Wrestler Spotlight – Dante Duke

Dante Duke – El Dorado HS

Welcome to the Third edition of “Wrestler Spotlight.” We will published one every week to give a wrestling description of a wrestler who is a strong candidate to be All-State. This week’s wrestler is a senior from one of the top teams in Southern California. This wrestler is making some noise and have garner some attention in the state. This individual may not always be ranked very high in the state but has made us take notice of him.

Dante Duke of El Dorado High was a state qualifier last season from the tough “Meat Grinder” known as the Southern Section. This season he has a record of 32-3 with all loses coming at 285 pounds. He has wrestled the majority of tournaments at 285 pounds but he recently dropped to the 220 pound class just in time to make another run to qualify for state. He has won The Ed Springs Invitational, The Kern County Invitational and has medaled at the El Dorado Invitational and the California Coast Classic Tournament.

Duke is an exciting wrestler to watch in every match he wrestles. One thing that stands out is his ability to control his hips. He uses them well on his counters, to maneuver away from moves that his opponents attempt on him to bring him down. A favorite move he uses to get his takedowns is a high crotch. He’s also a great wrestler from the top position. He has a series of arm bar moves that he does to take his opponents to their backs.

Duke has all the tools to be a very successful wrestler in college with his great mat awareness and the ability to adapt to any coaching style.

Duke is currently coached by Steve Lawson who was a California High School State Champion, 3X CIF SS Masters Champion, 3X CIF SS Champion, Junior National Champion, 4X Junior National All-American and 2X Espoir National Champion

Notable Wins: Justin Gillham (Oak Hills), Jesse Gomez (Buena Park), Jose Alvarez (Selma), Carlos Molina (Yorba Linda) and Anthony Farias (Santa Ana).