Words fail to convey the amazing accomplishments of the Greenwood High School wrestling team over the past three years. The Bulldogs have won three consecutive dual state championships and two straight Class 5A state titles. Not bad for a program in existence for less than 10 years. Founded in 2012 by Head Coach John Kincade, the GHS wrestling program has quickly become one of the top programs in the state of Arkansas.
Among the wrestlers leading the way at Greenwood is Tyler Crossno, a two-sport athlete who plays football for Head Coach Chris Young and won a state gridiron championship last fall. Besides starting at nose guard for Young’s undefeated Bulldogs (14-0), the junior has won consecutive state wrestling titles at 220 pounds in 2020 and 2021. In the past Coach Kincade has referred to Tyler as “a beast”, a compliment for his wrestling prowess.
Late last month, Crossno represented Greenwood in two national wrestling competitions, winning one and placing fifth in the other, further etching his name in the minds of college recruiters eager to sign a top-flight athlete for their respective schools. It’s likely he will have no shortage of options to choose from to further his athletic career beyond high school, whether in football, wrestling, or both.
On the third weekend of March, assistant wrestling coach Robert Moore accompanied Crossno and three other GHS wrestlers to a national qualifier tournament held in Dodge City, Kansas. The other Bulldogs to compete were heavyweight Jeremiah Presson, Hayden Rofkahr (126 pounds), and Skylar Belin (girls). All three are juniors and will return next season to anchor another strong Greenwood squad.
Presson and Belin finished second in their weight classes at the 5A state tournament, while Rofkahr won his second individual state title. But it was Crossno that stole the show at Dodge City by winning his weight division. The GHS mat star defeated two competitors from Kansas and one from Oklahoma to win the tournament.
The following weekend Moore and Crossno traveled to Coralville, Iowa, to participate in the USA National Recruiting Showcase, a mecca for college coaches from across the country. The top eight competitors in each weight category were placed, and Crossno finished fifth overall after taking part in five matches.
“I can’t say enough about this young man,” said Coach Moore after the GHS mat star’s Iowa performance. “He won fifth place at a USAW National event, [representing] Arkansas wrestling, Coach Kincade, and the proud Greenwood Bulldogs nation!” he posted on his Facebook page.
“This was a great experience for both of us,” he continued. “As an athlete, [Tyler] knows what top level competition looks like. We watched several nationally ranked wrestlers compete. [It was the] same for me, especially watching the girls’ nationals. Freestyle is so fun to watch, I can’t wait to get some “mean” girls on the freestyle mat!” Kincade and Moore are actively recruiting more girls to join the Lady Bulldogs’ wrestling team.
So, congratulations to Tyler Crossno for his outstanding performances outside the state of Arkansas, and good luck on the gridiron and the mat as a senior during the 2021-22 school year. Coach Kincade and his capable staff have built a solid program that will continue to endure for years to come with the support of parents, the administration, and the community of Greenwood.