Former wrestler Carmelo Palumbo carves out different niche as standout receiver for Richards. ‘Something new.’

Former wrestler Carmelo Palumbo carves out different niche as standout receiver for Richards. ‘Something new.’

For most of his early life, Carmelo Palumbo planned to follow in the family tradition at Richards. He was a wrestler with a couple of great role models as older siblings. His sister, Mia, made history as the first girl to win a match at the Illinois High School Association state finals, wrestling against boys before the start of the girls wrestling series. His late brother, Rocco, was a three-time state qualifier. But when high school came aroun…