JACKSON TWP — Dylan Chappell won't face too many bigger challenges than the ones he faces each day in his own wrestling room at Seneca Valley.

The 120-pounder has lots of prime competition in practice.

There's Alejandro Herrera-Rondon, a two-time state champion who has moved up from 113 to 132 pounds.

There's Hunter Swedish at 106 and up-and-coming freshman Evan Vetter at 126.

And there's Chappell's younger brother, Tyler, who is a spitting image of Dylan when he was grappling as a freshman and sophomore at 106.

“It opens me up to more styles of wrestling,” said Chappell, who was a PIAA Class AAA runner-up at 106 pounds last season. “It makes me feel like I can compete with anyone. I'm not surprised by anything. I'm wrestling all different kinds of ways, getting in different positions. It really prepares me for those big matches with the big competitors in the WPIAL.”

Chappell went 42-5 last season and lost in the final by a 7-2 decision.

He wants nothing more than to return to the Hershey Center and avenge that loss, albeit in a different weight class.

To get there, he'll get a little help from his friends in the wrestling room.

Herrera-Rondon in particular.

“We just wrestle,” Chappell said. “We get in positions we're not used to. We practice everything we need to work on, focusing on the little things that really takes us to the next level.”

Chappell is constantly discussing wrestling with Herrera-Rondon and others during matches.

Before Wednesday's lopsided 62-9 win over Butler, Chappell and Vetter worked on a few moves that Vetter utilized during his win at 126.

Chappell was proud he could help.

Seneca Valley wrestling coach Kevin Wildrick said that is what makes his team so special.

“Those guys wrestle a lot, inside our room, outside our room, over the summer,” Wildrick said. “(Chappell and Herrera-Rondon) worth out together a lot. They feed off each other. Whether it's them getting after each other, which is a good thing. They need someone to give them a hard time in the room.”

Chappell's time is a little easier now.

Chappell committed to wrestle at Bucknell, lifting a huge weight off his shoulders.

“It takes a lot of pressure off me,” Chappell said.

Chappell always had his eye on the University of Pittsburgh, but Bucknell entered the picture with a situation that was difficult for him to refuse.

“Going to Bucknell and seeing what they had to offer there — the education, obviously, is very prime — it caught my attention. They were the first ones to show interest in me. I loved the coaching staff there and they style. I love the team. I love everything.”

Chappell is focused on helping his loaded team now.

It's the first of two distinct seasons in wrestling. The second one will be his individual run to his goal of winning WPIAL and state titles.

“It's a different focus for sure,” Chappell said. “During the team, it's not about yourself. That team spirit going into WPIALs is important. It's awesome. When that's over, then it's about yourself and your practice partner. With a good partner, that's all you need.”

Luckily for Chappell, he has plenty of them.