Oswego East Student-Athlete of the Week-Justin Crawford

While the pandemic has forced all athletes in Illinois to make adjustments, there is a case to be made that wrestling has been impacted most. Categorized as the highest risk sport because of its physicality, wrestlers around the state were completely unsure if they would even have a season this year after having last season’s IHSA tournament canceled. The IHSA did allow for an abbreviated season this spring, and although there will be no IHSA state tournament, senior Justin Crawford is determined to make the most of his last year, which is one reason he is this week’s Oswego East student-athlete of the week.

Justin’s journey to the mat started in 2nd grade when he was trying out different sports and had a friend encourage him to give it a try. “Justin started wrestling with the Fox Valley Wrestling Club, then Murphy Junior High, and continued at East,” says JJ and Cathy Crawford, Justin’s parents. They go on to add, “He learned to love wrestling because it was just him out there, win or lose. There were no teammates to blame on the mat, and he relished that opportunity. He made a push early to be in the best shape possible to help him achieve his goals.”

Head coach Paul Coy has watched Justin mature not only as a person but as a leader as well. “Justin had a turning point his sophomore year when he went 21-18 and was one of 5 wrestlers to qualify for the sectional tournament,” says Paul. He goes on to add, “Justin always leaves everything on the mat. There is never a question if he is giving maximum effort.”

Justin credits former teammate and state qualifier Nico Patch as helping him get serious about wrestling his sophomore year. “We would practice and do extra workouts outside of school and I just built upon that,” says Justin.

The highs and lows of the pandemic impacted wrestlers more than most athletes, as the close nature of the sport meant competing at tournaments outside of high school or even practicing were impossible. “It threw us for a loop,” says Justin. “We didn’t know if there would be a season, or even who would be willing to come back or what freshman would be willing to come back even if there was one.”

Despite all of the obstacles and setbacks of the last two seasons, Justin has not only remained steadfast in his goal to improve but has been a vital leader during a time when leadership is so important. “We have spoken with our seniors about being role models for the younger wrestlers,” says Paul. He goes on to add, “We want them to finish with a purpose. Justin has worked and practiced on his own time during the pandemic, and the effort he has put into his final season is showing by the way he dominates in competition.”

This season Justin is 4-2 and has moved into the top 15 in school history in several categories like takedowns, falls, and team points scored. Without a state tournament, Justin has adjusted his individual goals to meet the situation, saying, “ I want to compete as hard as I can and finish strong.”

Not only has Justin been a leader and member of the wrestling team, but he is also a member of the golf team, as well as a caddie outside of Oswego East. “Justin was recommended by a teacher for a caddie position at Rich Harvest Farms Golf Course,” says JJ and Cathy. They go on to add, “He was one of the youngest caddies at age 13, and has worked his way to an elite level. In 2019, he was selected to be the caddie for Golf Digest and has been asked to caddie for the prestigious Arnold Palmer Cup this summer.”

Business and golf tend to go hand in hand, and Justin plans on majoring in Finance this fall at the University of Arkansas. His Fundamentals of Business teacher, Graham Brown, believes Justin has the tools and passion to succeed, saying, “Justin is good with numbers and has a strong interest in the topic.” He goes on to add, “I remember in Fundamentals of Business when we talked about stocks, he brought in some original stock certificates to show the class. He is a good student that gives maximum effort, always strives to be better, and is genuinely kind and well-liked along the way.”

Although it is heart-breaking for wrestlers across the state that they will not have the opportunity to compete for an opportunity at a state championship, Justin will not let this obstacle define him. He continues to work as hard as possible and be the best possible leader he can for his teammates, especially the younger ones, so the wrestling program is in a better spot when he leaves. Set to graduate next week, Justin looks back on the opportunities OE gave him and advises future Wolves to, “take advantage of the unique electives and opportunities that are offered here at OE.” We wish Justin the best of luck on the rest of his season and future at the University of Arkansas.