For junior All-American Matt Valenti and freshman Andrew Valenti, wrestling is “in their blood.” Both of the brothers' first steps were on a wrestling mat, which, as Andrew noted, is pretty symbolic. The twosome were coach by their father, Rich, who wrestled at Princeton during his college days.

“He was our coach from when we began walking up until eighth grade,” remarked Matt.

“For me, wrestling really wasn't even a choice. I grew up seeing Matt wrestling, and my dad coaching,” Andrew commented.

Rich and Grace’s third child, Derek ? a high school sophomore ? continues the tradition. Already a member of the varsity squad, the 16- year-old is already ranked in the state of New Jersey.

So, with a lifetime of wrestling experiences, which memories are their favorites? “One match that really sticks out in my mind was when I was a freshman, and Matt was a senior,” Andrew began. “I was wrestling JV, because I weighed about 80 pounds and 103 was the lowest weight class. Our 103-pound varsity starter got appendicitis and had to have his appendix taken out the night before districts, so Matt came up to me and told me I had to wrestle. That was the first time we had wrestled together on the high school team, so that was pretty memorable for me. Just suiting up and being able to wrestle on the same mat with him was pretty cool.”

“I was going to say that match,” Matt commented. “He made it to the third/fourth [place] match, and they only take the top-three to regions. You would have thought that match was the finals by how loud the entire gym was. I was more nervous for that match than for any of mine in that tournament,” added the proud older brother, as he filled in details the humble younger had left out.

“Another match that sticks out was in my junior year, when I clinched the state championship for our team. That was a big match for me,” said Andrew.

Matt finished with a memory of his own: “My most memorable match of college so far would have to be Wisconsin. That meet coming down to me.” The match he refers to occurred during his sophomore year, when his overtime victory against No. 13 Tom Clum clenched the Quakers 19-15 victory over the No. 16 Badgers.

As with most fraternal pairs, the Valentis have their similarities and differences. “We are most similar in how we excel in both athletics and academics, a combination that is not too common in today’s wrestling world,” noted Andrew.

“I’d say we have similar personalities, but we have different interests. I am more into the outdoors, fishing and hunting, which is funny since I'm now living in the city, but Andrew has always been more of the musical, artist type. He has an interest in video/film production [and is taking a class in it this spring], and he plays the guitar,” added Matt.

In addition to wrestling, both brothers played soccer through high school. Andrew played tennis, too, and Matt spent a year pole vaulting for the track team. Having participated in so many sports, I wondered if they planned on having their sons continue the wrestling “blood.”
“I always say it, ?I would never make my kids wrestle, I would never make my kids wrestle,’ and I wouldn’t make my boys wrestle,” Matt began. “But I will push them towards it. I think it is a sport that teaches some lessons other sports can never teach. There is no other sport that requires as much discipline and focus and effort. You have to dedicate so much to even compete and be a part of it, let alone be successful. It shows a lot of character.”

Andrew agreed and remarked, “In addition to that, our family genetics prevent us from excelling in basketball or football. I’m hoping my kids inherit some tall genes.”

Another thing the brothers share is a great sense of humor. When asked about what they would do with all their free time if they were not wrestling at Penn, Matt answered first: “I’d be on the eating team.”

“I would tour the country doing professional eating competitions,” added Andrew.

“The new El Wingador,” quipped Matt, as the two laughed and fed off each other. In a return to the more serious, Matt said he wants to see the world and probably would have studied abroad. “That’s an opportunity we [wrestlers] never have the chance to do.”

And, when asked who are five people (alive or deceased) you would like to have dinner with, Andrew answered with a brilliant mix of humor and sincerity: “my grandfather Joseph Annichiaricho, who I never got to know that well, but was truly a great man and is still an inspiration for me and my family; my father; my mother, who I owe a lot of dinners; my brother Derek, to throw food at when I'm bored; and shoot, anyone else... oh I guess Matt, too.”

Despite their differences, both of the brothers ended up with the Quakers. “The ultimate decision [to come to Penn] came down to two things,” recalled Matt. “One was the coaches that were here. That was the most important factor for me. And then the team was the second. The guys on the team were a great group of guys, a group you could hang out with outside of the wrestling room as well.”

Andy’s reasons varied a bit. “The most important factors in my decision were the academics and the location. I really like the city. Growing up in the country, you get a little bored and want to get away. But to say that Matt wasn't a factor would be a lie. It’s nice to have him there, he is experienced, and he's always giving me tips about things like the right places to eat and the right places to live. It's great to have him there in the wrestling room as well.”

Attending an Ivy League institution and competing in an NCAA Division I sport are both hugely impressive feats independently, let alone when occurring simultaneously. And, not surprisingly, the Valentis draw inspiration for their greatness from within the family.

“The biggest role model in my life has been my dad," said Matt. "Not only did he wrestle at Princeton, but he succeeded in the classroom as well. He graduated at the top of his class and went on to law school. He's now a successful lawyer. All this while raising three kids and coaching an elementary school team that is one of the best in the country at that age group."

Andrew said, “growing up, Matt was my biggest role model. Trying to compete with all the accolades he received through elementary, middle, and high school. Trying to get out of his shadow somewhat. But now, my parents are my biggest role models. I acknowledge more now how they were able to raise three kids so well. They have two Ivy League student-athletes, and they can pay for tuition. That they could raise three children so well really attests to how great they are.”

“As a family, we always push ourselves to do better,” Matt said. “About four years ago, my mom went back to college. She was a full-time student and mother while we were all still living at home. She graduated at the top of her class, with honors, and she has been teaching at our high school for a couple of years now. Meanwhile, my dad continues to move up in his firm. He has been a partner for about 20 years now.”
So, what are the Valenti brothers’ plans for the future? “I am as unsure now as I was when I first came in,” replied Matt. “But, I am leaning toward being an assistant coach. I am hoping to graduate into an assistant coaching job where instead of paying you, they pay for your graduate school [likely law school]. It also allows you to train some, though I am still up in the air as to training for the 2008 Olympics. It depends on how my body holds up, and I still have a year and a half of schooling.”

Andrew, who is only entering his second semester, has even more time to think about it. “I'm not sure, but I will probably stay in the city, as an attorney or in business. But we've joked about opening a restaurant, since Derek is considering culinary school. We'd all chip in somehow ? somebody gets a business degree, Derek the culinary training. I think all wrestlers gain an affinity for food; if they didn't have it when they started. Losing weight makes you realize how good food is.”

But again, Andrew returned to earnestness and said, “I just want to get the most out of whatever I do, just maintain a good perspective on life.”

That certainly will not be a problem. The Valenti brothers share a vibrancy that is sure to bring them continued success in all they endeavor.

Written by Maren McCauley, C’06