JEFFERSON TWP — Having a 20-win season in wrestling is pretty good.

Having a 20-win season in only your second year as a varsity wrestler is great.

Knoch junior 170-pounder Ben Nowicki recorded his 20th victory of the campaign — and 14th pin — Wednesday night during the Knights' 55-18 triumph over Summit Academy. Nowicki is 20-6 on the season after going 15-16 as a sophomore. He did not wrestle his freshman year.

“He did compete in junior high wrestling, then got away from it for a while,” Knoch coach Mark McLaughlin said. “Ben is having a phenomenal season, no doubt about that.”

And it's a season with a purpose.

Nowicki is close friends with Knoch's three senior wrestlers, 138-poundBlaine Elliott (11-3), 160-pounder Tyler Hlebiczki (14-8) and 195-pound Brian Mowry (13-9). They all recorded pins Wednesday as well.

“They're the senior leaders and I want to prove to them I can lead this team next year,” Nowicki said. “I want to be the guy to make sure the program keeps moving in the right direction.”

Nowicki became the seventh 20-win wrestler in Knoch's seven-year history.

“It's an important achievement for me, but I want more,” Nowicki said. “I want to win a section title. I want to get to the state tournament.”

Such goals are fine with McLaughlin. In fact, they're welcome.

“When you're a fledgling program, you want to have some kids chase the ultimate achievements in the sport,” the coach said. “Some other kids on the team will follow through with that work ethic and so will kids coming up after them.

“Blaine Elliott has been the leader of this team for three years now. He's set the tone for how to get things done in the room and out of it. That's been rubbing off.”

Nowicki wrestles with pink shoes in honor of his mother's friend who has breast cancer. He had the woman initial the shoes and add a religious proverb.

“I want to bring attention to breast cancer — and do well for her,” Nowicki said.

Also getting pins for the Knights (5-9) were Dalton Ashton at 182 pounds and Brandon Yobst at 145. Yobst's pin began the dual match.

Summit Academy does not have a wrestler with a winning record this season. Wednesday's match marked its third dual in as many nights.

“We had two section champions last year and sent five wrestlers to regionals,” Summit coach John McCloud said. “We're not at that level this year.

“It's a new group for us every year, but I like that. I get to build a team every year.”

Will McCollaum had a pin at 220 pounds and John Serrerra had a fall at 126 for Summit. McCollaum's pin was the quickest of the night, coming in 41 seconds.

“Those are two kids who just work their butts off,” McCloud said.

Knoch returns to action next Wednesday, traveling to Shaler.

Knoch 55, Summit Academy 18

(Match started at 145 pounds)

106-John Emminger (K) by forfeit; 113-No match; 120-Jarrett Rosencrance (K) by forfeit; 126-John Serrerra (SA) pinned Jeremy Frazier, 3:25; 132-Jake Borland (K) dec. Tavin McCullough 5-3; 138-Blaine Elliott (K) pinned Shawn Moore, 2:44; 145-Brandon Yobst (K) pinned Hosea Medina, 1:51; 152-Matt Steinmiller (K) dec. Dillion Robuck 9-1; 160-Tyler Hlebiczki (K) pinned Tyler Welch, 4:35; 170-Ben Nowicki (K) pinned Mike Knowles, 1:58; 182-Dalton Ashton (K) pinned Luke Bostick, 1:51; 195-Brian Mowry (K) pinned Dante Evans, 2:46; 220-Will McCollaum (SA) pinned Kevin Kidd, :41; Hwt.-Ramier Poindexter (SA) by forfeit