O’Brien earns 100th win, North Penn wraps up SOL Continental crown
TOWAMENCIN >> The centerpiece of a dominant North Penn performance Wednesday night, Mikey O’Brien earned his 100th win at 145 pounds to help send the Knights on their way to a 54-15 win over Central Bucks South, capping off a perfect 7-0 finish for NP in the Suburban One League Continental Conference.
O’Brien expertly battled his way to a 10-3 decision over the Titans’ Matt Gorman, pushing NP’s lead to 26-6, all but locking up the conference crown for the 14-4 Knights.
“I would always look up (to the list of 100-win wrestlers at NP), always wanting to be up there, ever since I was in eighth grade,” said O’Brien, a senior. “I’m just happy I could get it — on Senior Night especially, makes it kind of special.
“It’s a mark I’ve always wanted to hit. I’m just happy I could get it and now I can just focus on the postseason. We won the conference solid — no losses, no ties. I’m really happy with that. The team pulled through well.”
Gorman, tough to get on his back, put up a good fight at 145, but O’Brien remained in control.
“He was stalling me out a little but I just tried not to lose my head and keep scoring points,” the senior said. “I feel really good right now going into the postseason. I’m doing really well in the room, things are starting to click like I want them to. It’s the perfect time for the postseason.”
North Penn, winning 11 of the 14 bouts, also got pins from Sofiane Bensmail (126), Mike Gallagher (182) and Owen Verespy (195), closing out the dual meet season in commanding fashion.
“It’s nice to have the conference title back,” Knights coach Rob Shettsline said. “(The win over defending champion Pennridge) did wonders for the kids, and then we had a bit of letdown at district team duals (in a 34-32 loss to West Chester Rustin).
“North Penn is known for doing well in the postseason and our guys are gonna be at the top of their game.”
Including O’Brien, whose heading in with plenty of steam.
“The whole O’Brien family has done a great job,” Shettsline said. “And it’s great having Mikey come through our program. He’s a pleasure — great kid to have.”
North Penn will be at the Shoemaker Scuffle at Radnor on Feb. 13 while South heads to the Redskin Duals that same day. The Titans’ (5-7, 2-5 conference) points on Wednesday night were provided by Ray Calderio, with a pin at 120, Giovanni Marrero, with a 7-5 decision at 160, and Luke Kohler, with a pin at 170.
