West Orange Gets an All American

West Orange High School wrestling coach Stephan Zichella admires the work ethic and spirit of Deselegne Fried, who'll be a junior in the fall. That energy and passion resulted in Fried earning All American status at this past weekend's 14th annual U.S. National High School Open Wrestling Championships in Ocean City, Md. Fried was fourth at 133 pounds.

Fried placed the hard way. He was pinned in 50 seconds in his very first bout by eventual champion Kody Young, but won three straight bouts before losing by fall to Kurtis Doner for third. Fried won a 7-6 bout and 3-1 tie breaker in his journey to the hard-earned fourth.

"It was amazing,'' said Zichella. "He's really an incredible story. He just picked up the sport and after 16 months he has become one of our best wrestlers."

"He's the most committed wrestler I've ever coached,'' the coach added. "His passion for the sport is contagious — even to me as a coach.''

Fried's story certainly is interesting. He was born in Ethiopia and was adopted by the Fried family three years ago after both of his parents died. His stepmother, Rondi, said that she suggested her son try something in the winter to keep him busy after soccer season.

Rondi Fried said that his spirit on the mat is just part of her son's personality. He has also succeeded in school and has learned a new language in a new land.

"He was a soccer player, but within a month's time, he fell in love with a grueling sport,'' Zichella said.

Last winter, Fried was second in the district tournament and fourth in the Essex County Tournament at 125 pounds.

"He's a real hard worker; he's had a lot of challenges," said Rondi Fried. "He's very determined, very motivated."

How motivated? When he got home from the long weekend of wrestling, Deselegne headed over to the high school to take part in the summer soccer camp.

"He's a real scrambler,'' Rondi said.