Athletes of the Week January 2

2 min read

Two Akron Tigers have been selected for this week’s Athlete of the Week honor for their performances since December 16th through the holiday break.  James Crooks of the varsity wrestling team and Benjamin Gerstung from the varsity basketball team have been selected.

James Crooks is a junior matman in his fourth year with the Tigers varsity team.  Crooks earned the first place trophy at the 56th Annual Jerry K. Drayer Memorial Wrestling Tournament hosted by Akron on December 28th.  Crooks wrestles in the highly competitive heavyweight class.

In the first round of the tournament James pinned his opponent from Frontier High School in just 34 seconds! In round two, he pinned Kasen Hardy from Salamanca in the last second of regulation.  Finally, in the last match of the tournament, Crooks reached a major decision, 12-4, over RJ Townsend from Roy-Hart/Barker to earn first place and a tournament trophy. James lost to RJ earlier this season at the Vesper Duals in Clarence.

 “I am very happy with his progress this season,” commented Coach Adrian Ross, in his second year as Akron’s varsity coach. “James is one of our hardest working athletes in the wrestling room and always stays positive even when the team is suffering.”

 “Many thanks to all of those in the community who helped with the tournament,” added Coach Ross.  “It is a very big undertaking requiring a lot of help and I am pleased that it went very smoothly. Congratulations to Frontier High School for winning the tournament.”

Also selected Tiger Athlete of the Week is junior guard and team captain for the boys basketball team, Benjamin Gerstung. Over the last three games, Ben has led the team in scoring, averaging 17 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and one steal per game. During the same stretch, Ben shot 44% from 3-point range and 82% from the free throw line to help the team continue their unbeaten streak to 3-0, including winning the Jack & Joyce Memorial Classic Tournament.

Ben has worked really hard improving his game and that hard work is paying off this season,” said Coach Justin Gerstung.  “The team is starting to benefit from that work – with his play and that of his teammates, we are hoping to have a really good season. Congratulations, Ben!”

The Tiger Teams are back in action today following the holiday recess. For a schedule of all of the teams, please visit akronschools.org/athletics and follow on X @AkronHSSports.