- May 2, 2024
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Michael DeAugustino and Avery Holder shared man special moments like this one after Holder' s championship win. Photo by Jeff Dawsey
Michael DeAugustino and Avery Holder shared a special moment before Holder' s championship match. Photo by Jeff Dawsey
In the last three years, I’ve spoken with Michael DeAugustino more than any other wrestler. I know how bad he wants to win every match — especially a state championship.
When DeAugustino took third place this year at the FHSAA state wrestling tournament, my heart broke for him. DeAugustino had worked vigorously to win the title this season. I know he probably wanted to hide out until next season. But, when I found out Avery Holder would be wrestling for the championship, I had no doubt DeAugustino would be there to root for him.
After last season’s heartbreaking championship loss, DeAugustino didn’t speak with anyone. He actually ran straight out of the stadium — in his wrestling gear — down the highway. Michael didn’t know where he was going, but he knew he didn’t want to stay in that arena.
The only thing that made him turn around was his then teammate, Kaz Maia, who also had a championship match. As difficult as it was to lose the championship in the last 10 seconds, DeAugustino returned to the arena to support his teammate. That’s why I knew I would see him cheering on Holder this past weekend.
Before Holder took the mat, I first saw DeAugustino walking with a video camera to capture the match and wearing a hat that read “2 Headed Dragon,” representing himself and Holder as a dominant wrestling pair. Throughout Holder’s match, I could DeAugustino yelling instructions to his wrestling brother, and, after Holder won the title, DeAugustino was one of the first to congratulate him.
“He’s my guy, he’s my partner and my best friend,” said an emotional DeAugustino, “and it wouldn’t be right for me not to be there for him. It made me happy to see him win, because we work so hard together.”
DeAugustino apologized to his supporters on social media for not winning the state title. I responded by asking him how could any be disappointed in a kid who dominates in the classroom and in his sport with unmatched passion?
With what he showed this past weekend, DeAugustino not only exhibits greatness on the mat and in the classroom with a great deal of passion, but he does it all with class. Just as I told him, give me that guy any day!
