Twin Wrestling State Champions

Jesuit wrestling capped off a stellar season with two State Champions at the Class 2A State Tournament on Saturday (March 6) at Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee.

And for the first time in Jesuit history, a wrestler has captured three State titles. Tom Crook '22 completed an undefeated season in a dominating manner, winning the final by major decision, 19-3. Crook, who also earned State crowns as a freshman and sophomore, is the first Tiger to win three titles. Jesuit's other double State Champions are Alex Enriquez '04, Adam Lewis '16, Ethan Basile '20, Braden Basile '22, and Kai Owen. Tom Crook was ranked No. 5 in the nation at 138 pounds by Trackwrestling.com entering the State Tournament, and his unblemished career record now stands at 161-0 (41-0 this season).

Moments after Tom Crook's historic triumph later, his twin brother Jack Crook '22 made history of his own at 145 pounds. In almost identical fashion to his brother, Jack Crook, who was ranked No. 9 in the nation at 145 pounds by Trackwrestling.com, dominated his match and won by major decision, 21-6, finishing it off with a takedown with about a minute to go. He now has placed 3rd, 3rd, and 1st at State during his high school career and has amassed a career record of 161-7 (42-0 this season). 

All totaled, six Tigers reached the podium: Joey Santana '21 (182 - 6th), Danny Vargas '22 (113 - 2nd), Braden Basile '22 (126 - 2nd), Sergio Desiante '22 (160 - 2nd), and the Crooks. Seven Tigers, including Chris Albo '21 at 120, had advanced to State.

Vargas executed a stunning late takedown to win his quarterfinal en route to the 2nd place finish, completing his junior season with a 27-5 record.

Basile just missed joining Tom Crook as Jesuit's only 3-time State Champions, dropping an excruciating 6-5 decision in the Final. Basile now has two 1st places and a 2nd place in three years at State, with a career record of 157-3 (41-1 this season). 

Desiante advanced to the Final for the first time in his distinguished prep career and now has 4th, 3rd, and 2nd place results at State to go with a 113-18 career record (40-2 this season). 

The 4th place team result for Jesuit, very close behind Lake Gibson, Palmetto Ridge, and 1st place Charlotte in a tight 4-way finish, continues a great run for Jesuit wrestling under head coach Sal Basile. The Tigers captured the State Duals title in 2020 and have now earned 13 individual State Championships in Basile's six seasons as head coach.

View below a photo slideshow from the five Finals matches.