Recent JCA Grad Wins Prestigious Wrestling Award

JOLIET, IL —Recent Joliet Catholic graduate Dean "DJ" Hamiti Jr. is the most decorated wrestler in Hilltoppers history. In late July, he picked up another prestigious award.

Only July 22, The National Wrestling Hall of Fame announced Hamiti was the Illinois winner of the Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award (DSHSEA).

According to a release, the award was established in 1996 to honor Schultz, the former Olympic and World Champion who was murdered that year. The award celebrates the nation's most outstanding senior male wrestlers for their excellence on the mat, scholastic achievement, citizenship and community service.

"This award and recognition goes beyond DJ as an athlete. This is a testament to his focus on all aspects of being a well-rounded young man," Joliet Catholic head coach Ryan Cumbee told Patch.
"I am so proud of him and have no doubt he will see continued success as he navigates life at the University of Wisconsin. The impact and influence he has had on Joliet Catholic and it's wrestling program will be felt for many years.”

Hamiti was a three-time champion at the IHSA Wrestling State Meet, winning the Class 2A crown at 106 pounds in 2018, 126 pounds in 2019 and 152 pounds in 2020, going 45-0 during his junior season. There was no official IHSA State Meet this past year because of COVID-19, and Hamiti chose to sit out the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association State Tournament to begin focusing on his college career.

Hamiti went 148-8 during his high school career.

Hamiti also was the 160-pound champion at the prestigious national Super 32 Tournament in Oct. 2020 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

When Hamiti signed officially with Wisconsin last November, Badgers coach Chris Bono said he was excited about adding the former Hilltopper, and he said Badgers fans would be excited about Hamiti, as well.

"(Hamiti) is another guy in this class who loves to compete and just flat out loves wrestling," Bono said. "He has a little unorthodox style of wrestling that will make our fans get out of their seats. He will be a fan favorite for sure."

Hamiti was a four-time team captain at JCA and had a 3.5 grade-point average, according to Cumbee.