Daryl was the first high school wrestler in Nebraska to win three state titles in the Heavyweight class, winning in 76, 77 & 78 for York High. He finished his high school career with a record of 104-9. His senior year he entered the State tournament without having been scored upon. He finished that season with 25 pins & only 2 points allowed. Daryl was featured in Faces in the Crowd, in the April 1978 issue of Sports illustrated. Daryl went on to wrestle for the University of Nebraska (Lincoln), were he was a 3 year Varsity letter winner. In 1980, he finished 3rd in the Big Eight Conference, & qualified for the NCAA wrestling tournament.