When West Of last interviewed young Tyler Nelson in 2012 he was a budding wrestling talent. Wrestling at 55 pounds, Tyler had just won the state title in only his first year of real organized wrestling. People began to notice that Tyler had a knack for the sport, a sport he says he chose simply as a way to get in shape for football. But Nelson’s coaches and family wanted him to become more disciplined and learn techniques so he could continue to thrive in the wrestling world.
Fast-forward two years and Nelson has learned those techniques. He made the transition from Bees Landing Recreation Center to the Lowcountry Wrestling Academy (LWA) in Summerville. At the LWA and under the tutelage of David Maningding, Nelson has managed to repeat as State Champion for the second time in his short career.
In the past two years a lot has changed with Nelson and his sport. While initially his passion was football, now he seem focused on wrestling. Nelson moved up nearly 15 pounds from the 55-pound weight class he wrestled at when he won his first state championship to the 70-pound weight class. Nelson says he doesn’t feel pressure to gain or make weight. His father, Terran Nelson, emphasizes that they want him to wrestle whatever weight class is natural for him. Nelson usually weights anywhere between 65-71 pounds on average.
The change from raw athlete talent to sound wrestler was a bit tough for Nelson at first. He admits he had to step back and re-learn things again.
As an 8-year-old phenom there’s a lot for Nelson to take in. But he’s a very calm reserved kid who’s just good at what he does. “He doesn’t get in trouble in school, is very humble, and takes it all well,” says Terran Nelson of his son. Nelson’s favorite school subject is Science. In his spare time he likes to go to the park and play basketball, or play his favorite videogame MADDEN25. But ask him about Wrestling and Tyler begins to come out of his shell.
Nelson is optimistic about his future. As far as youth wrestling goes, his goal is to win the national wrestling championship. He still has some time to prepare for that one. Wrestling Nationals are done 6th grade and below and Nelson is not even done with 4th grade yet. But his goals don’t end at the youth level. Nelson’s ultimate goal is to wrestle for his country in the Olympics. Terran Nelson says he believes that goal is possible for his son, but he stresses to him daily the importance of training and determination in life.
