Crawford wins state title

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Neighbors | Submitted.The Canfield Wrestling Club has five OYWA State placers: Anthony D'Alesio (third), Nick Crawford (first), Payton Kostelic (third), Ethan Fletcher (third) and Santino Marucci (fourth).

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Neighbors | Submitted.Anthony D'Alesio (right) looked for an opportunity to score at the OYWA state tournament. D'Alesio placed third.

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Neighbors | Submitted.Nick Crawford looked for back points in the Championship match. Crawford won 13-1.

The Canfield Wrestling Club’s Nick Crawford became the fourth Canfield wrestler to win an OYWA state title in the club’s 21 year history. Crawford wasn’t alone in earning state honors. Ethan Fletcher placed third, Anthony D’Alesio, Peyton Kostelic. and Santino Marucci placed fourth.

Crawford won his first two matches by pin. A 6-0 win put him in the title match against Massillon Perry’s Blake Luster, who placed sixth in 2013. Crawford scored a quick takedown and won by technical fall 13-1.

The OYWA State tournament features 16 wrestlers in each of 20 weight classes who have battled through sectional and district tournaments with hopes of being crowned State champion. The Canfield Wrestling Club had six boys earn the trip to Akron.

“This is a great group of wrestlers. They all work hard and have good skills. They pushed each other all season and the results came through today. If they stick with it, you will be reading a lot more about them,” said coach Dave Crawford.