Grayslake Central’s Vincent DeMarco participated in several sports when he was a kid but kept searching for one that would stick.
Then he discovered wrestling.
“I was doing judo, soccer and basketball, but I went to a little clinic for wrestling while I was in middle school,” DeMarco said. “That’s how I got into wrestling. I liked it right away.
“I didn’t have to depend on anyone on the team. It was just me out there. I liked the individuality of the sport and how it’s so challenging and you have to have discipline.”
Wrestling became an outlet for DeMarco early in the coronavirus pandemic.
“I had all this extra time, and for me and my brother, it was the only sport we could do,” he said. “It was hard to tell if I was better, but I liked it a lot.
“I went to a competition once the state opened up. I finally saw how much better I was doing. It opened up more things for me. I wanted to pursue wrestling more and to keep working at this. I knew I could be pretty good.”
“Pretty good” might be an understatement. DeMarco immediately established himself as a freshman last season, when he placed fourth in the 106-pound weight class in Class 2A at the state meet.
Even better this season, DeMarco (33-1) appears primed for a return trip to the State Farm Center in Champaign next month. His lone defeat came in a 7-1 decision against Loyola’s Niko Odiotti on Nov. 30. DeMarco is ranked No. 1 at 106 pounds in 2A by FloWrestling.
“His work ethic speaks volumes, so much that even our juniors and seniors look up to him,” Grayslake Central coach Matt Joseph said. “He does all the little things right. He’s a great kid to build our program around and is a great face of our program.”
Grayslake Central junior 138-pounder Aidan Eisenberg (20-15) is among the teammates who marvel at DeMarco’s commitment to the sport.
“He never stops working,” Eisenberg said. “He’s got a great motor and always puts in the work, even outside the school. He’s always doing something.”
Grayslake Central sophomore 144-pounder Trevor Hengl (22-13) said he and DeMarco have been friends since first grade. Hengl was shocked at DeMarco’s transformation during the pandemic.
“It was like exponential growth,” Hengl said. “During lockdown, everyone was at home and wrestling was on pause, but Vince was working hard every day. It was wild. Seeing him before and after was just mind-blowing.
“Vince is now so technical compared to everyone else. He’s so consistent and has such a wide range of moves. He’s also more motivated.”
DeMarco said he’s a different wrestler this season. He added a few more pounds and can better handle the stronger kids in his weight class.
“Being the right size for my weight class helps a lot,” he said. “I also have another year of wrestling under my belt. Just having gone through it already, I know what to expect.
“Last year, I felt huge, but this year I feel light. My hand fighting is better. I set up shots and push the pace more.”
Joseph agreed that DeMarco has become a more complete wrestler this season.
“Our strength of our schedule definitely helps him a lot,” Joseph said. “Last year, all nine of his losses came to state placers. He’s been on a roll since last year, winning 28 straight matches, winning four of the five tournaments and taking second at Barrington.”
DeMarco, who said he can solve a Rubik’s Cube in eight seconds, has more ambitious goals.
“I definitely want to win state and wrestle Division I in college,” he said. “I have to keep up the hard work and keep improving and keep enjoying the sport.
“I have to keep it fun and smile too.”
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.
