LebCo Male Athlete of the Week: Aaron Seidel (Week Ending January 12, 2024)

Sponsored by Lebanon Federal Credit Union & WiLBuR / Froggy Valley 100.1

If you like this type of coverage, please let us know by Following us on social media:

Twitter/X – @lebcosports1 and Facebook.

For any questions, comments, or discrepancies, please reach out to dan@lebcosports.com.

Aaron Seidel

Aaron Seidel is a name that needs no introduction. The Northern Lebanon senior has already made his mark as one of the best wrestlers in Pennsylvania history. On January 11th, Seidel, the three-time State Champion, added another accolade to his illustrious career when he earned his 175th victory. That win made Seidel the Lancaster Lebanon League’s all-time wins leader. While Seidel could easily be considered for a future LebCo Athlete of the Decade, our voters at this time could at least honor him with a LebCo Male Athlete of the Week.

Though Seidel is an amazing talent, one thing is for certain: He cringed reading the opening paragraph. Those who know Seidel recognize that he is as humble as he is athletically gifted. While a fierce competitor, he also lets his performance on the mat do the talking for him.

At this point, Seidel has amassed a varsity record of 184-3. He is not showing any signs of slowing down as he gears up to win his fourth straight State Championship, presumably at a higher weight class than his previous climbs to the top. In December, he won the Beast of the East Tournament held at the University of Delaware, defeating some of the nation’s best wrestlers to claim the 133-pound crown. Over the summer, Seidel won the Fargo Junior National Championships, competing at 126 pounds.

When asked last year about his star wrestler, Northern Lebanon Head Coach Rusty Wallace said, “Aaron is an amazing athlete with a tremendous work ethic. It’s hard to imagine another person on the planet who works harder.”

That grueling work ethic is continuing to pay dividends as Seidel battles through his senior season. He is committed to Virginia Tech next year, hoping to eventually add NCAA gold to complement the Hokie Stone that adorns the Blacksburg campus.

However, Seidel is not only focused on his own success. He often spends time helping his teammates and other wrestlers to become better. Among those who have benefitted from Seidel’s talent is Northern Lebanon junior Sam Wolford, who is looking to win a second PIAA medal after finishing 4th last season. That is just one example of many, something Seidel may pull a reversal on, claiming that he has benefitted more from the work of his teammates.

When asked about Seidel’s overall impact, Wallace said, “Aaron is an unbelievable human being, a great student, and a remarkable role model for young athletes. Northern Lebanon High School and the NL Wrestling program are blessed to have him as a member of our Viking family.”

Years from now, the legend of Aaron Seidel will persist. As stories are told about him, there will be a focus on his outstanding wrestling career. Still, it’s tough to imagine that there will not be an element of sportsmanship used as a lesson within those tales. With less than two months remaining in his high school career, the mold of his legacy has mostly been cast. However, there is unfinished business as Seidel looks to make it four straight State Championships. We wish him all the best in completing his mission.

Photos provided by Mike Rose (States) & Susan Dengler (NL v ELCO)

For more on Seidel’s last State Championship, check out:

Seidel Wins Third Straight Gold

Read about this week’s LebCo Female Athletes of the Week: Qynne Demler & Hayley Sheroky

For a full list of this week’s nominees, check out: Athlete of the Week Voting: January 6 – 12 

Previous Winners

Jason Foutz (Week of December 2nd)

Robert Santiago (Week of December 9th)

Kane Kline (Holidays)