Michigan wrestling's Nick Suriano energizes his team into 2nd place at NCAA championships

When Michigan wrestling’s Nick Suriano, then at Rutgers, entered the NCAA transfer portal looking for a new school, he had one thing in mind: a championship.

Not for himself, however. He already had cemented himself as the greatest wrestler in Rutgers history when he won the first individual wrestling championship in Scarlet Knights history, conquering the 133-pound class in 2019. No, this time, Suriano wanted a team title.

“It was definitely a big part of my decision,” Suriano said. “I stand by it to this day, just representing myself and the people I love and Michigan. It’s been great.”

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Suriano helped move his team towards that goal with a quarterfinal fall victory over Virginia Tech redshirt sophomore Sam Latona on Thursday. Early in the first period, Suriano appeared patient, willing to string out a match as he normally does. Then suddenly, Suriano struck, taking down Latona to help his squad momentarily take first place in the NCAA Wrestling championships at Little Caesars Arena.

“I took some time to get going, but I hit that shot that I love and I executed,” Suriano said. “I didn’t doubt who I’m becoming and the moment out there. I was kinda like ‘Get through it,’ 'cause on the other side of that is what I want.”

Michigan coach Sean Bormet said he loves having someone such as Suriano, who can get the adrenaline pumping for the rest of his team.

“When you can start a day with fireworks like that, it’s definitely contagious,” Bormet said. “It’s definitely a huge boost in morale. Nick Suriano is a great leadoff guy.”

Myles Amine is in his seventh season with the Wolverines — he has seen wrestlers come and go, but Suriano’s impact on this team is even felt by his seasoned veteran teammate.

“He’s a great energy to be around, he’s really positive,” Amine said. “But he also brings this fierceness that really added to our team. His dedication to this sport, his dedication to his craft, it’s just an all-in commitment. I think we’ve all kinda taken from that, it’s really just firing me up. I’m like, ‘I’m going to demand more of myself,’ when I see this guy.”

That dedication is what has made Suriano the best in his class.

“He’s a fierce competitor,” Bormet said. “He approaches his lifestyle, his training and the way he competes very consistently. He’s got a really strong mindset and his goal is to come in and dominate, this morning was a great example of that."

That intensity has spread throughout the team. After Logan Massa secured his All-American status and a spot in the semifinals, he sat next to his upcoming opponent, Virginia Tech’s Mekhi Lewis, and delivered a warning right to the camera.

“I don’t care about the All-American stuff, I’m here to win every match,” Massa said. “Match by match, point by point, minute by minute, second by second until I get my hand raised for these next two matches. These guys — I’m coming for them, it's going to be hell for them. They’re shaking right now.”

Although Suriano didn’t call out his opponent by name, he made his claim to best in his class with a pose for the hometown crowd.

“I’m just taking it all in, embracing it, expressing myself and just trying to be out there on that mat when the pressure is on and things get spooky,” Suriano said. “I got a great team — the best team, right now behind me.”

Suriano’s effort, alongside his four semifinalist teammates, have the Wolverines firmly in the race for a national championship heading into the final two rounds. Michigan finished the quarterfinals in second place with 62.5 points, trailing only Penn State at 73 points.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan wrestling's Nick Suriano energizes team in NCAA championships