Jeff Crawford: Looking Forward to the Future
With a district title under his belt, an honorable mention, and grades that make the honor roll, nothing but success is in store for Green Run High School junior Jeff Crawford. Weighing in at 260 pounds, Crawford excels in three sports, all while maintaining admirable morals and academic records. With an optimistic attitude and a strong focus on the future, it seems there is nothing that will stop Crawford from making it big during his junior year. Widely known for the District Heavyweight Championship he snagged as a sophomore, he has much more to brag about. Upon arriving at Green Run, he became a starting varsity football player and has retained his spot as defensive nose guard for the past three seasons.
As if this wasn't enough, he also earned an Honorable Mention during the season, but doesn't plan on stopping there. He has begun setting new goals that will not only exceed those he achieved this year, but will earn him state wide accreditation. In addition to the skills he has demonstrated while playing on the football field, he has quite the resume for the baseball field as well. Crawford has mastered three positions: pitcher, catcher, and first baseman. Although the team's record hasn't been one of great success in past years, he's, "expecting better for the team this year because we're getting all new coaches, and that's motivation for all of us."
Although Jeff has had tremendous success during his football and baseball endeavors, it is apparent that he prevails on the wrestling mat. Confident, hopeful, and hardworking, Crawford's plans for this year's wrestling season are nothing short of spectacular with goals of not only district, but state titles.
New Green Run wrestling head coach Frank LaVoie is also expecting greatness from this junior athlete, explaining that, "Jeff's confidence tripled after winning the Beach title, and we're expecting him to go all the way to states this year."
Although big, Crawford is anything but slow. For his size, he is extremely flexible and quick, and feels as though his agility is what makes him one of the best. His coach, despite avidly agreeing with Jeff's claim to flexibility and speed, believes his constant dedication is the factor pushing him to the top.
"He understands commitment and takes it seriously," LaVoie stated, and his four hours-a-day practices along with weekend tournaments stand to prove it.
Currently ranked eighth in the state for the AAA division, it seems as though Jeff's plans are already underway, but he knows now is not the time to stop working hard. With loads of support coming from his family of five, Crawford knows he will take the respect he has earned and show everyone that he will continue on his path of triumph. He notes that, "If you work hard, you can do anything you put your mind to," and there are many people watching to see if all of his hard work will enable him capture the state title this year.
