Wrestling Duo Unbeaten And Ready For Upcoming Challenges

DURHAM, N.C.?Success is not an option, it is an expectation. At least for junior wrestlers John Barone and Konrad Dudziak that is the case. The duo is undefeated through the first month of the season as they both pursue becoming Duke's first wrestling All-Americas.

Barone and Dudziak both still carry that precious zero at the end of their records with 18-0 and 14-0 marks, respectively. They are ranked among the best in the nation in their weight classes and strive for more. Separated by one weight class, Barone competes for the Blue Devils at 184 pounds, while Dudziak lines up at heavyweight.

Despite their early achievements, neither is content to rest on his laurels. In fact, when asked to talk about their fast starts to the season it is obvious both are content but not satisfied. The satisfaction will come as the season goes on and the winning continues.

“Up until [the Navy Classic], I wasn't really pleased with my performances,” Barone said. “I've been winning but it wasn't by the margins or in the fashion that I want. That weekend helped settle me down a bit. I think because of the way I wrestled the first round [at Navy] it helped me wrestle much better during the tournament. It helped me feel a little bit better about myself in the rest of the season.”

Dudziak sees his season in a slightly different light as the Bayonne, N.J., native realizes that everything is going as planned as he maintains a 14-0 record and a No. 13 ranking. He has three falls and won by major decision on four occasions. He recently had his closest match of the season in the Navy Classic championship, defeating No. 5 Scott Steele 3-2 to win the title.

“The season's gone pretty well,” Dudziak said. “I've beaten two ranked guys so far and I can't say anything bad about the season so far because I am still 14-0. I've had a few close matches this year. I hope I don't repeat that.”

The single-season wins record-holder with 35 victories in 2007-08, Barone recently climbed into the national rankings. He enjoys that notoriety, but knows the polls do not determine the winner on the mat.

“Since about mid-season last season, I've considered myself to be in the top 20 in the nation,” Barone said. “Our coaches and my high school coaches repeatedly told me, ?Don't worry about the rankings. It's somebody else's opinion. Worry about what you know.' The ranking is nice. It's nice to be notable and noted but it's not the end-all-be-all. It's not the final goal.”

Barone comes to the gym every day and works tirelessly to reach that final goal. He thrives on thinking of the future and the opportunity he has to leave an indelible mark at Duke. He wants to be a part of building something for the Blue Devils and he wants to give back to those who have given him so much.

A member of the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) at Duke, Barone often thinks about the men he will lead in the coming years.

“I think about what's in store for me in the future,” Barone said. “There hasn't been an All-American at Duke yet and I'd like to be that first one. I know I can do it, I want to do it for other people so they can appreciate it.”

Dudziak returns to Durham after taking time off to train for the 2008 Olympics. His last season at Duke was not one he wants to remember. He was injured, failed to make nationals, and finished third in the ACC to make it a disappointing year for him. He did some soul-searching following the season to decide what he wanted. Dudziak was well aware that the opportunity to win a national championship is there for the taking and now he has full intention of grabbing it.

“After my sophomore year, I was kind of in a dilemma: Do I put in all this work again and maybe get nothing out of it? So two years ago I decided I am going to go for it, go all out. And I never looked back.”

As Dudziak forges ahead in his wrestling career at Duke he, like Barone, enjoys the idea of proving that the Blue Devils can have a successful wrestling program. He wants to be a part of putting Duke wrestling on the map and he knows he is one of the first athletes who can change the culture to help build the tradition. He wants to be the person who proves that Duke can be successful.

While talented, Barone and Dudziak would not be where they are at Duke without their coaching staff. Under the guidance of head coach Clar Anderson, the duo continues to improve and excel. Both Barone and Dudziak point to the dedication and presence of Anderson as reasons for their success.

“He's always making sure that we're doing the right things, Barone said.” “He's a man of great integrity, so to work hard for him is not a difficult thing because a man that good and that sound is not someone you want to displease.”

Dudziak echoes many of those sentiments, but points to Anderson's dedication to him as an individual as something that sets him apart from others.

“He's patient, very, very patient,” Dudziak said. “He has put up with a lot from me over the years. It hasn't always been smooth sailing. He does everything he can to bring the best guys in the room and he makes sure I drive myself as well on a daily basis.”

With all of the success Barone and Dudziak have experienced over time it is not surprising that they look to each other for motivation. Like many elite athletes, the competitive fire runs deep in both of these Blue Devils even when it comes to their teammates.

“I know Konrad will [be an All-American] this year so I've got to beat him to the punch,” Barone said. “The two of us are driving each other. We both appreciate each other and we realize that we're going to do big things this season. Both of us want to be at the front, and lead each other.”

Dudziak welcomes the challenge and knows Barone will always be trying to surpass him. Neither wants to be the first to lose so they both work tirelessly to stay where they are. It is a win-win situation for the Blue Devils.

The competition continues as Barone and Dudziak face their toughest tests of the season in the coming weeks. They are set to compete in the Reno Tournament of Champions and the Southern Scuffle in late December. For those two weekends, they will put their undefeated resumes on the line as they continue to fulfill their own expectations of success.

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