District News
|
See Student Life for more |
Share - Spanish - Site Map - Contact |
Sign up for our Electronic Newsletter Union Student Safety HelpLine |
A perfect season
Originally posted April 5, 2012
Union wrestler Kyle Crutchmer went 49-0 as a senior at 170 pounds. JAMES GIBBARD / Tulsa World
BY JOSH HALEY World Correspondent
(Reprinted with Permission. This is not an endorsement.)
Kyle Crutchmer has become a household name in high school wrestling.
As a senior, the 170-pounder practically rewrote the Union record books on his way to a 49-0 record and his second consecutive 6A title. He is also the Tulsa World All-Metro Wrestler of the Year for the second straight year.
"Going undefeated was my number one goal this season," said Crutchmer, who now holds the Union record for takedowns (665), pins (78) and wins (155).
He went 39-1 last season and won a state title at 160 pounds. His high school record is 155-19.
Ranked No. 1 all season, he entered every match with a target on his back.
"I live for stuff like that," said Crutchmer. "I just continued to train hard and had to approach every match the same way."
Crutchmer's road to perfection meant avenging his only loss of last season to Reece Wright-Conklin of Lawrence (Kan.) High School.
For the second straight year, Crutchmer met Wright-Conklin in the Newton (Kan.) Tournament of Champions final, but the result was much different as Crutchmer picked up a 3-1 victory.
"I wasn't nervous before the match," said Crutchmer. "I had a plan going in to try to wear him down and it worked."
Crutchmer's bid for a second state championship was hardly ever in question as he outscored his first two opponents in the 6A state tournament by a combined 47-17, before defeating Edmond North's Lance Dixon 4-2 in the final.
Despite the individual success, Crutchmer holds Union's dual state title in higher regard than his individual championships.
"I would rather win a team championship than individual," said Crutchmer, who helped lead the Redskins to their first dual state title since 2007. "Seeing the look on my teammates faces after we won dual state is something that I will remember forever."
Next season, Crutchmer, along with his brother and fellow individual state champion Brian, will wrestle for Oklahoma State.
"My brother and I wanted to wrestle at the same school and you can't look past the tradition that OSU has built," said Crutchmer.
Crutchmer credits his father and coach, Kevin, for putting him in the position he is in today.
"A lot of my success goes to him," said Crutchmer. "He has made a lot of sacrifices to help my wrestling career. Some people might not enjoy having their dad as a coach but for me, it has been great."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kyle Crutchmer
170 pounds Union
Season highlight: Posted a 49-0 record and defeated Edmond North's Lance Dixon 4-2 to win the 6A state title. Won tournament titles in Geary, Reno (Nev.), Newton (Kan.), Mid-America Nationals and regionals.
Coach's comment: "He is one of the best, if not the best I've ever coached." - Union coach and Kyle's father, Kevin Crutchmer
About Crutchmer: A four-time state qualifier, three-time state placer and two-time state champion. Signed with Oklahoma State.
Favorite wrestler: Justin Porter and Greg "Money" Evans.
Favorite thing about wrestling: "It teaches life lessons about how to set and pursue goals."
Favorite meal before a tournament: Blue Gatorade and Gardetto's.
Facebook or twitter: Twitter.
Tweet about being a champion: @CrutchDaddy71 STATE CHAMPIONS!!!
What do you do to escape the competitive arena of athletics: I just like to hang out with my friends whether it's going fishing or staying at home.
Something people don't know about you: I like to play basketball.
JOEY JOHNSON / For the Tulsa World
District News Archive