Tyler Forsythe, the Apex High wrestler who was blinded in an attack by his father's pet tiger at age 3, was honored by the Tri-Nine conference on Wednesday.

Forsythe was named to the conference's all-wrestling team. He was one of 34 league wrestlers recognized by coaches, and one of four in the 112-pound class.

Despite winning more than 80 matches during his four-year varsity career, this was the first year Forsythe was named all-conference.

Forsythe, 17, received word from his coaches and hardly knew how to react.

Forsythe went 15-6 in an injury-shortened senior season. He went 7-1 against Tri-Nine wrestlers. He was ranked sixth in the mideast region but was unable to wrestle the final three conference matches or in regional competition due to a shoulder injury.

"I just can't believe I made it without finishing the season," Forsythe said.

He said he would find a spot for the certificate on his wall.

The tiger attack happened on Thanksgiving Day in 1995. It made international news and brought changes to exotic animal laws. It left Forsythe in critical condition.

He has wrestled at Apex since freshman year. Because he is blind, Forsythe's opponents had to abide by special rules. Opponents were required to stay in contact with him for the full match.

The rules frustrated opponents and caused coaches to complain about fairness.

"He technically can't see," Apex coach Russ Duncan has said. "So it seems you have an advantage too."