Captain's Corner: Wrestling | Avon Old Farms News | About Us | Avon Old Farms

On Friday, December 12, Tyler Rebick '26 was honored at Morning Meeting after winning his 100th high school wrestling match. The milestone is a reflection of his athletic abilities and dedication to the sport. We sat down with Tyler following his acknowledgment to learn more about his role as one of the captains of this year's wrestling team. 

• Can you tell us a little about your wrestling background?

“I did jujitsu starting in 6th grade and switched over to wrestling in 7th grade. A few of my friends who are now teammates here—John Granger '26 and Jameson Bell '26—also did wrestling. We all wrestled in Simsbury and for our own club teams. I've been training at Empire Wrestling Academy in New York. They've produced a lot of D-1 recruits there."

• How long have you been a member of the wrestling team at Avon?

“I came to Avon because I wanted more than what I was getting from my old school. I even recruited a few others to come here as well. I arrived as a junior and was part of the varsity team right away. My first year I wrestled in the 215lb weight class, this year I'm at 285lbs. Last year, I won Western New Englands and placed third at New Englands."

• Why do you think you were elected a captain?

“I actually wasn't necessarily expecting to get selected. I thought maybe they'd give it to a 4-year guy. But starting last season and then into the offseason, I've just been offering to help coach in any way I could. Whether that's reaching out to recruits or even just little tasks. I think me and some of the other guys really found our voice toward the end of last season, and coach noticed.”

• What does the role of wrestling captain entail?

“At meets I get everyone warmed up, go through our pre-game rituals. At meets and practices, but also just in general, I make sure guys are in the right head space. It's a balance between getting in the zone but also being able to decompress and relax. Sometimes before a match starts we'll play hangman or other games to take the guys minds off their opponent. Then we switch it on when we leave the locker room and before each individual match we'll get the guys hyped up.”

• What makes a good leader?

“I'd say number one is you have to be hard-working. You can't lead by example if you don't work hard. You also have to be a good listener. You have to listen to find out what guys need because it differs from each person. Also, the ability to command the room without needing to scream. It's important everyone knows when it's time to take things seriously."

• Do you have any goals for the season? Team or personal.

“My goal is to get All-American, which means you're top-8 at Nationals. Last year, I was 9th, so I'm hoping to break down that final barrier. But the team is more important. I'm hoping we finish top three or four in New England this year, and get at least top 2 in Western New England. I think these goals are all achievable as long as everyone just wrestles. It sounds basic, but it's just about having your head in the game. This year, we have a really good opportunity to take a big step for this program." 

• What has been the highlight of your wrestling career at Avon?

"Honestly, it's the recognition, and I don't just mean me. Seeing the whole team get highlighted like at Morning Meeting, the community coming together to support us, you don't get that at public school necessarily. Having teachers and everyone coming up to you to congratulate you, things like that prove I made the right decision to come here."

The wrestling team have their next battle on January 10, with their next home match coming on Saturday the 24th. For any younger students still looking for a winter afternoon commitment, a spot on the team is still available in the 106lb weight class. 

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