Colonial Forge graduate makes impression as Liberty freshman

STAFFORD — Joe Pantaleo admits that he loves Goldfish crackers, a small, orange snack that has little nutritional value. Pantaleo, a freshman wrestler at Liberty University in Lynchburg, also admits it can be a challenge to make weight at 125 pounds.

But the Colonial Forge High School graduate has reconciled his love of snacks with making his weight limit.

“I love Goldfish. It is the snack that smiles back,” he said. “The way I see it I can eat what I want as long as I work hard to get it off.”

But Pantaleo, a two-time state champion at Colonial Forge, quickly noted he does not rush out to a fast-food restaurant when the urge strikes.

His dedication has paid off in his first year at the Division I college level as Pantaleo won 11 of his first 18 matches for the Flames.

“I thought I would have a pretty good shot at being a starter,” said Pantaleo, who also considered George Mason University, Virginia Tech, Appalachian State University and Navy. “I was one of those contenders. It really could have been a number of people.”

Pantaleo beat out some teammates to earn a pre-season starting spot and has been the lone Liberty freshman to be in the regular rotation.

The Stafford resident is just the latest from his extended family to compete in wrestling in college. His father (Dan) and uncle (Michael) competed at Olivet College in Michigan. And another uncle, Joe, wrestled at the University of Michigan. Both of his parents are from Michigan.

Joe Pantaleo began wrestling at the age of 8 during a program for juniors at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. At the time his father, a former Marine, was stationed in Maryland.

Pantaleo was 167-36 in his prep career at Colonial Forge. He won a state title as a junior and was 50-6 at 125 pounds. He was 55-6 as a senior and placed fourth at the Beast of the East tournament.

His career goals go a long way from winning wrestling matches. Pantaleo is majoring in international relations and would like to work for the foreign service in Italy after college and then try and become a U.S. Senator. His father was born in this country but has many family members living in Italy.

“I have always identified myself with Italian Americans,” the Liberty student said. “I have a love for Italy.” His family plans to visit Italy this summer. Pantaleo said he really enjoys politics and traces some of that interest to his father’s military background.

But for now he is preparing for the Eastern Regional Duals to be held Feb. 7 in Pittsburgh.

“Things are going pretty awesome. I am loving it and doing pretty well so far,” he said.

The Flames are led by Head Coach Jesse Castro, a Liberty graduate who was fourth in the country in 1981 in NAIA competition.

“He is a great guy. He knows a lot about wrestling,” Pantaleo said.

Liberty will compete in a local match Feb. 17 in Fairfax against George Mason.

David Driver is a contributing writer for the Stafford County Sun. Reach him at info@staffordcountysun.com.