Lebanon Federal Credit Union Presents Athlete of the Week, Ending Dec. 3

Past performances do not guarantee future success. Besides, the jump from junior high to high school is a substantial one.

But for Tyler Detwiler, the transition was a smooth one.

On Saturday, Detwiler won a championship at the very first scholastic tournament he ever wrestled. The Palmyra freshman captured the 107-pound weight class championship at the Lebanon County Wrestling Championships, contested at Annville-Cleona High School.

With victories over opponents from Cedar Crest, Lebanon, Elco and Annville-Cleona, Detwiler went undefeated in his four matches.

“He’s not used to losing,” said Palmyra head coach Jon Regets of Detwiler. “When he does, it’s a significant emotional event. But he’s maturing a lot. He’s always been one of my most coachable kids. And he’s right up there with the hardest working kids on the team.”

Last year as an eighth-grader, Detwiler compiled a 24-3 overall mark and qualified for the junior high version of the state postseason, the Keystone championships. The year before, he went 11-0 as a seventh grader.

“My goal for him this season is to be competitive,” said Regets. “I want to set realistic goals and try to exceed them. We need to get him through sectionals, and hopefully we can get him to regionals.”

– Jeff Falk