Michael Marano credits one major factor to his success over his four years at Parkland - the realization that hard work pays off.

The senior recently won his 100th match, and joins an illustrious group of Trojans that hang from a banner in the gymnasium.

"I was real excited to get it," Marano said. "It was cool because all of the other guys that got to 100 this year, we have been together since the elementary program. To get it all around the same time is something cool. It's just a great achievement that I am proud of."

Marano joins fellow senior Shaun Heist, and juniors Ian Evans and Ethan Lizak who also reached the milestone this season.

The 100th win came against Wilson West Lawn in the first round of team states a week ago.

If he can look back at one match or one defining moment that led to this milestone, he has to go back to his early years wrestling at Parkland.

"At the beginning of my sophomore year in a preseason tournament, I wrestled a kid that I lost to in states the year before," said Marano. "When I wrestled him in that preseason tournament, I ended up beating him. That was just a good indicator of how hard I worked throughout the summer."

The four-year starter began his wrestling campaign back in kindergarten.

Marano took third place at the District 11 tournament last year at 145 pounds, and third place his freshman year at 125 pounds. As a team, Parkland has finished in second place in districts three out of the last four years to Easton. Marano credits his success to his mentors on the coaching staff.

"I think the teams we have had the past four years have been very successful, and everyone has helped each other out," Marano said. "The coaches I have had have also helped me out so much. Those two things together have been a great help for me."

The Trojans have recently finished a solid showing at the state team tournament, falling to eventual state runner-up Central Dauphin 32-27 in the quarterfinals.

With the District 11 individual tournament coming up within the next week, Marano wants to finish out his career on a high note.

"My goal now is to be a district champ, regional Champ, and finish in the top four at states," Marano said.

Marano and Parkland are riding some momentum at the right time, and look to end the season strong.