Boyertown’s Tyler Zilen heads to Millersville University

Few players have had the impact that Tyler Zilen has had on the Boyertown Area High School football team. His awards, too numerous to for all to be mentioned, included being named to the 2013 All PAC-10 first team offense as a tight end, and the second team defense as a defensive end.

He will continue to make an impact on his team next fall, but it will be a different team. Last month Zilen signed his letter-of-intent to play football at Millersville University.

“I chose Millersville because of the bond the players share among themselves and with the coaches,’ said Zilen. “Coach (Greg) Breitbach is very excited about the new direction of the team and I’m looking forward to working with him, his staff and the players.’

The Marauders have struggled in recently years, going 1-10 last year, and 2-9 in 2012. Zilen will try to help the team get back over .500 at the tight end position.

Zilen had considered Stetson University, Wagner College, Kutztown University and Shippensburg University before finally settling on Millersville.

“I’m looking forward to obtaining a degree while still competing in a sport I’m very passionate about,’ said Zilen. “I hope to excel not only in the classroom, but on the field.’

Excelling in the classroom was not a problem for Tyler in high school. He was a member of the All-Academic Football team in each of the last three years, and was on the All Academic Honor Roll every year since the 2008-09 school year.

This fall Zilen completed his 13th season playing football in Boyertown. Before looking ahead to his college football career, he took time to look back.

“I’ve enjoyed playing football in Boyertown for the past 13 years,’ said Zilen. “I’ve had the privilege of playing with some of the greatest players whom I can now call my brothers.’

Zilen plans on majoring in sociology and criminology.