Mr. Gabriel Crawford has joined us as our new wrestling coach and US government teacher. Crawford is a Salem alum and former wrestler himself. He placed in states twice during his time wrestling here.

“I come from a wrestling and military family,” said Crawford.  “I have seven siblings, five older brothers, one older sister, and one younger sister.”

After his high school success, Crawford went on to wrestle in college.

“I went to college at Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska,” said Crawford. “I was never able to accomplish what I wanted to fully, but I ended my wrestling career as a conference champion and two time national qualifier.”

Head Guidance Counselor, Mr. Robert Toran, is the driving reason Crawford is now a coach.

“I became a wrestling coach because my former coach, Mr. Toran, told me he was stepping back from the head coaching position,” said Crawford. “So, my former teammates from high school and I decided to step up and try our hand at coaching wrestling.”

So far, Crawford has been enjoying his time as a teacher and coach. He enjoys “the interaction and seeing students grow as well as hearing their opinions, but getting students to complete their work” has been his “greatest challenge.”

Crawford’s students report that he is attentive, transparent, and humble as both a coach and teacher.

According to Crawford, “the road to success is difficult,” but with him leading our wrestling team they are sure to have an outstanding season.