Twice the triumph
for Washington tight end

By Melissa Yerkov
Times Sports Editor

Damien Wilmer finished his last season with the George Washington High School football team the same way he finished his first — as a champion.
The senior tight end has won two Public League titles during his tenure with the Eagles. His first time around, in 2004, Washington went 12-1, defeating Northeast High School, 30-12, in the championship game.
This time, however, success was a little sweeter.
"I feel more a part of this one because I’m starting," said Wilmer, one of Washington’s team captains. "I’m very happy to be here — very excited. It feels real good."
Washington defeated Bok, 34-6, on Nov. 17 to claim this season’s Public League title. The Eagles then headed to Allentown’s J. Birney Crum Stadium on Saturday, with high hopes of doing well in the PIAA Class AAAA championship tournament.
That’s where the good times ended. The Eagles lost to Parkland, 44-12, in a quarterfinal game.
"We played a really good football team," coach Ron Cohen said of Parkland, which has won 25 of its last 26 games. "But our kids played well. They held their own. They played their hardest and never gave up."
Despite the loss, which ended the Eagles’ season, the squad is proud of its accomplishments.
"I’ve been trying to tell everybody that no matter what happens, we’re still winners," said Wilmer. "We’re now Public League champions. No one can take that away. So keep your head up and don’t be somber."
Wilmer caught 19 passes for 300 yards this season and scored 22 points (three touchdowns and a pair of two-point conversions), including a touchdown in Saturday’s state playoff battle.
"Damien has done a great job for us," said Cohen. "He’s a talented athlete and an exceptional leader. The team has a genuine respect for him."
Now that his high school football career has enabled him to be part of two titles and an overall 39-13 record, Wilmer is ready to take his skills to the next level.
"I have a couple schools looking at me, but they couldn’t talk to me because we were still playing," said Wilmer, who is 5-feet-11 and 210 pounds. "But now, me and my coach are going to get together and weigh my options."
The football fanatic also is thinking about his academic future. He hopes to earn a degree in sports management.
"Hopefully, one day I can somehow get into the front office of a sports team as a general manager," said Wilmer, who has a 3.8 grade-point average at Washington. "I would really love to do that. That’s my dream."
Baseball also has been part of Wilmer’s athletic days at Washington High, and he’d be quite happy to play that as well when he moves on to college.
During the spring, Wilmer can be found guarding home plate as the Eagles’ catcher. He has played for the varsity baseball team since his freshman year.
"I like keeping busy with sports and school," said Wilmer, who has collected eight varsity letters. "It’s something that I want to do. It’s something that I really like to do. And if you like something that much, it doesn’t bother you at all.
"I love playing both sports, but I think a little more about football because I feel like I’m better at it," he continued. "The competition level has always appealed to me. I love the competitiveness in football. I’ve always had that competitive drive."
For Wilmer, sports has been a family affair. His older brother Thomas also got his start with the Eagles before attending Millersville University and playing for the Marauders.
"I think my sophomore year was the best because I got to play with him (Thomas)," said Damien, who led the Public League in receptions with 26 that season. "We didn’t win the championship that year, but playing with my older brother was a really big thing for me."
Those family ties continued this season, except this time around, Wilmer was the role model. He was joined on the football team by younger brother Aaron.
"He plays quarterback for us," said Wilmer, whose brother threw five touchdown passes and scored one on the ground. "He doesn’t start, but he’s definitely going to lead this team next year."
It’s reasonable to think that Thomas and Dontissa Wilmer are proud of their boys.
"My dad is my motivation," said Damien. "He drives me at everything — weightlifting, football, academics, baseball — everything in life. My mom does, too. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today." ••
Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com