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100 wins and counting
Keel reaches rare mark for WCHS
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Photo courtesy of Helen Comer/DNJ Zerek Keel hit a rare mark recently when he won his 100th match at the region tournament.

Zerek Keel has a chance to rewrite the record books in Warren County. The standout junior hit a huge milestone earlier this month, picking up his 100th victory on the mat for the Pioneers.

Keel's memorable win, which came during his run toward a region championship, came over Bryan White from Cane Ridge on Feb. 10. He's already starting to push his count toward 150 wins too.

Keel followed up the victory over White by defeating Blackman's Landon Franklin in the region championship, then won three straight at home in the 2AA Sectionals to claim another title. Last weekend, KeelĀ  won four matches while working his way to the podium in the state tournament.

Winning has been Keel's default setting since putting on a WCHS uniform in 2021, but even the most dominant wrestlers in the school have rarely made it to Keel's number of wins. He's starting to be in a class of his own when it comes to local success.

"That mark - 100 wins - is no easy task. You have to have sustained success over a number of years," said coach Matt Turner. "You could liken it to a kid scoring 1,000 points. It takes skill, hard work and dedication - all things that Zerek possesses. He's always working to get better."

Keel completed his junior year with 45 wins and likely has his sights set on even more as a senior. He's been to state three times, with this year being the first time that he left with a medal.

The only thing left to cement his legacy as one of the top Pioneers of all time is a state championship. He'll get his chance again next year.