Heading into his final season, Amherst grappler Kellen Devlin has accomplished it all.
He's set a program record with 209 career wins, and counting. He's a two-time defending state champion at 126 pounds and a national champion, as well.
You won't find any trophies of his accolades is in the halls or on the walls of the wrestling room. But there is one that remains from his sophomore season.
"I threw it away immediately after I lost out of frustration," Kellen said.
Head Coach Dennis Bauer, retrieved it. "I saw it the very next day, on the bench right inside the practice room."
"We keep this as a reminder for not only him, but for the coaches and the other athletes," Bauer said. "Success isn't how kids handle things. It's about how they persevere through adversity. Kellen took the loss hard, but two weeks later won his first state title."
Now, the senior wears gold. A nod to his idol -- Olympic and World Champion Jordan Burroughs, who Kellen met after winning that first state title.
"My opponents don't care who I am or what tournaments I've won in the past and neither do I. Every match is a new match," he said.
A symbol of another goal he hopes to achieve at the end of the season.
"I like to carry myself as the best on and off the mat. That translates into my wrestling. I know that I can win every match that I go into."
Kellen has committed to wrestling at NC State.
*****SUPER 7 COUNTDOWN*****
#1 - Kellen Devlin, Amherst Wrestling
Won back-to-back state titles at 126 pounds and a national title earlier this year.
#2 - Randall Bish, South Park Football
Earned the Sportsmanship Award for the Sparks following their historic 49-46 win in the Class A Championship. The team's center, he helped pave the way for a 346 yard rushing attack in the victory.
"A three year starter at center, he player bigger than he is. He has a high football IQ." - Tim Delaney, Head Coach
#3 - Summer Hemphill, Cardinal O'Hara
Tallied 18 points and five steals in the Hawks 74-43 win over Williamsville South in their first game of the season.
"Summer is one of the most gifted female athletes I have ever witnessed, in addition to being a great team player. She is also a great student and a truly fun person to be around. " - Dan McDermott
#4 - Antonio LaBarbera, North Tonawanda Bowling
Bowled his first perfect game (300) in the Lumberjacks very first match of the season against Niagara-Wheatfield.
"Most impressive was the 10th frame. Everyone in the alley stopped bowling. He didn't rush, he took his time, stayed nice and cool and threw three perfect balls." - Bill Rohring, Head Coach
#5 - Amanda Gaffney, Williamsville Hockey
Netted two goals, including the game winning goal in Williamsville's 5-3 win over Amherst/Sweet Home/Clarence to open the season.
"She's has a very good skill set, a great set of hands and has deceptive speed. She's the kind of player that is very unselfish and probably takes more pride getting an assist than scoring a goal." - Rick Hopkins, Head Coach
#6 - Emily Miller, Central Christian Academy
Powered her team with back-to-back double-doubles to start the season.
"Despite losing both games in the tournament, Emily put in great performances, with consistent scoring and great defense" - Terri Miller, Coach
#7 - Max McCarthur, St. Joe's Hockey
In his first Federation hockey game, he netted a hat trick int he Marauders 5-2 comeback win over over Lancaster.
"Max's hard work over the past three years truly paid off as he scored 3 goals in his first Federation game. We are thrilled that a young man's persevere in our program was rewarded against Lancaster." - Rich Cozier, Head Coach
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