2025 Winter Sports Recap: Salem High Wrestling’s Season of Grit, Growth, and Greatness
This past winter season, the Salem High School wrestling program, led by Coach Gabriel Crawford—a dedicated social studies teacher and passionate head coach—wrapped up a challenging yet promising 2025 campaign. With a youthful team, injuries to overcome, and a championship banner proudly earned, the Salem Sundevils are writing a story not just of success but of resilience, personal development, and long-term potential.
Coach Crawford offered his reflections for our 2025 Winter Season Recap Article Series, giving insight into the journey his team embarked on and the bright future that lies ahead.
The Spark Plug: Hunter Elliott’s Dominant Season
When asked about key contributors, one name stood out above the rest: Hunter Elliott. The standout wrestler was not only the team’s top performer but also a leader in and out of competition. His crowning achievement this season? Winning the VHSL Class 5 120-pound State Championship—a title that served as both a personal triumph and a shining beacon for the rest of the program.
“Hunter really grew into his leadership role as team captain,” Coach Crawford said. “He set the tone for how our team should carry itself—focused, disciplined, and competitive.”
But Hunter wasn’t the only one making strides. Fellow wrestler Maximillian Archie made significant improvements throughout the season before his journey was unfortunately cut short due to injury. Despite this setback, his development speaks volumes about the grit and potential that exists within the team’s core.
Building from the Ground Up: A Young Team on the Rise
Coach Crawford described the season as “decent,” but he emphasized that what the team achieved was only the beginning of something much bigger. “We have a lot of young wrestlers and potential, so we have tons of room to grow,” he explained.
This year was as much about laying a foundation as it was about winning matches. For a sport as demanding and technical as wrestling, building from a youthful group can be both rewarding and challenging. Still, it was clear to Coach Crawford and his staff that this team has the heart and hunger necessary to evolve into a powerhouse.
A Reality Check: Lessons from the Regional Tournament
One of the defining moments of the season came during the regional tournament, where the Salem Sundevils got a clearer look at the competitive landscape.
“The regional tournament really put into perspective the amount of work we have to put in to achieve success,” Crawford noted. “Not just for the wrestlers—but for us as coaches too.”
This honest reflection speaks to the program's commitment to accountability and growth at every level. In a sport where individual performance affects team outcomes, both athlete and coach must constantly evaluate and improve. The experience at regionals became a turning point—one that energized the team’s outlook heading into the offseason.
Wrestling Through Adversity: Handling Injuries and Setbacks
No wrestling season comes without its share of physical tolls, and Salem’s team was hit hard in 2025. “We had a lot of injuries last year,” Coach Crawford shared. “It put quite a few wrestlers out for the season.”
But with the well-being of his athletes at the forefront, Crawford emphasized a balanced approach: “We can’t push when we have injuries because they are still children—they’re growing. I do not want something to happen to them that would affect them negatively the rest of their lives.”
Still, the injured wrestlers showed incredible determination, working hard to get back on the mat as quickly and safely as possible. Their perseverance reinforced the program’s culture of toughness and mutual support.
Leadership and Energy: The Impact of the Senior Class
While the team was largely youthful, the seniors provided an intangible spark that helped set the tone. “They were just excited to compete,” Crawford said. “And that’s really all you can ask for when it comes to wrestling.”
Their love for the sport and willingness to go to battle every day created a positive atmosphere and helped bring the younger athletes along on their journey. Though not every senior may have made headlines, their presence and passion were invaluable.
The Road Ahead: Growth, Development, and Optimism
When Coach Crawford looks at his returning wrestlers, what excites him most isn’t just the wins they might rack up, but the people they’re becoming.
“What excites me most is watching them grow—not only as wrestlers but as young adults,” he said.
There is a maturity in that vision, an understanding that sports are not just about accolades, but about shaping character. Whether on the mat or in the classroom, these Salem Sundevils are being prepared for life.
Offseason Priorities: Sharpening Skills and Strength
With an eye toward continued development, the focus of the offseason will be on refining technique, boosting situational awareness on the mat, and getting stronger physically. “In the summer, we are hitting the weight room,” Crawford noted. It’s a comprehensive plan aimed at producing well-rounded, technically sharp, and physically resilient athletes.
Beyond the Mat: A Coach’s Commitment
Coach Crawford’s approach to wrestling is rooted in both empathy and expectation. He’s mindful of the physical demands of the sport, yet firm in his belief that with the right mindset and structure, success will follow. His dual role as a social studies teacher further underscores his commitment to developing students who can thrive not just athletically, but academically and personally.
His message is clear: Salem Wrestling isn’t just about pinning opponents—it’s about personal accountability, teamwork, and long-term growth.
Conclusion: A Season of Seeds Planted
The 2025 wrestling season at Salem High School may not have been filled with trophies and headlines across the board, but it was rich in lessons, development, and the kind of experience that builds lasting success. With a state champion in Hunter Elliott leading the way, and a wave of young talent poised to rise, the Salem Sundevils are planting the seeds for a promising future.
From injury challenges to competitive wake-up calls, every hurdle became a building block. And with a coach like Gabriel Crawford at the helm—one who cares as deeply about character as he does about championships—Salem Wrestling is in steady, strong hands.
While the mat may be rolled up for now, the work continues. And you can be sure that when next winter comes around, the Salem Sundevils will be ready—not just to wrestle, but to win.
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