Name: Deklan Barr
School: Altoona Area
Age: 15
Grade: Freshman
Sport: Wrestling
Athlete of the week achievement: Barr, the third seed at 127 pounds, won the District 6 Class 3A championship and helped Altoona win its first team title since 1981.
Season update: Barr is 29-9 for the Mountain Lions this season. Barr will next compete at the Western Regional at Canon-McMillan High School on Feb. 28 and March 1 in Canonsburg.
Coach Joel Gilbert’s quote: “Deklan has improved leaps and bounds on and off the mat this season. He has dedicated himself to be the best wrestler he can be and is constantly finding ways to improve in all aspects of his wrestling. Our staff is extremely proud of Deklan’s accomplishments this week winning the District 6 individual championship and being selected Outstanding Wrestler in the District Tournament.”
Favorite teacher: Mr. Simington
Favorite subject: English
Favorite movie: “Happy Gilmore”
Favorite food: Steak
Favorite song: “Empire State of Mind” by Jay-Z
Outside interests: Fishing and riding bikes
Favorite professional team: Buffalo Bills
Favorite college team: Penn State
Pro athlete most admired: John Smith
Best athlete I ever competed against: Shamus Regan
Most influential person on my athletic career: My father
Proudest athletic achievement: Becoming an NHSCA national champion
How I got my start in wrestling: “My dad wrestled in college.”
Future goal: Win an NCAA championship