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LEHIGH VALLEY WEATHER

Youssef motivated for postseason

As he heads into the bulk of the wrestling season, Tyler Youssef won’t be short on motivation.

“My goal is to get to districts, regionals, and states,” said the senior. “It doesn’t matter to me whether it is a tournament or a dual meet. I’ll give everything I have every time out there.

“We as a team have a good group of seniors on the team that can provide leadership. It is a big thing for me, and seniors [Ryan] Greene and [Ben] Nosal. My mindset is to get a district medal first and then move on.”

Youssef entered the year from a second-round appearance in regionals, as he was an injury substitute. He finished eighth at districts in the 182-pound weight class.

This season, Youssef missed the Rough Rider Invitational, but he then registered a pin against Salisbury and then lost a tight 11-9 decision to Bangor. Youssef finished last week with a fall in a win over Southern Lehigh.

He is highly enthusiastic about his approach to his final season. Youssef believes he can shake off some nagging injuries from his past.

“Coach (Kyle) Rusnock has us lift often,” said Youssef. “We also all have a great attitude about the season. We have a solid lineup and we seniors have to set the example. The underclassmen are looking up to us.

“I have approached some things differently this season. I have made a strong commitment to do well and have put more pressure on myself. I gear up for every match, and I feel really good about this season. I feel more conditioned this year.

“This is a ‘team-first’ team. We will worry about the individual stuff at the end of the season. We won’t complain.”

Rusnock also is optimistic about Youssef’s contributions.

“Tyler (Youssef) certainly is ready for this year,” said Rusnock. “He got into regionals last year and he had a good showing. (Youssef) is one of the more competitive weight classes, but he’ll never make excuses.

“He is a senior and has taken charge out there. He is hungry to go far this year.”

Youssef plans to begin to pursue a degree in criminal justice next fall. He would like to either play football or wrestle in college.

Until then, it is business as usual.

“We are a good team,” added Youssef. “We go into every match believing that we can win any match. We just go to work and don’t complain.”