Westmoreland County Senior Spotlight: Derry’s Brett Klim

By: Anthony DiFilippo
Monday, December 23, 2024 | 12:54 PM

Derry’s wrestling program has been on the rise the last couple of seasons.

Last year, the Trojans saw their team run end with a loss to Mt. Pleasant in the WPIAL Class 2A playoffs.

“It’s unfortunate getting knocked out of the playoffs,” senior Brett Klim said. “The guys in the room just started working harder. That way we could make it further this year.”

Individually, Klim finished seventh at WPIALs and competed in the PIAA regionals last season, while three of his teammates — Anthony Mucci, Brady Brown and Mason Horwat — qualified for PIAAs.

That’s a list Klim hopes to join by the end of his senior year.

“So far I’m on a good track,” Klim said. “As of right now, I have a good potential to have a good run this year.”

He also hopes to add his name to the list of Derry wrestlers who have eclipsed 100 wins in their careers.

As of the Dec. 14 Moon Duals, Klim sat at 76 wins, well within reach of triple digits.

“My first goal is to get the 100-win record,” Klim said. “My second goal is to make it to states and place.”

This year, the WPIAL landscape looks different.

Nine sections now divide Class 2A competition, which moves the Trojans out of a section that included Burrell, a program that is considered the standard in the classification.

Despite the changes, Klim isn’t wavering from those goals for the Trojans.

“I think that we’re still going to be able to make a deep run on that, even with new steps,” Klim said.

Wrestling isn’t the only contact sport Klim participates in.

The senior also plays linebacker for Derry’s football team, and he credits that experience for helping him be conditioned when wrestling season rolls around.

“I don’t usually take a break. Usually, once football ends, I go right back into wrestling,” Klim said. “I try to get to as many practices as I can at (coach Troy Dolan Jr.’s) house.”

Klim plans to wrestle in college and get an engineering degree, but he has yet to decide where that will be.

In the midst of the season, Klim took some time for a Senior Spotlight Q&A:

How did you get started with wrestling?

My uncle got me into wrestling when I was in second grade. He wrestled in high school. Then I signed up, and I ended up liking it.

What are some of your goals for the team this season?

I expect us to have a good run through the team playoffs this year and, hopefully, make it to team states.

What responsibilities fall on you as a senior leader?

My responsibility is to make sure all the young guys in the room are working hard and reaching the best potential they have. That way the team can be better and be the best team we can have.

How are you able to keep team chemistry in an individual sport like wrestling?

Most of us, we all grew up together, so we all hang out whenever we can in our free time. So we all have a bond, as we’ve been wrestling all of our lives.

What’s your favorite memory from your high school football career?

My favorite memory would be the Indiana game. I think that was my best high school game, and it was our first time getting a shutout with that group.

What is one thing that people may not know about you?

In my free time, I like to hunt, fish and be out in nature.

Tags: Derry Area