of his junior season.
Del Gallo will join an impressive group of USM Alumni on the coaching staff; head coach Mike Morin '10 and Assistant Coaches Jonathan Dupree '15 and Sean Fagan '16, all of whom competed at the highest level during their time as Huskies.
"We are thrilled to have Peter join the Husky staff," said Mike Morin, head coach. "As one of the top lightweight wrestlers in the country throughout his career, I'm excited that Peter has decided to stay on board and start his coaching career here at USM. He is going to be instrumental in working with our lightweight wrestlers specifically, but will have his hands in all aspects of our program."
Continuing his success in his final season, Del Gallo qualified for the NCAA Championship, which was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Del Gallo posted a 34-2 record and took second at the NCAA Division III Northeast Regional Wrestling Championships. He also earned his fourth consecutive NEWA All-Academic Team honor and earned 2020 NWCA Division III Scholar All-American distinction. Del Gallo is just the fifth Husky wrestler to qualify for the NCAA championship multiple times. He is one of three to qualify for the meet three times, joining his brother Dan Del Gallo '17 and Head Coach Mike Morin '10.
Earning his degree in Exercise Science, Del Gallo was a three-time William B. Wise Scholar-Athlete. This honor is awarded to student-athletes who earn a 3.00 cumulative grade point average as a full-time student for the fall and spring semesters of an academic year.
"I'm very excited that Peter will be joining our coaching staff this year," said Al Bean, Director of Athletics. "He had a fantastic career as a student-athlete at USM and established himself as one of the truly elite wrestlers in the country. His work ethic and leadership are extraordinary and I'm certain he will have an incredibly positive impact on the members of this year's team and the entire program."
The Huskies will look to build off of last year's sixth place finish at the NCAA Division III Northeast Regional Championships when they open their season. The Huskies sent ten wrestlers to the NCAA Division III Northeast Regional Championships last season, six of whom earned All-Region Honors. Of those honorees, seniors Brad Beaulieu (Waterboro, ME/Marshwood) and Raul Gierbolini (Carolma, Puerto Rico/Somerset Academy) and junior Jake Peavy (South China, ME/Erskine Academy) return for the Huskies this season.
