Malvern Prep wrestler Dalton Harkins is Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week
The senior 152-pounder finished first at the National Prep Wrestling Championships, with four pins on his way to the finals; captured the PAISAA wrestling title; and won the Beast of the East and Ironman tournament championships, pinning the No. 2-ranked wrestler in the United States at the Ironman. For the season, he posted a record of 52-2 (his Malvern career record is 197-32). He has committed to the United States Military Academy at West Point.
Q: What is your sharpest memory from National Preps? What do you think was your best match of the tourney?
A: My sharpest memory from National Preps is my finals match against Connor Keivman (a 5-0 win). In the first period I took him down about a minute in, and I could hear the excitement of my team in the background. After each point I scored, the cheer I heard after, encouraged me. To end my high school career on such a high note meant so much to me and my family. As I approached the stands where my family and team were sitting, I went to hug my mom. As I walked closer to her, and two of my aunts were crying in joy, that really showed how much it meant.
Q: What do you think has been your best match of the season, and why?
A: My favorite match of the season is my championship match at Ironman. To come into the tournament as the underdog, and perform as well as I did felt amazing. The finals was a very tough bout, and it ended up going into overtime, where I pinned the No. 2 wrestler in the country. To win in such a dramatic fashion, was incredible. I looked over at my teammates and coaches, and have never seen so much excitement on their faces. It was truly an unforgettable moment.
Q: Tell us about your start in wrestling – what sparked your initial interest? Who have been your most important wrestling mentors, and what was the most important thing you learned from each of them?
A: I have been wrestling since I was 4 years old. My Dad introduced me, because he was a coach for the West Chester Youth Club. I have always had great mentors, my older brother wrestled so I was surrounded by older kids at all of his tournaments. One mentor that has really pushed me is Michael Beard. Michael is a great leader, and has taught me many things to better myself. He pushed me to do extra, by staying after practice and continuing working out. He also pushed me to attend camps and practices in the off-season. I couldn’t have asked for a better teammate to push me to become better.
Q: What do you consider your biggest strength on the mat and what you are working on most currently?
A: I would say my biggest strength is my endurance. Coach Nate [Nathan Lautar] pushed us to do our best every day in practice, and it has really shown this season. Our team works a lot on conditioning, and I think it has shown a lot this past season. At the end of the year I really focused on being offensive. I am great when I do it but I tend to hold back a lot. I think I really showed I am offensive at The National Prep Tournament.
Q: Tell us a little about your pre-match preparation the day of a match.
A: I tend to get nervous before my matches, as most people do. I try to not talk very much about wrestling that day, and distract myself with other types of conversations. After weigh-ins, my team will warm up together. But after, I also do a quick warm up by myself a little bit before my match. After doing sprints and footwork, I pace back and forth awaiting my match. During this time I try to talk to my coaches and teammates, but not about wrestling. I try to be distracted, and laugh. This calms me down, and helps me have more fun.
Q: What attracted you to West Point? Who is your favorite military figure (could be present or past) and why?
A: I was first introduced to West Point in 5th grade when I went with my family to visit my cousin, Evan Harkins, who went there at the time. It was a very unique experience, and ever since then West Point was at the top of my list. My favorite military figure is my Pop Pop, Paul Stull. He served as a Marine in the Korean War. He has great stories of his service, and even better memorabilia.
Q: What is your favorite subject at Malvern Prep?
A: My favorite subject at Malvern is English. I am currently taking “Contemporary Short Stories.” In this class we read very interesting short stories and reflect on them as a class. I find that these lead to unusual discussions, but they are intriguing.
Fun facts – Dalton Harkins
Favorite book: And Then There Were None.
Favorite TV show: Real Bros of Simi Valley.
Favorite movie: Step Brothers.
Favorite athlete: Ansu Fati.
Favorite pre-meet pump-up song: Tarantula – Danny Towers.
Favorite place to visit: Avalon, N.J.
Favorite pre-meet meal: Breakfast Sandwich.
Person I most admire, and why: “Paul Stull- My Pop Pop has always been someone I look up to in many ways. He is very hard working, and served our country and I plan on following in his footsteps.
Siblings: Ryder, Marcy, Isabel and Rayne.
(To be selected as Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by his coach.)
