As a young man Desi McNelis was a multitalented athlete. He enjoyed success in soccer and cross country, as well as indoor and outdoor track. However, wrestling topped his list. Desi's wrestling career began in earnest at Loyola High School where he won three varsity letters and became captain of the team. His college experience was split between a couple institutions culminating at East Stroudsburg State College.

It was the post college wrestling arena that became Desi's passion. For almost 15 years Desi competed in literally hundreds of events, wresting over 1000 matches and winning 120 open tournament championships. Highlighting his accomplishments was winning the National AAU Freestyle and Sombo Masters Championships and claiming the National AAU Greco-Roman Title in the open division.

Desi McNelis's exemplary service to wrestling is demonstrated in his commitment to coaching and officiating, a career that is on going. Desi has spent 25 years as head coach at St. Paul's School and Dulaney High School, and 25 years officiating in the PlAA and the MWOA. Along with these responsibilities he has also coached the Maryland National Junior Team for 12 years.

Desi's real success can't be measured in his personal or his team victories, or in the number of regional and state championships won, but must be instead measured by his character. Always a gentleman whether coaching by the mat side or officiating under pressure, Desi McNelis leads by example and hundreds of young men have benefited and prospered underhis influence. Congratulations Desi for everything you have done for the sport of wrestling in the State of Maryland and for all the young men who are better for it.