Jim Crytzer ’77 was one of the most successful wrestlers in Washington and Lee’s rich history in the sport.
Crytzer was a four-year letterwinner and two-year captain for the Generals, earning the team’s outstanding wrestler award each of his final three seasons after receiving the outstanding rookie award in 1974.
He graduated as the program’s all-time wins leader with a 65-33-5 overall record, a total that still ranked ninth all-time as of his induction. In addition to being a three-time conference champion, Crytzer was invited to the NCAA Championship each of his final three seasons.
As a rookie, Cryzter finished 10-13-1 overall, earning runner-up honors at 142 pounds at the Virginia College Athletic Association (VCAA) Championship.
As a sophomore, he moved to 158 pounds and produced a 14-6-2 overall mark, leading the team in reversals (18) and pins (5), while racking up the most team points on the squad. He won the VCAA Championship and was invited to the NCAA Tournament.
Crytzer won the VCAA 158-pound title and was again invited to the NCAA’s as a junior, producing a 16-8-2 record and leading the team in takedowns (22), escapes (17) and 3-point near falls (7). He wrestled at both 158 pounds and 167 pounds, posting four pins and leading the team with 50 team points.
Crytzer’s senior season would prove to be truly special as he again competed at 158 and 167 pounds and advanced to the NCAA Championship. He led the Generals to the initial Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) title by winning the 158-pound weight class and he earned the ODAC Championship Outstanding Wrestler Award after pinning every opponent at the championship. He went undefeated in conference matches during the season and completed the year 25-6 overall, setting a record for season wins that stood for 38 years. He was named the MVP of the W&L Invitational and he helped lead the Generals to a 10-3 team record, their best mark across his four seasons.
