Kyler quietly amasses winning record

Senior Kyler Crawford has been a member of the Milton Varsity Wrestling team throughout his high school career. He also ran cross-country during freshmen and sophomore years. 

 Wrestling has been a huge part of his family, said Kyler, and added his dad is a wrestling coach. He said that his dad introduced him to wrestling, and he has now been wrestling for 10 years. 

 “I would 100 percent not be where I am today if it wasn’t for my dad,” according to Kyler.  

Kyler was a two-time Sectional Champ, District Champ Junior year, Regional Champ junior year, and three-time State Qualifier as a sophomore, junior and senior.  

“I have had my ups and downs throughout this season, but I’m at my peak for States,” according to Kyler.   

He had said that he was able to stay motivated throughout this season with the pandemic by going to practice every day.  

Kyler had said that he tried and quit wrestling in kindergarten before picking it back up in second grade. He has been wrestling ever since. 

Kyler said that before his matches he focuses on his mindset. 

His best memory from wrestling was qualifying for States for the first time. He said that the reason it was his best memory was because it was a huge goal for his sophomore year.  

Kyler said he plans to continue wrestling in college at either Wilkes University or the University of Pittsburgh Johnstown. 

According to Kyler, he is going to miss spending time with his friends during his matches and tournaments. 

Kyler said that when the COVID-19 pandemic hit last year during wrestling season, the season didn’t end how he wanted it to. Therefore, he has more motivation to keep pushing.  

Senior Nathan Rauch has been on the wrestling team with Kyler for two years. Nathan said his most memorable moment with Kyler was watching him win regionals last year. 

Nathan said he learned a good work ethic and “to practice and train while giving it your all, and to push your teammates at the same time” from Kyler. 

 “Believe in yourself. Whatever you believe in will happen,” said Kyler as advice for future athletes.  

(Since this interview Kyler advanced to Super Regionals and placed sixth overall, ending his season with a 24-10 record. His overall career record is 94-35.)