When Brian Snyder asked his son why he wanted to wrestle so much, the answer said everything.

Zeke Snyder told him that when he wrestles, all the noise goes away.

For a young athlete, it was a thoughtful response. For his family, it also explained why Zeke continues to enjoy every chance he gets to step on a mat.

Wrestling has become an outlet, a challenge and something that brings focus and fun to one of Lehighton’s rising young athletes.

It has also become something a family proudly shares together.

This season, Snyder finished as the Pennsylvania Junior Wrestling state runner-up after entering the tournament seeded 22nd in a 64-wrestler bracket. According to his family, Snyder became the highest-placing Lehighton wrestler in tournament history.

Brian said Zeke defeated four wrestlers who had previously won national-level events during his run to the finals.

Snyder also earned All-American status while adding a third-place finish at the Wildwood National Duals, a fifth-place showing at the ACWA War at the Shore Nationals, and runner-up finishes at the Keystone State Regional and PJW Area 14 tournament. He placed seventh at the Keystone State Championships.

The results build on previous national podium finishes at events such as MAWA Nationals, Summer Nationals and the Ohio Tournament of Champions.

But around the Snyder family, the conversation goes well beyond medals.

“At the end of the day, are you a good person?” Brian said. “Are you a good teammate? Are you a good sport? That’s what matters.”

Brian said Zeke often practices six days a week, sometimes going from football practice directly to the wrestling room because that is where he wants to be.

“He’s always given the option about what he wants to do,” Brian said. “But he wants to lace up his shoes and get on a mat.”

That passion is balanced by a family determined to let Zeke and his twin sister enjoy every part of being kids.

While Zeke continues to wrestle, his sister has found her own love in softball. Brian said the family works together to make it all happen.

During one recent trip away for work, Brian’s sister, Jennifer Lobasso, took Zeke to wrestling practice while also getting his daughter to softball.

It is the kind of teamwork that has helped make the journey special.

“It takes a village,” Brian said. “And what’s cool about Lehighton is we get to say it takes a tribe.”

Lobasso has played an important role in more ways than one.

A longtime successful coach at Lehighton who helped start the school’s girls wrestling program, Lobasso said she has watched Zeke grow for years.

“As a coach of over 25 years, when you know ... you know,” Lobasso said. “This kid has it.”

Even with the success, Brian wants the experience to stay fun and balanced.

This spring, he encouraged Zeke to try something new outside of wrestling and football. Zeke chose tennis.

“I would like him to just be a 9-year-old,” Brian said.

That perspective has helped keep the focus where the family wants it — on growth, enjoyment and the memories being made along the way.

Zeke’s next goal is to reach the podium at Reno Worlds, another opportunity on a path that continues to grow.

For now, though, the Snyder family is enjoying the present.

There are tournaments to attend, practices to reach, games to watch and plenty of moments still ahead.

The trophies in Zeke’s room show what he has already accomplished.

The pride his family feels in the way he carries himself may mean even more — and they’re enjoying every step of the way.

“We’re just lucky to be along for the ride,” Brian said.