During soccer season Tyler Anderson has been the heart of our defense for the last three years and helped lead the Blue and White to the Suffolk County semifinals this past fall. During the winter months he’s has been one of Stony Brook’s best wrestlers during his time on the blue mats. As a captain this season he provided great leadership to a young team and day after day worked faithfully at his craft.
If you have ever had the opportunity to watch him wrestle, what is apparent right away is his willingness to give everything during a match. He is fearless and tenacious and perseveres no matter what the circumstances. Over the last two seasons he has been one of the best Division II grapplers in his weight class, taking 3rd at the County Tournament last year and 4th just days ago. His leadership and toughness will be missed next season, but the impact he has had on our younger wrestlers will surely carry the team forward in the years to come.
What is your favorite memory from your SBS athletic career?
When I placed third in the county after being told that I wasn’t going to be able to wrestle after I had partially torn the ligaments in my elbow.
Do you have any interesting pre-match rituals?
Before my matches I will normally pace. When I do this I always pray. To a person looking at me it looks as if I’m talking to myself.
What is your best move?
My best move is “the switch.”
Which athlete did you want to be like when you were growing up?
For wrestling I never had someone to look up to until I went to Stony Brook. Once I got to SBS I always looked up to Henry Hwang, because in my eyes Henry was unbeatable. He was tough and would always fight through his matches till the end.
If you could hang out with anyone, past or present, who would you choose?
I would always choose to hang out with my brothers, Dan and Jon.
What is your favorite Bible verse?
Proverbs 21:31: “The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD.”
If you are caught in a difficult hold, what is going on in your mind that helps you escape?
The idea that both my parents are always there and I want to make them proud, also that if coach [Mark] Maningo tells me to get to me feet, I’ll get to my feet.
As your time as a Bear wanes, what will you miss about being a Stony Brook athlete?
The camaraderie of the whole team. With both wrestling and soccer I always felt that you make great friends. One of the best feelings I had as captain is when one of my teammates on the wrestling team came up to me and asked for my advice. It lets me know that they put their trust in me.
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