BUCYRUS (Crawford County Now) — Grady Weber isn’t an overnight sensation on the wrestling mats.

But hard work has allowed the Redmen senior to pass a milestone, achieving his 100th career victory at the Madison Invitational Dec. 6.

“We can look back at Grady’s eighth grade year when he wrestled in front of the entire school. He had to wrestle a girl, and it didn’t go the way he wanted it,” Bucyrus head coach Shane Kokensparger said.

“He could have thrown in the towel, but he didn’t. Grady has battled, averaging 33.5 wins a season since his freshman year. He is the core catalyst of our team the past four years and a three-time captain.”

Weber helps “manage the locker room,” according to his coach. “He’s an all-around good kid; good family and his parents are very involved.”

The 144-pounder had to wait a bit longer than expected for the century mark.

“We thought we were going to get it against Ontario,” Kokensparger said. “We dropped one at Northmor, turned around and went to Madison the next week and got it.

“I think it’s a monkey off his back and I think he feels a little relieved. One hundred wins is still a big deal.”

What does that accomplishment say about a wrestler?

“That they’re consistent. Especially because he got it at the very beginning of his senior year. He’s been consistent all three years.”

Both Kokensparger and Weber agree on his areas of improvement.

“His neutral. He’s gotten so much better on his feet. He wrestles with Camden Redmon every day. He doesn’t have a choice except to get better.”

Weber credits his success to an early start.

“I had a good group of guys in fourth grade, and we all followed each other up, practiced hard and made each other better,” he said.

Besides technique on the mat, there are other elements of growth.

“I’ve gotten a lot better at being a leader for the team. As a senior and team captain, I need to step up and be that person that people look up to,” Weber said.

“That has helped mentally to be more confident with myself.”

Agreeing with his coach, Weber noted his footwork has improved.

“Wrestling in neutral positions I’ve gotten better, and I’m more confident in taking shots.”

Stepping on the mats against a higher level of competition also has honed his skills.

“Wrestling better kids has allowed me to grow, as opposed to going out there and wrestling a beginner. ”

Getting the milestone win serves as a springboard for the remainder of this season, with goals still to be attained.

“I want to make it to state this year,” he said. “I went 2-2 at districts, two wins off my 100th win and two wins from making it to state.”

Weber was 35-15 as a junior.

“I’ve gotten better at cutting weight this year and I need to eat healthy during the week. That way I’m not drained at practice.”

Although comfortable at his current weight, after Christmas Weber said he could drop down a class.

He credited his coaches and his parents for their guidance and support.

“My parents having the food I need to set me up for success,” he said.

“My coaches have put me in the perfect position to do what I need to do. Great practices and a great practice partner that pushes me.”