One victory might not seem like much, but it can sometimes mean the difference between an appearance at Hershey and a visit to Hershey.

Kyle Appleby experienced that last season, his third as a starter for the Avella Area High School wrestling team.

Appleby fell one victory short of qualifying for the PIAA wrestling championships, which take place each March in Hershey.

"It was a real disappointment to come that close and come up short," Appleby said. "The experience has served as an incentive this year to work even harder."

Appleby advanced to the 152-pound semfinals at the Southwest Regional before losing to Westmont Hilltop's Mike Brant, the eventual runner-up. It was the first of three consecutive losses for Appleby, who dropped a 7-3 decision to Beth-Center's Chris Stay in the consolation for fifth place.

"I really felt bad for Kyle because he works so hard," Avella coach Don Rush said. "He deserved a PIAA berth."

Appleby may not have qualified for a PIAA appearance, but he did attend the tournament as a fan… well, sort of.

"Coach brought me along to be a workout partner for Mitch Spencer," said Appleby, referring to an Avella teammate who is also a member of the 2009 graduating class. "The Giant Center is a big place. My goal is to make another trip to Hershey in March, but this time as a participant."

Appleby broke into Avella's starting lineup as a 135-pound freshman and promply qualified for the WPIAL Class AA tournament. He placed second in Section 4, but fell short of a Southwest Region berth after posting a 2-2 record in the WPIAL meet. He had a 22-16 record for the season.

Appleby moved up to 145 pounds for his sophomore season and earned another WPIAL berth by finishing as the Section 1 runner-up.

He earned a Southwest Region berth by finishing fourth in the WPIAL. He had a 1-2 record at the regional tournament and finished the season with a 32-11 record.

"I've been wrestling since I was 9 years old," Appleby said. "My dad [Joe] wrestled at Chartiers-Houston and thought it was a sport I would like. It didn't come to me very easily. I had to work very hard to get where I am now."

Appleby posted a 33-6 record last season while competing at 152 pounds. He qualified for the Southwest Regional meet by winning a Section 1 title and placing second in the WPIAL.

"One of my goals for this season was to join the Century Club," said Appleby, who entered the season with an 87-33 record.

Appleby reached that significant goal Jan. 3 at the Valley Duals.

"Kyle's 100th win was against Shady Side Academy's Ian Knepshield," Rush said. "He pinned Knepshield in the first period."

Appleby is competing at 152 pounds again this season and is No. 1 in the WPIAL Class AA rankings.

"Kyle is one of the most confident wrestlers I've ever worked with," Rush said. "He doesn't care whom he is wrestling. He's a hard worker who pushes himself and his teammates to work harder. He's a good team leader and a good role model for the younger kids."

Appleby had a 17-1 record through Wednesday, which gave him a 104-34 career record. He has a chance to break the Avella school record of 123 wins, which is held by Chas Rush, but will most likely finish second in Avella history, as he trails classmate Spencer by 13 wins.

Spencer has a 17-0 record and is 117-23 for his career.

"It's not often you get two kids in the same class with 100 wins," Rush said. "It's only happened one other time in Avella history."

Appleby would like to continue his wrestling career in college.

"I would like to stay close to home," Appleby said. "I'm considering Waynesburg University, Washington & Jefferson College and a few others. I still have a lot of time to make a decision. How well I do in the postseason tournaments will play a big part in my decision."

Appleby said he wants to major in criminal justice.