Tyler Willman '18 is the son of Josh and Dawn Willman. A three-sport athlete, Tyler was honored with the "S" Award for participating in football, basketball, and baseball, earning a total of ten varsity letters throughout high school. During the most successful run in combined Sterling High School football, basketball, and baseball history, Tyler will be remembered as a crucial member and leader on eight conference championship teams. Truly one of the winningest Golden Warriors ever, his teams amassed 162 total wins, including 15 postseason victories.In football, Tyler was a three-year varsity starter on the offensive and defensive line. During this time, Sterling won three consecutive NIB-12 West Division Championships and attained an overall record of 31-5, which includes back-to-back undefeated regular seasons in 2016 and 2017. During Tyler's senior season, the Golden Warriors found themselves in the IHSA 5A quarterfinals vying for a spot in the state semifinals, a familiar challenge that no team in school history had been able to conquer. With the game in the balance late in the fourth quarter against Woodstock Marian, Tyler penetrated into the backfield, coming through with a clutch sack that would protect Sterling's six-point lead and secure a historic victory. Tyler was a two-time NIB-12 All-Conference and Sauk Valley All-Area selection and was awarded the team's Most Outstanding Lineman award after his senior season. On the basketball court, Tyler claimed three straight NIB-12 West division titles, back-to-back IHSA 3A regional championships, and an overall record of 65-27 during his three varsity years. As a starter, Tyler averaged 7.7 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, recording five double-doubles over his career. After his senior season, he was recognized as a 1st team NIB-12 All-Conference player and won the team's Hustle Award after contributing to a run to the sectional finals. Tyler was a four-year varsity starter for Sterling Baseball during some of the most transformative years in program history. After posting a 4-24 record his freshman year, Tyler helped the team improve to 17-18 the following year. Tyler received Sauk Valley All-Area recognition along with Team MVP and Team Pitching Ace awards following his sophomore campaign. As a captain his junior and senior seasons, Tyler led the Golden Warriors to respective records of 22-11 and 23-11, tying and then breaking the program's wins record. In addition, Sterling won back-to-back NIB-12 conference and IHSA 3A regional championships. Tyler's individual performance earned him NIB-12 conference MVP his junior year, and 1st Team All-Conference his senior year. Further, Tyler was recognized twice more as a Sauk Valley All-Area performer, and won the team's Gold Glove Award as a junior. Offensively, Tyler finished his baseball career with a .325 batting average, 13 home runs, 106 RBI, and 29 doubles. On the mound, he posted a 16-12 record with a 3.03 ERA and 212 strikeouts. In the classroom, Tyler matched his on-field performance by earning six Academic All-Conference awards. He was also an AP Scholar, Illinois State Scholar, Junior Rotarian, Senior Student of the Month, and National Honor Society member with a weighted GPA of 4.1. Outside of sports, Tyler was involved in the Freshman Mentor Program, Math Team, class officer, and service learning. He volunteered at youth camps and many other community events, as well as spearheaded a Special Olympics fundraiser during his senior year. In his free time, Tyler enjoys video games, movies, working out, attending sporting events, and playing baseball. Following high school, Tyler looks to continue his baseball career at Heartland Community College in Normal, Illinois.