MT. VERNON – Kyler Deiter didn’t let a late start hold him back this year.

Deiter, an eighth-grader, is in his first year on the Mt. Vernon Middle School wrestling team. Despite his relative lack of experience, he took third place in the 175-pound weight class during the regional meet in Bend March 1.

Deiter won three of four matches in Bend to earn a spot at the state meet this Saturday, March 8, in Woodburn.

Deiter said having friends on the wrestling team prompted him to join.

“It’s my first year wrestling, so making it to state feels pretty good,” Deiter said. “My friends kind of pushed me into joining the team. I’m glad they did.”

Deiter won’t be alone in Woodburn. Dominic DeHaven and Trevor Brown also qualified for the state meet. DeHaven wrestles at 100 pounds and Brown wrestles at 165.

DeHaven said he has a little bit of anxiety about wrestling at the state meet.

“I’m sure I’ll be a little nervous when I get there, but after the first match is over I’ll be fine,” DeHaven said.

Mt. Vernon finished the season undefeated. This is the school’s first undefeated season since 2004. The team had eight consecutive undefeated seasons from 1997-2004. From 2005 to 2007 the team had one loss each year.

“I’ve always had a great group of kids that works hard,” Mt. Vernon coach Pete Piazza said.