For Muncy senior Austin Johnson, that’s what he focuses on. He knows that wrestlers are judged by their success at the state meet. How many medals will you end up with? How many trips to the top of the podium in four years?

Johnson is already one of the area’s most decorated wrestlers. He’s a two-time silver medalist at states and won state gold as a sophomore in 2023 when he went 39-0.

On Saturday, he won the Central Sectional gold medal at 215 for his fourth straight sectional gold. He has two district gold medals and three regional golds in his career.

At the Central Sectional, however, Johnson also reached a nice milestone many didn’t notice. The Indian earned win No. 146 for his career after beating Hughesville’s Luke Stutzman in the final at 215 pounds.

Austin Johnson of Muncy wins his match against Luke Stutzman of Hughesville during their match at 215 pounds at the PIAA District 4 AA Central Sectional at Hughesville High School. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

That win tied him with his brother Scott for the second most wins in Muncy history. Johnson’s next win at the District 4 championships this weekend will give him 147 and move him into second place by himself, trailing only former Muncy great Troy Hembury from 2010-13 (165).

“It’s super cool, but I’m not really too worried about the wins. I’m mainly just focused on state titles and that’s mainly my goal every year. Wins aren’t really too big (for me),” Johnson said. “It’s still cool. I know state titles are what means the most though.”

Johnson didn’t celebrate tying his brother’s win total on Saturday. Instead, as he noted, he’s focused ahead to making a very deep run into Hershey this year yet again.

Johnson’s postseason run began with two overpowering victories on Saturday at Hughesville. He pinned Sugar Valley’s Lincoln Breon in just 45 seconds in the semifinals at 215 and in the final, needed just 56 seconds to beat Stutzman with a fall.

“I try not to force anything, maybe I could get a quick pin and force moves, but I’m trying to take it how the match goes and go with the flow,” Johnson said. “I just wait for my opportunities.”

Austin Johnson of Muncy controls the action against Luke Stutzman of Hughesville during their match at 215 pounds at the PIAA District 4 AA Central Sectional at Hughesville High School. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Johnson is somewhat methodical on the mat, waiting until he sees the perfect opening to strike. It’s what’s led him to going 35-1 this year with 18 wins by fall and another nine by tech fall. Only three wrestlers have gone all three periods against him.

The Oklahoma State commit fell to Wyoming Seminar’s Jude Correa by decision, 4-0, on Dec. 28, a returning state champion from last year.

That same weekend Johnson posted a 10-3 decision win over returning PIAA Class AAA sixth-place finisher Cooper Roscosky of Kiski Area and returning PIAA Class AA fourth-place medalist Lucas Lawler of Bishop McDevitt.

Since falling to Correa, Johnson has rattled off 20 consecutive victories, including 10 falls under a minute.

Johnson noted that he treats every opponent the same when he steps on the mat. No matter what his opponent’s record is, the future Cowboy knows that nothing is guaranteed. That’s why he never underestimates an opponent.

And that approach has been more than successful.

“I’m taking every match the same. I’m not taking anybody lightly, and I just keep doing what I’m doing,” Johnson said.

Up next for Johnson is this weekend’s District 4 championships at Williamsport’s Magic Dome where Johnson has won two straight gold medals and a silver his freshman year.

So, what’s Johnson’s expectations?

“My expectations are to obviously win again and just keep dominating,” Johnson said.