Wrestling: Upper Darby’s Cronin claims title with 100th win

Limerick Twp. >> When you win as often as Upper Darby’s Colin Cronin, the 100-win mark is a somewhat foregone conclusion.

Still, when that 100th victory comes in a championship bout, the occasion is worth celebrating. At Saturday’s District One AAA West meet, Cronin (138) defeated Boyertown’s JT Cooley by injury default in the 138-pound final to secure win number 100. Cronin led 14-0 after two periods when the Bear bowed out.

His fans had planned for the moment. The Royals contingent at Spring-Ford Area High School stood up and cheered with “100” signs waving. Cronin shot them a smile and gave a few hugs.

With the victory, the Drexel Hill native pushed his season record to 37-0. He also became the first junior in Upper Darby’s storied history to reach the century mark.

And yet all Cronin could say in the aftermath was, “That’s pretty cool.”

It’s not that Cronin didn’t grasp his achievement. It’s just that he has more pressing goals right in front of him.

“I’m kind of happy about it,” Cronin said of the first-place finish, “but I want to win regionals and do my best at states. That’s what I’m really training for now.”

No matter how he twists it, it was a banner day for both Cronin and the Royals, who finished third in the team standings. Upper Darby had four district finalists, while the rest of the Delco representatives were relegated to the consolation bracket, and will send five wrestlers in total to the Southeast AAA Regional at Souderton High School next weekend. The top four finishers in each weight class qualified.

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