S. ABINGTON TWP. — When Brandon Grogan reached his 100th victory, he wasn’t alone on the mat for the celebration.
The senior’s teammates jumped down from the bleachers and joined him for a photo.
It proved fitting, as his impact on the wrestling program goes far beyond his individual accomplishments.
“Brandon has been a very special kid for the program in many ways,” Abington Heights coach Steve Peters said. “Obviously he’s been one of the most consistent performers we’ve had over the past four years. The last person on that (100-win) board is 2014 and we’re in 2021 so it’s been really special for us. He and James (Brown) have represented a lot of growth in the program over the past four years and I’m super proud of him.”
Grogan earned the 100th and 101st victories of his career Saturday in Abington Heights’ wins over Scranton Prep (59-16) and Western Wayne (42-28) in nonleague matches.
“It really just shows all the work that I’ve been putting in all the time really pays off to achieve this goal,” Grogan said. “Not everybody achieves it so it’s something special.”
He won by forfeit in the match against Scranton Prep to become the first Comets wrestler to reach the milestone since Matt Carr in 2014. He secured a late reversal to earn a 4-2 decision over Western Wayne’s Liam Farley for his 101st win.
The Comets’ success grew once Grogan entered the program in 2017. In his sophomore season, Abington Heights turned a 1-3 Lackawanna League Division I record into a 5-1 mark and a share of the division crown. It also placed third in the Class 3A district duals. Grogan tied with Sam Northup for the team’s most wins that season with 34.
JASON FARMER / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Abington Heights’ Brandon Grogan, top, and West Scranton’s Austin Fashouer face off in the 106-pound bout. Grogan would win by pin.
The Comets will contend for a district title again this season behind his leadership and team chemistry.
“They’re like a family to me,” Grogan said. “I’m a captain of the team so I’ve got to guide them the right way and we all have to support each other’s backs.”
Abington Heights is 8-1, losing only to defending District 2 Class 3A champion Delaware Valley in a close match.
“The attitude is much better than previous years,” Grogan said. “Obviously, there’s some things to work on, but we’ve been going strong even in practices. Everybody’s working on stuff they need and doing good things.”
Grogan also eyes more individual postseason success.
“I’m hoping to make it past regionals,” Grogan said. “I’ve accomplished one of my goals today, which is a big thing to me.”
