BY ZAKKARIAH ROLFE

208 victories is a huge accomplishment throughout a high school career, but Section VII’s all-time wins leader Troy Seymour remembers one of his rare losses very clearly.

In the eyes of many, the four-time New York state qualifier had a trip to the state finals ripped from him in Albany this February when he was hit with a second stall call late in the third period of the semis, resulting in the only point of a 1-0 loss. Seymour rebounded after the devastating result to come away with a third place showing and a second All-State honor.

Photo by BV

“When the ref got me for the second stall call, I was stunned,” said Seymour. “The only thought in my mind was to score, and when I didn’t, I was pretty upset. I decided third was my only option because after the loss I wasn’t going to fold.”

The Peru graduate has a chance to get back on top after being accepted to compete as a fifth-year wrestler at one of the top programs in the nation, Wyoming Seminary, a place he feels will prepare him for the next level.

“We decided that ‘Sem’ was the best option because not only do I want to be a Division One wrestler, I want to be a good Division One wrestler who is going to be on the NCAA podium,” he said.

Seymour has been busy this offseason. He became an All-American for the second straight year after a sixth place finish at the NHSCA Senior Nationals in Virginia Beach, then won the New York State freestyle championship and took third in Greco.

His recent experience against top competition this summer will be continued at Wyoming Seminary, which arguably has the toughest schedule in the country.

“Well, the only way to be the best is to beat the best,” Seymour said. “If that’s what I got to do, then I’m going to do it.  I’m excited.”

The former Peru star said he is entering next season with the goal of a Prep national title. But he isn’t thinking about that yet, as he first has some business to take care of in Fargo, North Dakota where he is looking to make his mark in both Freestyle and Greco.