Brad Crockett East Valley Year: Senior Sport: Wrestling Position: 141 Pounds

Last season was a whirlwind for East Valley wrestler Brad Crockett. This year has been a tornado.

The surprise state 141-pound runner-up in 1997 is returning to Tacoma this weekend after winning his last seven tournament qualifying matches by a combined score of 109-16.

Crockett wrestled junior varsity as a sophomore before having a breakout junior year.

“Last year seemed like a whirlwind thing,” said his coach, Craig Hanson. “It just so happened that he was that good. He didn’t realize it and maybe we didn’t realize it.”

There have been no surprises this year for the hard-working scholar and ASB president, as evidenced by his tournament dominance.

“I knew I could be competitive because I’ve wrestled tough kids lots before,” said Crockett.

He said he is not the best wrestler on his feet. He can get away from most people and has been tough on top. Many of his points in four technical falls and three major decisions came from near-fall cradles.

Crockett appears on course to face defending champion Coyte Cooper of Anacortes at Mat Classic X. It’s a tall order, but don’t sell him short.

“The way it’s shaking out, he’s proving himself to be a dominant guy in the weight class,” said Hanson.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color Photo