There were bumps and bruises throughout her final run at the Giant Center, with a tense quarterfinal bout and brief scare in Saturday’s final testing destiny. But those bumps and bruises came and went without relinquishing the dream, a dream which turned into reality as the final whistle of her high school career sounded.

Upon experiencing a brief fall scare to close out the first period, Furman locked in, putting together a masterclass in composure as she steadily worked her deficit down. She’d take the lead back in the third period, defeating Greater Johnstown’s Sayona Harris-Haye by 10-6 decision to clinch her first state title.

Not only did it serve as the first state title in program history. It was also the first for District 4.

“It’s an awesome blessing to be able to go out and compete, especially for one of the titles of best in the state,” said Furman on the title. “I felt the support; I felt the love. I’m so thankful to be able to be our school’s first girls state champion, and even District 4’s. It’s awesome.”

Zoe Furman of Montgomery celebrates her victory over Sayona Harris-Haye of Greater Johnstown in the 136 pound championship match during the PIAA State Wrestling Championships at the Giant Center in Hershey. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

“This has always been the goal,” said Montgomery co-head coach Max Furman on Furman securing gold.

“Last year, came up a bit short, took it all the way down to that last match and hit a hammer in Aubre Krazer. This year, she came back, reset and continued that goal, and it was awesome to see her go from start to finish with an undefeated season and cap it off with a state title.”

Though she had faced Harris-Haye in the Central Regional final a week prior, Furman had no idea what to expect in the run back. With everything on the line, anything can happen. And she knew full well what Harris-Haye was capable of, having come a few adjustments short of a pin in their previous bout.

When Harris-Haye was able to flip Furman on her back out of a reversal, deep in a first period the Red Raider largely controlled, the pin chants came and the pressure was on. Through gritted teeth, Montgomery fans were watching what could’ve been the end.

But while stress rang through the crowd, Furman stay composed, keeping her left shoulder off the mat for the remaining seconds of the first period. When that whistle blew, she was down, facing a 6-3 deficit. But she certainly wasn’t out.

Zoe Furman of Montgomery takes down Sayona Harris-Haye of Greater Johnstown in the 136 pound championship match during the PIAA State Wrestling Championships at the Giant Center in Hershey. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

“She ended up catching me in a funky position,” said Furman. “After that period, I took a moment for myself to tell myself I was fine. I’m still in this.”

Rather than up the aggression out of the gate, she stayed patient and worked to create an opportunity.

A second-period escape narrowed the gap to two. And out of top to start the third, Furman chose to trust her turning ability, immediately gaining hold of Harris-Haye’s right leg to establish a cradle.

From there, it was just a matter of getting her on her back, which she’d manage to briefly for five crucial back points. And for the rest of the match, Furman was able to ride Harris-Haye out, a smile creeping up on her face as the 10-6 decision became inevitable.

“I know my offense is good. Obviously, I took her down right away, so it was just a matter of staying calm and collected in my mind and taking it one point at a time,” said Furman. “Go out, get the next point, go out, get the next point. And ultimately, that gave me the victory in the end.”

CHRIS MANNING/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Montgomery’s Zoe Furman competes in the 136-pound PIAA girls wrestling championship semifinal to advance to Saturday’s final where she would win gold.

As the moment became real, the journey came flooding back all at once.

Through all the hardships, the work behind the scenes, the heartache of her previous final and so much more, Furman never once slowed her grind towards the top of the podium. And in the moment she realized the hard work had paid off, riding her way towards the finish line, the relief was palpable.

“It’s kind of just realizing that all the hard work I put in, every single countless hour in the practice room, every blood, every sweat, every tear, it all added up to this moment,” said Furman. “I just felt a sense of relief wash over me. To be able to have that title for my school, my community, my family, I’m just lost for words right now.”

“I’m proud of how far I’ve come, especially with the obstacles that have been thrown my way. Just stayed the course, trusted God’s plan because I know he’s had my back,” she added.

She heads into her next chapter at Edinboro with a career record of 95-5, back-to-back District 4 and Central Regional titles, two PIAA final appearances and now, a state championship. With one storybook ending out of the way, she looks forward to what lies ahead.

“Obviously, college for us is freestyle, so kind of my last folkstyle match here. But switching the tide into freestyle, I’m excited,” said Furman. “I’m also going to Fargo this year. I’m looking to podium at Fargo and maybe even catch myself in the finals. Who knows? Put in a lot of work, so I’m excited.”

ADDED BONUS

On top of seeing its first individual state title, Montgomery girls wrestling was also granted another honor just before the Parade of Champions began. For his impact through the program’s early goings, co-head coach Max Furman was awarded Assistant Girls Wrestling Coach of the Year.

Despite its small size, Montgomery has hit the ground running when it’s come to making a name for itself in the sport. Through just three seasons at the PIAA Girls Wrestling Championships, the Red Raiders have racked up six individual medals, including five top three finishes, while also earning a team title at last year’s event.

“I was so surprised. “We just had such a great ride from last year, winning a state title as a team, and that’s really what we’re trying to build,” said Furman on the honor.

CHRIS MANNING/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Montgomery’s Zoe Furman competes in the 136-pound PIAA girls wrestling championship semifinal to advance to Saturday’s final where she would win gold.

“Most of our classes are between 50 and 70 kids, so for us to have the kind of talent that we do out of that small school and the community that we have, it’s just great to represent them. What a great feeling.”

CHRIS MANNING/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Montgomery’s Zoe Furman celebrates after winning the 136-pound PIAA girls wrestling championship semifinal to advance to Saturday’s final where she would win gold.

CHRIS MANNING/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Montgomery’s Zoe Furman celebrates after winning the 136-pound PIAA girls wrestling championship semifinal to advance to Saturday’s final where she would win gold.

CHRIS MANNING/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Montgomery’s Zoe Furman celebrates after winning the 136-pound PIAA girls wrestling championship semifinal to advance to Saturday’s final where she would win gold.