As the Pickerington High School North wrestling program ascends to new heights, its wrestlers are doing the same.
 
Matt Ferguson, who competes at 171 pounds, and Alec Marsico, a 145-pounder, have become North's first wrestlers to earn 100 wins.
 
Marsico was the first to do it for a program that started in 2003. He accomplished the milestone in a dual match against Olentangy Liberty on Dec. 16.
 
"It was pretty much madness," Marsico said of the accomplishment. "I think especially because Ohio is such a good state as far as wrestling."
 
Marsico defeated Liberty's Craig Thomas 7-6 to get reach 100 victories. He entered the season with 95 wins and after finishing runner-up in the Solon Comet Classic on Dec. 4, he was sitting on 99.
 
The Panthers finished fourth (150 points) that day to Bedford Chanel (215.5).
 
Ferguson had 99 wins entering the Medina Invitational Tournament on Dec. 29 and 30. He was fourth at Media, reaching the milestone in his first match. He pinned Liberty Center's Jake Baldwin in 2 minutes, 42 seconds.
 
North ended up fifth (124.5) at Medina to Lakewood St. Edward (285.5).
 
This has turned out to be a special year for Ferguson. Not only is he a key figure on a team that has been ranked No. 1 in the Division I district poll all season, his team is poised to win a second consecutive OCC-Ohio Division title with a win at Pickerington Central today.
 
Ferguson also was named the ThisWeek Super 25 captain in football after he helped lead North to its first playoff appearance.
 
"This (school year) has been great actually," Ferguson said. "Not only am I performing better sports-wise. I'm staying ahead in my grades. I'm thinking if this year is going to be my last year and I still want to be involved in sports and if I want to play football in college, I have to have the grades."
 
Ferguson initially tried wrestling to help make him a better football player. He joined his middle school's wrestling team in seventh grade, but didn't make a serious attempt until the following year.
 
The one-on-one competition during a match drew him back to the mat in high school. Last year he was one of North's two state qualifiers last year.