Crivelli Leaves as Winningest Wrestler in Program History
Wrestling is a sport of grit and tenacity. Grappling with your opponent and looking for opportunities for a takedown are only one portion of the battle, as mental and physical exhaustion soon set in. The brute nature of the sport is something senior wrestler Filippo Crivelli is well acquainted with.
For Crivelli, his wrestling career ended Feb. 26, 2017. That was the day the all-time wins leader for Waynesburg University wrestling finished his final match, capping off a career that was the best in school history in the wins column. His final match, a close loss at the regional tournament, seemed an unjust end for a successful career and leaves him unsatisfied.
“It’s been rough not being able to achieve those goals in four years,” he said.
The goals included becoming a national champion, something he never accomplished but isn’t something he lets define him.
“I’ve always set high goals for myself and achieved them,” he said. “I’ve done some pretty good things here at Waynesburg that I am proud of.”
The one loss is a small blemish on the fabric of his career. Tragedy couldn’t outshine triumph, and for him and head coach Ron Headlee, graduation is the end of a very bright time in his career here at Waynesburg.
“I know I got better from high school to college,” Crivelli said. “I feel like I grew stronger as a person and wrestler both on and off the mat.”
His journey to winning two Presidents’ Athletic Conference titles and the title of the schools most winningest wrestler started four years ago, where Headlee saw a lot of potential in him.
“We thought he had the ability [to win PAC championships],” said Headlee. “The way he wrestled, he had good technique, and we thought he could be something special for us.”
Headlee was right, as Crivelli accrued 121 wins over his four-year career in Waynesburg’s wrestling program. A pioneer for Waynesburg in the wins department, Crivelli’s success stemmed from his hard work ethic.
“He was always there, punctual and always going as hard as he can,” said Headlee. “He never lets down and hardly ever missed a practice all four years here.”
When observed at matches, his wrestling style could be described as grabbing a charging bull by the horns.
“I feel like I just had a more realistic goal when I came here,” he said. “I feel like I am still capable of being one of the best guys in the country this year and I have beaten guys right up there.”
His greatest accomplishment, being the best wrestler Waynesburg has ever seen, is a tale told not by the outcome of his matches, but by the measure of his character, Headlee said. Now his goals involve continuing to be around wrestling, but instead of being on the mat as a competitor, he’ll try his hand at coaching.
“It will definitely be a tough fact to replace him,” Headlee said. “He will make a great coach someday. He works well with young guys and likes working with the clubs and stuff.”