On the mat, the Kentucky Wesleyan College wrestling team has its eyes set on taking the next step after building its foundation over the last few seasons under coach Brandon Crawford. But they take just as much pride in their efforts off the mat — to the point they were named the top Division II wrestling program in the country for community service each of the last 2 years.
Crawford took over the program 5 years ago. He said the team was lacking direction when he took the helm. Over the past two seasons, the Panthers have had 38 members place in a tournament, five members place at super region, two members named to the all-conference team, and KWC won the Huntingdon College Open in 2022-23.
Still, Crawford said they aren’t just focused on winning competitions. The team places a strong focus on volunteering and becoming an integral part of the local community.
“It’s not about the accolades, it’s about giving back,” Crawford said. “To be recognized as the top program in the country is a testament to the guys for going out and helping when and where they can. It’s about the kids and giving back to a community that has done nothing but support us.”
The Panthers focus on volunteering at different youth wrestling programs and other youth clubs, and also referee youth tournaments. Outside of the sports world, they volunteer at the Kentucky Special Olympics, attend the elementary schools’ welcome back days, and help the younger kids read —something the team wants to do more of this year.
Recently on campus, they set up build-a-bed, where the members built beds for those who need them in the local community.
“It’s very important to me that we are involved in our community,” Crawford said. “Wrestling is an Olympic sport but it’s not an advertised sport like football or basketball is. It’s important that we support the community, so they support us. It’s a great sport for kids to get into as wrestling is a grassroots-driven sport, giving opportunities for the sport to grow.”
Last year, the team had 525 hours of community service. Over 90 percent of the hours were spent volunteering at local youth clubs and 100 percent of the hours were for the young community of Owensboro.
Still, the Panthers do look to continue to improve on the mat. They have gone out of their way to schedule multiple top 10 Division II and III programs.
“I expect us to compete every week,” Crawford said. “That wasn’t the expectation 5 years ago, but we have improved every year and it’s a testament to guys buying into the process. We seek out competition and want to shock a lot of people.”
Last Thursday evening, the Panthers hosted their annual Purple vs. Gray Wrestling Offs — a series of matches amongst the wrestlers for the different starting spots. A public event, local area clubs and teams were in attendance.
“No one is guaranteed a spot and everyone competes,” Crawford said beforehand. “Freshman, transfers, and returners, but there are exceptions for injured players. Let the best man win.”
Bryson Rowley (125), Matthew Velasco (141), Cade Johnson (157), Camron Isabel (165), Nolan McKelvy (174), Drayden McKerrow (184), Cameron Baker (197), and Gavyn Uribes (285) all won at their respective weight classes.
While the Panthers have high hopes for the upcoming season, they still plan on volunteering whenever possible.
“The kids are our future,” Crawford said. “It’s special to watch my wrestlers start to understand the kids are where they were a decade ago and it’s been a great experience for both sides. They didn’t realize till recently they were role models for the local kids, but now they understand the impact they have on the kids.”
