The Knoch High School wrestling program celebrated its first national champion March 21 ... but the winner wasn't what most would expect.

Brittney Faust became the first WPIAL wrestler to win a girls' national title at the United States Girls' Wrestling Association Championships, which took place at Eastern Michigan University.

"It was a feeling of accomplishment," said Faust in describing her feelings after winning the 120-pound weight class. "I've come back from a lot of injuries over the last few years. This title is a reward for all the hard work I've put in since I began wrestling in fourth grade."

Faust, a junior at Knoch, won three matches in the two-day tournament.

"This was my second appearance at the national tournament," Faust said. "Last year, I placed 10th in the 124-pound weight class, but a concussion [prior to the tournament] limited my training. This year, I was in much better shape, which allowed me to compete at 120."

Faust was seeded fourth in the 10-girl bracket, which earned her a first-round bye. She opened with an 8-2 victory against Michigan's Stephanie Morris, then posted a narrow 3-2 decision against Iowa's Roni Goodale in the semifinals.

Faust claimed the national title with a convincing 6-2 win against Michigan's Kayla Petit.

"The experience I picked up last year really helped," Faust said. "This year, I knew what to expect. In the championship match, I dominated from the first whistle. It felt so good to beat her so easily."

Faust was joined in Michigan by her father plus Knoch coach Mark McLaughlin, and a couple of her teammates.

"I never realized how technically sound she is until I saw her wrestling against girls," McLauglin said. "It's hard to see her skill level when she's wrestling against boys.

"I had a few college coaches tell me Brittney's technique is as good as anybody they saw in the tournament. That's quite a compliment when you consider there were more than 400 participants [in 14 weight classes]."

Faust has been a member of Knoch's varsity team since her freshman year.

"When I was in fourth grade, I saw a flyer advertising the youth wrestling program," Faust said. "I was a scrappy little kid and decided to give it a try. I quickly fell in love with wrestling when I started rolling around on the mat."

Faust posted an 11-11 record this year for Knoch, but made a quick exit from the Section 3-AAA tournament after losing her first two matches.

"I try to take advantage of my technique and speed when I'm wrestling boys," Faust said. "The difference is that they are usually stronger than I am. Strength is not an issue when I'm wrestling against girls."

Faust attended another national tournament over the weekend, but an injury kept her from placing.

"We went to Oklahoma City for the USA Wrestling Folkstyle Nationals," McLaughlin said. "Brittney won her first match and was closing in on a takedown early in her second match, when she suffered a shoulder injury. She finished that match and another wrestling with one arm. It was a courageous performance, but Brittney just couldn't compete with one arm."

Faust saw her doctor Monday.

"I don't know the prognosis yet, but I'm hoping it doesn't keep me off the mat very long," she said.. "I want to begin training for the Body Bar Women's Nationals [which will take place May 15-18] in Colorado Springs."

The Body Bar Women's Nationals will be Faust's first freestyle competition.

"I've never tried freestyle before, so I want to begin training as soon as possible," she said. "I would eventually like to wrestle in the Olympics, and this is the first step."

Faust also plans a trip to Fargo, N.D., in July for the USA Wrestling Girls' National Freestyle Championships.

"I've never been to Fargo before, but I've heard a lot about it," Faust said. "I'm really looking forward to it."

Faust's performance at the USGWA Nationals will most likely lead to a college scholarship.

"It's a little early since I'm only a junior, but I'm already considing my options," Faust said.