Nico Megaludis has qualified for a third trip to the USA Wrestling National Championships, but isn't sure if he will be making the return trip to the competition at North Dakota State University.

"There's a 60 percent chance I will be going," said Megaludis, who recently completed his sophomore year at Franklin Regional High School. "I get a little stubborn at times with my training. I tend to drill as hard as I can for as long as I can in preparation for tournaments.

"But I also realize that I have to improve my technique in certain areas. With that in mind, I have to decide whether it's more important to focus on improving my technique or wrestling at Fargo [the site of North Dakota State University].

"My hope is to make that decision in the next week or so."

Megaludis will have to make his decision soon -- the national championships begin July 25.

"I qualified for Junior Division in freestyle twice this summer," Megaludis said. "I went to the Fila Cadet Nationals in April and won the 119-pound weight class title. I also qualified at the [Pennsylvania Amateur Wrestling Federation] state championships."

Megaludis placed second at the PAWF championships, which took place June 13, with his only loss coming to Benton's Mike Rhone.

"I beat Rhone in the finals at Fila Nationals, then beat him again earlier in the [PAWF] state tournament," Megaludis said. "It was disappointing to lose after beating him twice."

Megaludis competed in the Cadet Division during his two previous trips to the Fargodome. If he decides to make a third appearance, Megaludis will be entered in the Junior Division.

"I placed fourth at 98 pounds in my first trip to Fargo," said Megaludis, who does not like the Greco-Roman style. "Last year, I didn't do as well. I had a 5-2 record [at 119 pounds] and both losses were decided by a coin flip."

When a freestyle match is tied, a coin is flipped to determine who gets to start from the offensive position.

"The winner of the coin clip gets to lock on the legs of his opponent and try to score," Megaludis said. "Ninety percent of the time, the wrestler in the offensive position wins. I've got to make sure it doesn't come to that situation. If you have the lead, it will not come down to a coin flip."

Megaludis has been training with the Young Guns Wrestling Club.

"We have practices Monday and Wednesday at Franklin Regional, and Tuesday and Thursday at Penn-Trafford," Megaludis said. "I try to make as many practices as possible. I also work out a lot by myself."

Pitt-Johnstown assistant coach Jody Strittmatter and his brother, John, head the Young Guns Wrestling Club.

"Both are great guys who have a great knowledge of wrestling," Megaludis said of the Strittmatter brothers. "We also have quite a few wrestlers from the WPIAL working out at Young Guns."

Derry Area's Jimmy Gulibon, Latrobe's Ty Lydic, Jeannette's Michael DePalma and Kiski School's Evan Henderson are a few of the wrestlers who work out there.

"I'm actually trying to take off a little time over the summer," Megaludis said. "I've actually been hanging around with some of my friends at the wave pool. It's nice to relax a little bit, but I can't forget my training."

Megaludis has been Franklin Regional's top wrestler the past two years. He broke into the Panthers starting lineup as a 103-pound freshman and posted a remarkable 37-1 record. He won a WPIAL Class AAA title and placed third in the PIAA, with his only loss coming in the semifinals.

Megaludis moved to the 112-pound weight class this season and was 43-0, claiming WPIAL and PIAA titles.

"One area I need to improve on is moving my opponents more," Megaludis said. "I rely on underhooks too much. I'm not utilizing my quickness as much as I should."

Megaludis plans to compete in the 125-pound weight class during the upcoming high school season, but hasn't decided for sure.