Henry Huber on wrestling: Conner Harer’s record serves as testament to family legacy
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The Harer name is one that's deeply etched into the Mongomery wrestling program's culture and ever-growing history.
Brothers Denny and Ken Harer formed that foundation, with each earning over 100 career victories between the late 1980s and early '90s and the former's then-program record remaining for nearly three decades.
And with now-head coach Denny Harer's return to the program in 2020 and the new wave of Harer brothers - in Conner and Brandt - well under way, it's easy to say it's the most recognized name in Montgomery wrestling.
"Coming back here was the best decision I've ever made," said coach Harer, reflecting on the legacy his family has built. "I love our hometown and you see the crowd. I said we were all going to do it together and I get to do it with my boys, so it's a lot of fun."
Even with the pressure that came with trying to match those previous highs, Conner and Brandt have done that and more. Conner is a two-time state champion and Brandt came one match away from collecting one of his own as a freshman in March.
And on Saturday, Conner added a program record to his endless list of accolades, one which features two individual state titles, a perfect 47-0 season as a sophomore and numerous key wins amidst head coach Denny Harer's successful tenure with the program. He's proud of the accomplishment and credits his former practice partner and the previous record holder, Devon Deem, for getting him to where he is today.
"I grew up wrestling with Devon and if it wasn't for Devon, I wouldn't be here," said Harer before laughing about getting talk some smack to the current Navy wrestler. "I guess the biggest thing [I've taken from him] is hard work. Every day, we came into the room, and it was a battle of who could outwork, who could push each other past their limits."
"When we're in the room, we're best friends. But we're also there to work and get better and make the most of it."
Deem's record of 144 wins held for 679 days, an illustration of the program's meteoric rise upward. Conner Harer has plenty of time to bolster that record, which could climb above 180 before it's all said in done. But he doesn't expect it to last long, nonetheless.
His brother Brandt is seeing an unprecedented level of success in the early goings of his career at Montgomery. Considering the aforementioned history, that says a lot. He's currently one win away from 60 through 61 matches as of Wednesday night with his dad expecting him to push 200 by the end of his career.
"I won't have the record for long because my younger brother is coming along and he's going to shatter all my records," said Conner Harer. "So, I've got to keep it while I can."
It's a testament to their passion and dedication to the sport, as each continues to break boundaries at Montgomery and within the world of PIAA sports. Their off seasons and the work they put in through practice and in the weight room are substantial reasons they're able to consistently exceed expectations.
"Hard work, lots of hard work, lots of sacrifice," coach Harer said when asked about what's gone into their success. "You've got to be different. You've got to live differently. It's a lifestyle. Wrestling is a lifestyle and they've had the lifestyle."
With Denny quickly approaches 300 career wins as a coach, Conner looking to three-peat as a state champion and continuing to build on his record - which now stands at 150 after his latest win on Tuesday - and Brandt pushing to become to youngest member of the family to crack 100 career wins, one thing is substantially clear: the Harer family is far from done when it comes to making history.
"Knowing that my dad grew up here and was a big part of this school and left a legacy shows that wrestling is in our blood," said Connor Harer when discussing his family legacy at Montgomery. "I'm excited that I get to share it with my brother."
Their overarching goal for the season is to each sport a gold medal around their necks at Hershey come March. Considering the results of last season, the work they've put in since and their continued showings of discipline and ability to operate under pressure, that goal is realistic to say the least.
Henry Huber is a sports reporter for the Sun-Gazette. He can be reached by email at hhuber@sungazette.com. Follow him on Twitter at @HenryHuber_.