It's evident that Matt Bonshak's talent on the wrestling mat is remarkable, but his skills as a cartographer are equally impressive.

As soon as Bonshak stepped onto the mat to begin his varsity wrestling career at Whitehall High School, his journey to excellence was mapped out in his mind. He had a clear goal and he knew from the start where he wanted to go, the road map clearly etched in his mind.

Getting from point A to point B was a journey he was determined to accomplish, a mission he fulfilled when he earned his 100th win this season. The map was complete.

"It was a goal I set my freshman year, and each year I had it in the back of my mind … and I took it one match at a time, so I knew the goal would come," said Bonshak.

Bonshak is the ninth wrestler to reach the coveted Century Club at Whitehall. He accomplished the feat during the Lackawanna Trail Invitational wrestling tournament earlier this year.

Reaching such a milestone entails a lot of sweat and sacrifice. It certainly wasn't by accident; the countless hours of training throughout the year set him on the path to his 100th win.

"It's a combination of working hard in the offseason, working hard during the season, and a lot of support from my teammates, my coaches, and my family and friends," said Bonshak.

Bonshak spends six days a week on the mat during the wrestling season. Whether it's sparring with a teammate in practice, doing weight-training exercises in the wrestling room, or scrambling against an opponent in a league bout, the senior has logged extensive minutes in the rigorous sport. That total is supplemented by a workout regimen in the off season that further demonstrates his commitment.

"A lot of time was put into this and it paid off," said Bonshak whose win total now stands at 104.

Bonshak's journey is not over. He is the reigning District XI and Regional champ at 160, and will look to defend those titles beginning Feb. 22. He's eager to make it back onto the big stage and looks forward to the challenge. He knows that getting his hand raised at the end of the tournament is simply a product of his preparation, something that's remained constant throughout his career.

"I'll just continue what I'm doing," said Bonshak. "I'll keep working hard, and as coach said at the beginning of the season, 'It's a marathon, not a sprint,' and we train to be at our best for the postseason, and we're getting there."

Bonshak is currently ranked third in his weight class by another local publication. Bonshak tangled with the wrestler ranked second, Conner Hedash, in his first bout of the season, losing 8-6.

However, Bonshak feels he's improved from that initial encounter and is focused on having a successful tournament.

"I'm keeping my mindset really positive and working toward getting better for districts and ultimately the postseason," Bonshak said.

Bonshak said his goal is to win districts, then regionals, culminating with a medal at the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association tournament.

His record currently stands at 26-2, and the senior noted that this wrestling season mirrors last year's run which eventually led to a dual championship. Just like that campaign, he suffered two early season losses and hopes that this year will also lead to another D-11 and regional crown.

While he may get recognition for his athletic accomplishments, head coach Tim Cunningham sees beyond the warrior. It's an association that transcends the gritty exterior that usually defines an athlete.

"Overall, as a person, he's one of the best people I've been around in my whole coaching career," said Cunningham.

Cunningham said that he's a complete pleasure to coach, someone who will do whatever is asked and makes no excuses. He defines integrity.

"As an athlete, he's a hard worker who will do whatever you ask and shows class at all times, win or lose," said Cunningham.

The hours, the dedication, and the supreme desire to get better allowed Bonshak to ultimately reach his goal, said Cunningham.

"He's very coachable, pays attention, and will do the things he needs to do," said Cunningham.

He's also a multisport athlete who excels at baseball as well. In fact, it's his first love and he hopes to continue playing once he enters college.

"I have a love for baseball that really doesn't compare to anything else," said Bonshak. "Ultimately it's that love of baseball that I want to play at the next level."

Bonshak understands that wrestling in college would be "a lot to handle," and wants to play the sport which fuels his passion.

Along with the wins, Bonshak will leave a legacy that includes leading by example, Cunningham added.

Bonshak said that judging their season on merely wins and losses doesn't show how far they've come as a team.

"We're a lot closer than we were at the beginning of the season, and ultimately we improved by leaps and bounds. A lot of guys have come a long way."