In only his second season within the sport of wrestling, and his team’s only second campaign as a full-fledged program, Tyler DiMauro has already assumed a leadership role on the back of hard work, determination, and selfless motivation towards his teammates.

The Nighthawks’ wrestling squad’s junior captain and 190-pound grappler played football and lacrosse growing up. Yet once North Haven High School decided to start up a wrestling program last winter, the then-sophomore decided to join. Fast forward to two completed seasons later, and he helped guide the upstart Nighthawks to a 15-11 regular season, 12th-place showing at the SCC Championships, and 21st overall showing for the Class M State Championships. He finished with a personal mark of 27-11, with 20 pins.

“I liked how different wrestling was to other sports. I also enjoyed how truly competitive it was,” says Tyler. “My success has come from our coaches. They have taught me everything I know and need to know. Because of them, I feel I got a lot better than last year.”

Of course only being through his second slate on the mats, Tyler knew that he was only going to improve through the bumps and bruises via multiple matches. Yet while it is a necessary trial to cut one’s teeth, his mentors helped make it a little easier with their great guidance.

“Our new coaches have helped us with learning new moves and mastering new techniques,” Tyler says. “I know I need to improve upon experience and get more mat time, because going through it with only two years’ experience is tough. I also want to get better at learning some new moves.”

Still, when it comes to comparing and contrasting his progress from year No. 1 to year No. 2, Tyler has amassed some swagger and self-belief while in the heat of a bout, to help him battle out of pinning predicaments. He has also added a cerebral component to his overall repertoire by being aware of his surroundings constantly.

“It was hard for me last year to gain my confidence on the mat in only our first year,” Tyler says. “One thing that helped me this year was me getting better with my wrestling IQ and situational awareness when I am on the mat.”

As all of his teammates started on the same ground floor by being part of a program in its rookie campaign for the 2022-2023 slate, Tyler feels a special connection to this cohesive unit that he now leads into competition. He adds that the undercard of young and hungry underclassmen are giving the veterans a run for their money with healthy internal competition.

“Being a captain for this team means a lot to me, because this is a really good group,” says Tyler. “I also think the younger guys we have are getting better; they are pushing our starters every day.”

North Haven Head Coach Peter Tseperkas notes that Tyler has amassed a great deal of victories in the short but productive body of work in two years. He also knows how to hold on in the white-knuckle moments of a match, while being a classy and gracious leader.

“Tyler is very athletic and strong, and has incredible grip strength, which is a key attribute to have in wrestling. When he locks up a pinning move on most of his opponents, they are not getting out because of his grip strength. In only two years of wrestling, Tyler has won almost 50 matches. That's quite an accomplishment for any wrestler, let alone someone who just started,” says Tseperkas. “Tyler showed a great deal of maturity from last season to this season. He would often try to rush his moves and out-muscle his opponents last year, and he worked really hard in practice this season to improve his technique, especially with throws. I'm very proud with how Tyler has stepped up with the other captains to lead the team, and he can easily be an All-State wrestler for us with just a bit more experience on the mat.”

Tyler knew this year would be much more special for him right off the bat, when he took a placement finish for his weight class in the opening bracket of the winter. He admits that he did not place as lofty as he desired in the conference and state postseason draws, though it will just motivate him that much more for the next run.

“This year, I actually placed at the first tournament for our season. That was really big for me,” says Tyler. “I did not finish as high as I would have liked in both the SCC and state championships, but I am ready for next year.”

When looking at the totality of the gains made by the total group this year with North Haven, Tyler now reflects that everyone bought into the belief that they could excel beyond that next tier of progression.

“I think the team this year committed that much more, and we all thought we could go far,” says Tyler. “We went out there and did just that, because everyone bought into our goals.”

Tyler will continue his journey to be the best well-rounded wrestler he can possibly be, by sharpening his skills as an athlete and teammate. He concludes that no matter how much energy each day takes out of him, it does not bother or deter him, because it is all worth it in the long run.

“I just want to keep working and getting better at everything, both on and off the mat,” says Tyler. “I have learned that hard work really pays off. If you put in the work, it will eventually show.”