Derek Francavilla
Instructor/Apex Central Partner
​
Derek Francavilla is an Ernie Monaco/Edge-trained student-athlete who decided to partner with The Apex Wrestling School’s central Jersey location to help continue the Apex tradition. As a high school student-athlete, Francavilla was a two-time region, district, and county champion for Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School in Union County, New Jersey.
Francavilla was a NJSIAA state finalist at 142 pounds his senior year, following up on a fourth-place finish in his junior year. He finished his high school career with a record of 118-18, and as a three-time state place winner and a three-time All-Union County selection. Francavilla also helped Scotch Plains-Fanwood claim the 2004 Union County wrestling tournament team title and became the school's first wrestler to reach 100 victories.
​
After a decorated New Jersey high school career, Francavilla continued his wrestling career at Columbia University, where he completed a successful career for the Lions’ NCAA Division I wrestling team. Francavilla also completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from the prestigious Ivy League institution.
​
​
Francavilla’s proudest moment as a wrestling coach: “Just being a part of the Apex tradition and giving back to the wrestling community that helped me become the wrestler I was and person I am today”