Whether he won it all or went 0-2, John Samy was going to enjoy the final days of his high school wrestling career.

The three-time District 11 silver medalist and two-time PIAA Southeast Regional placewinner made the trek to Hershey’s Giant Center last week to compete among the state’s very best grapplers.

While it was his second time getting through regionals, it was the first time the Salisbury senior had the privilege of competing on the biggest stage high school wrestling offers.

“The best moment of my career is being here at Hershey,” he said. “Getting in here last night it felt like a movie. It was so cool just warming up on the mat.

“I worked my whole life for this moment. It’s just been amazing. I loved every minute of it, ups and downs. It’s just been amazing wrestling here.”

Samy got to wrestle in two matches at states before he was eliminated.

Burgettstown’s Gaven Suica beat Samy by a 9-0 major decision in his first bout in the 133-pound bracket. In his next match, Mt. Pleasant’s Jamison Poklembo eliminated Samy from the tournament with an 11-0 major decision.

That match ended a high school career that included 91 wins and just 36 losses. Samy posted a winning record in all four years of high school.

He should have wrestled in Hershey as a sophomore when he took second at regionals. That year the first rounds of states were held as super regionals at other sites.

This season he did everything within his control to make sure he got to Hershey, including extra training before or after school work.

“Wrestling teaches you stuff,” he said. “It’s really hard. If it was easy everyone would do it. I’m in here. I put in the work.

“I’ve grown a lot and learned so much about myself, things I didn’t think I was capable of. As a kid [wrestling in the state tournament] has always been my goal and in the back of my head I’m like ‘am I good enough for this.’ I am good enough for this. I’ve been here twice. I’ve learned a lot. I just have to believe in myself.”

One group of people who have always believed in Samy was there to share the final matches of an outstanding career.

“I finished off my career in the Giant Center in front of all my family,” he said. “It was great to make the trip up here. I love them so much and they come out and support me all the time.”

Samy is unsure if he will wrestle in college. He plans to attend a four-year school to major in civil engineering.