Tyler Pizzi: Great wrestler, better young man
OLD TAPPAN, N.J. — Pascack Valley High School junior Tyler Pizzi has been on a wrestling mat ever since he took up the sport as a first-grader. His father Rob says, “From the very beginning, Tyler displayed a high level of commitment and perseverance. He always looked to challenge himself against better wrestlers in order to improve his ability.” For much of the past decade, Tyler has dedicated himself to the sport of wrestling. He has challenged himself time and time against the best wrestlers and, more often than not, Tyler has been up to the challenge. The results of this singular focus make Tyler not only a wrestler to be reckoned with, but also an athlete to keep an eye on. More importantly, Tyler is the kind of person that excels in anything he puts his mind to.
From the start, Tyler loved the sport of wrestling. Tyler says, “What interests me about wrestling is that it is an individual sport. You have no one else to rely on but yourself when you’re on the mat.” Tyler has relied on his skills, his tireless preparation, and dogged determination to become an accomplished wrestler. His overall record on the mat is 82-14, including a 32-2 record this season. These results have led to him being named to 1st Team All-League in his freshman and sophomore years and Honorable Mention All-County as well. In addition, the Pascack Valley Wrestling team won the State Sectional Championship in his freshman year.
As Tyler continues his successful wrestling career, he has grown into a leadership role on the team—a role that he relishes. Tyler says, “To me leadership means setting the right example for my teammates and putting the needs of my teammates ahead of my own.” Coach Tom Galione says, “Tyler is the ultimate leader. He leads by example in the practice room through his work ethic and commitment to wrestling. It doesn’t just stop in the wrestling room. Tyler is also a leader in the classroom and our community. He is the type of student-athlete you build a successful program around. I’m fortunate to coach him.”
Tyler’s success as a wrestler is matched by his success as a Pascack Valley student. He truly puts the ‘student’ in student athlete, evidenced by his 3.7 GPA. Tyler has also served his classmates as Student Council representative and is a member of the School Equity Leadership Team. Similar to his approach as a leader on the mat, Tyler leads his classmates by example and putting their needs ahead of his own.
Great Wrestler, Better Young Man
Tyler serves as a Zack Latteri Foundation ambassador. Over the past five years, students at Pascack Valley have volunteered time and effort in order to keep Zack Latteri’s memory alive. Through the Zack Latteri Foundation, students and community members have come together to create baskets of sheets and other gifts to distribute to sick children at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Tyler says, “I think it is important to help people who need it.”
Tyler also devotes time to Camp Rasberry, a school-based program that runs events for children with special needs. He works as a Camp Counselor at River Vale staple Camp Have Some Fun. In December—and in the middle of the wrestling season—Tyler finds time to volunteer at the local PBA Toy Drive.
At home, Tyler is a son to Rob and Michelle. He is also an older brother to Jaclyn Pizzi. While Tyler has many fans at home and in the community, Jaclyn may very well be his biggest fan. Jaclyn says, “Tyler is one of my biggest supporters and is always looking out for me.” In large part, this is due to the fact that when Tyler is not wresting, studying, or volunteering, he loves spending time with his family. Tyler says, “Everyone’s schedule is always so busy. We really try and take advantage of the down time and just enjoy each other’s company when and where we can.” As his father Rob says, “Of course we are biased, but Tyler truly does work hard at school and on the wrestling mat. Most importantly though, he is a good person.”
As a wrestler, Tyler Pizzi warrants recognition. His high-school career has already been incredible, and he still has his senior season to shine, However, his academic achievements, his volunteerism, and his genuine goodness as a person are what truly make him someone to root for not only on the mat, but in life.
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