Dave Russo is serious about victory

Last weekend after winning the preliminary round at the first Boston Comedy Festival, Dave Russo set his sights on the semifinals. He won that. And last Saturday night, at Nick's Comedy Stop on Warrenton Street, Russo was the last contestant standing in a field that started with 75 comedians. Before a standing-room-only crowd, Russo was named Boston's Best Comedian.

"It's a little overwhelming," said Russo, by phone Wednesday on his way to a New York comedy club. "All of a sudden, I got all kinds of feedback from New York. They invited me down to Stand-Up New York to do my material for some industry people."

A few years back, when the Malden High School student was preparing to wrestle for the Massachusetts State Championship in the 112-pound class, he brought together all of his mental powers to concentrate on one goal. He won that match, and he was subsequently named Massachusetts High School Wrestler of the Year.

"The comedy was very, very, very similar to getting ready for the wrestling," said Russo. "I just had to mentally prepare myself. And it worked."

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