East wrestling honors state champion

Colin Crickard, center, Williamsville East's only New York State champion, became the first Flames wrestler to be inducted into the Williamsville East Wrestling Hall of Fame. The event was held prior to East's dual match with Lake Shore last Wednesday. Also pictured is East coach Henry Fumerelle and former East coach Paul Horton. Photo by John Rusac Purchase photos at www.BeeNews.com

Colin Crickand, Williamsville East wrestling's only New York State champion, became the first inductee into the school's wrestling Hall of Fame prior to a dual match with Lake Shore last Wednesday.

Crickard won a state title at 215 pounds in 1994. He recorded a 34-1 record that year and was the sportsmanship award winner for the 1994 Section VI tournament. He finished with 98 career wins.

Crickard entered the Naval Academy in 1995 where he wrestled for four years and posted 65 collegiate wins. He was third at the Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association championships in 1998.

Crickard graduated from the medical school of the U.S. military at Bethesda, Md. and is a physician living in San Diego, Calif.

Williamsville East's Jacob Beichner defeated Lake Shore's Nick Ellington, 8-4, at 119 pounds. East lost the match 32-24 last Wednesday. Photo by John Rusac Purchase photos at www.BeeNews.com

"I don't think there's a better place to start than with him," said East coach Henry Fumerelle.

Fumerelle said a Hall of Fame plaque donated from Larry Cohen and the Cohen family will be at the head table of each home future home match.

Unfortunately, East could not finish the night with a victory, losing 32-24.

Jacob Beichner (119, 8-4), Max Cohen (125, 10-5), Matt Calleri (130, 8-4), and Garrett Roetzer (135, 10-6) won by decision. Ernest Jacobs and Ryan Cravatta pinned at 171 and 112, respectively. Marc Whitlock lost at 140.