Alumni Spotlight: Eleazar DeLuca Inspires Next Generation of Wrestlers
Apr 14 | Wrestling
2018 NCAA qualifier produced electric moments during time “On the Banks”
PISCATAWAY, N.J. – The 2017-18 Rutgers wrestling season was filled with plenty of memorable moments, as the Scarlet Knights hosted Big Ten bluebloods Iowa, Ohio State and Penn State at the Rutgers Athletic Center that winter. Six qualifiers made their way to nationals that year, with Nick Suriano becoming the program’s first NCAA finalist with his appearance against Spencer Lee for the 125-pound title.
But the loudest the RAC erupted two seasons ago came courtesy of Eleazar DeLuca, who muscled a comeback for the ages during RU’s dual with the No. 2 Buckeyes on Jan. 7, 2018 in front of 5,109 fans. All 10 of OSU’s starters were within the Top 15 of their respective weight classes, including DeLuca’s opponent Ke-Shawn Hayes, who was No. 5 at 149 pounds with a 17-1 record.
Hayes – a two-time national qualifier and bronze medalist at the Big Ten Championships that season – led DeLuca, 5-0, midway through the third period before DeLuca connected on a six-point throw to make it 6-5. Hayes escaped to tie the match, but DeLuca added another throw in the closing seconds to secure the 12-7 decision.
"Two big throws and this place is going crazy!"
— Rutgers Wrestling (@RUWrestling) January 8, 2018
Relive Eleazar DeLuca's wild finish yesterday at the RAC.#RUWR | #RelentlessPursuit pic.twitter.com/CAZnNovR6A
With the match broadcast nationally on BTN, DeLuca’s back-to-back whip overs caught the attention of the wrestling world. DeLuca was named NCAA Wrestler of the Week, while highlights of the impressive comeback collected more than 40,000 views on social media in the days that followed.
“I just felt him break,” DeLuca said. “When I landed that first throw, I thought he was pinned because he was flat. But it didn’t matter because I knew I was going to win the match. Even though I was down by that riding time point, I knew I was going to win because he was on the defense. I just remember being in that body lock on the edge thinking I can either drive him out and get a stall point to force overtime or I can send it. I felt him break and I sent it. It was an incredible feeling having the RAC come down on top of you.”
After transferring to Rutgers from Northern Colorado, DeLuca closed out his lone varsity season “On the Banks” with 14 victories as the Scarlet Knights' full-time starter at 149 pounds. DeLuca finished eighth at the Big Ten Championships to lock up a spot at nationals, where he secured two victories to help RU to its best team result at the time with its 11th-place finish.
With his collegiate career in the review, DeLuca still wanted to remain active in the sport that gave him memories like the one against Ohio State. A native of Talent, Oregon, DeLuca spent time wrestling in his home state, Colorado and Florida prior to his arrival in New Jersey. So, the well-traveled competitor used his country-wide connections to spring opportunities in the coaching ranks.
“I’ve coached kids since I was 19 years old back in Oregon,” DeLuca said. “I just felt like it was the route that I needed to take because I feel like I have a good view on development and what is needed to help younger kids out.”
After leaving Rutgers, DeLuca trained at the Southeast Regional Training Center in Oviedo, Florida, and competed on the Greco-Roman national circuit. DeLuca finished seventh at the U.S. Open and third as the world team trials. The next year, DeLuca packed his bags and moved to the West Coast to coach with the Bay Area Dragons Wrestling Club in Los Gatos, California.
With the experience he gained from coaching youth wrestlers in the Golden State, DeLuca then made a return to New Jersey to create the Bergen Area Dragons youth wrestling program in Oradell, which features some of the best grade-school level athletes in the area.
“We’re going on our second year and it’s been really good,” DeLuca said. “We’re attracting some of the best wrestlers from all over the state to come and train with us. It’s an invite-only club where you have to meet certain criteria in order to join, and it really has taken off since we started.”
DeLuca credits a lot of his success in mentoring youth wrestlers to his time spent at Rutgers – specifically with the Scarlet Knight coaching staff. It is a relationship that has benefited both parties, as DeLuca’s success during his short time at the University helping RU become what it is today
“I have a great relationship with the entire coaching staff, and I was really grateful for them to give me an opportunity to come to Rutgers and wrestle for such a great program,” DeLuca said. “It’s only gotten better since I’ve left and last year’s two national titles proves that. They’re a national brand now. Big-time guys want to come to Rutgers now, and that’s huge for the State of New Jersey because it’s going to keep so much of the local talent home.”
Rutgers Wrestling is presented by Eat Clean Bro, an Official Partner of Rutgers Athletics.
Follow Rutgers Athletics on Facebook (/RutgersAthletics) and Twitter (@RUAthletics) for all of the latest news and updates. For specific updates regarding Rutgers wrestling, follow the program on Twitter (@RUWrestling) and Instagram (@RUWrestling). Fans can receive timely information, including special offers and giveaways throughout the year on our social media outlets along with www.ScarletKnights.com. For additional updates, please download the Gameday App.
