Photo by: Aaron Morekin
Crookham Named EIWA Wrestler of the Week
11/13/2023 4:36:00 PM | Men's Wrestling
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Lehigh deferred first-year wrestler Ryan Crookham has been named EIWA Wrestler of the Week, the conference announced Monday. Crookham won all three of his bouts at Sunday's Journeymen Collegiate Classic to earn a Hammer Award, with his performance highlighted by an 8-4 decision over Cornell's Vito Arujau, the reigning NCAA and world champion.
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Crookham yielded the first takedown to the top-ranked Big Red Wrestler but responded with a takedown late in the first period to lead 4-3 after one and then preserved a 5-4 lead in the third period with a second takedown, to secure to the 8-4 decision. This marks the second consecutive season in which a Lehigh wrestler defeated an opponent ranked No. 1 in the country. Michael Beard knocked off Penn State's Max Dean last December at Stabler Arena. It is also believed to be the first time a Lehigh wrestler defeated a world or Olympic champion after that wrestler had already won a world title.
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In addition to the win over Arujau, Crookham also posted a 6-3 sudden victory decision over Lehigh teammate and sixth-ranked Connor McGonagle, and an 18-3 technical fall victory over Jacob Cox of NC State. The match with McGonagle does not count against either wrestler's record.
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Last weekend, Crookham opened his deferred first-year season by going 4-0 to earn the 133-pound title at the Princeton Open in New Jersey.
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Crookham went 8-1 in his deferred season in 2022-23, reaching the semifinals at the prestigious Midlands Championships and sharing Lehigh's Deferred Eligibility Wrestler of the Year Award.
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The Mountain Hawks will open their dual season on Sunday when they welcome No. 16 Pitt to Leeman-Turner Arena at Grace Hall on Sunday for a 2 p.m. match. Lehigh will honor members of its 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 EIWA championship teams as well. Tickets can be purchased at LehighTickets.com or by calling 610-758-4263 during business hours.
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The 2023-24 Lehigh wrestling season is presented by the Historic Hotel Bethlehem.
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Like Lehigh Wrestling on Facebook and follow on X/Twitter and Instagram for exclusive updates throughout the season.
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Crookham yielded the first takedown to the top-ranked Big Red Wrestler but responded with a takedown late in the first period to lead 4-3 after one and then preserved a 5-4 lead in the third period with a second takedown, to secure to the 8-4 decision. This marks the second consecutive season in which a Lehigh wrestler defeated an opponent ranked No. 1 in the country. Michael Beard knocked off Penn State's Max Dean last December at Stabler Arena. It is also believed to be the first time a Lehigh wrestler defeated a world or Olympic champion after that wrestler had already won a world title.
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In addition to the win over Arujau, Crookham also posted a 6-3 sudden victory decision over Lehigh teammate and sixth-ranked Connor McGonagle, and an 18-3 technical fall victory over Jacob Cox of NC State. The match with McGonagle does not count against either wrestler's record.
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Last weekend, Crookham opened his deferred first-year season by going 4-0 to earn the 133-pound title at the Princeton Open in New Jersey.
Â
Crookham went 8-1 in his deferred season in 2022-23, reaching the semifinals at the prestigious Midlands Championships and sharing Lehigh's Deferred Eligibility Wrestler of the Year Award.
Â
The Mountain Hawks will open their dual season on Sunday when they welcome No. 16 Pitt to Leeman-Turner Arena at Grace Hall on Sunday for a 2 p.m. match. Lehigh will honor members of its 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 EIWA championship teams as well. Tickets can be purchased at LehighTickets.com or by calling 610-758-4263 during business hours.
Â
The 2023-24 Lehigh wrestling season is presented by the Historic Hotel Bethlehem.
Â
Like Lehigh Wrestling on Facebook and follow on X/Twitter and Instagram for exclusive updates throughout the season.
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Players Mentioned
197
/ Men's Wrestling
133
/ Men's Wrestling
133
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