Youth Wrestler Wins Tournament, Sets Eyes On State Championship

• Name: David Bancroft, Age: 9
• School: C.V. Starr Intermediate School
• Accomplishment: Section 1 Youth Championships Qualifier winner

• Key to Awesomeness: Athleticism, cradle maneuver

Last week, Brewster High wrestler Jimmy Duncan impressed everyone with his 129^th victory. While he has a few years (and pounds) to go before claiming the high school record for himself, Bancroft plans to follow in Duncan's foot steps one day.

Those who recall Bancroft's first-place finish at the Section 1 Youth Championship Qualifier earlier this month won't be surprised when he finally does. 

By employing his favorite maneuver, the cradle, Bancroft beat three other wrestlers in his weight class (62 pounds) and won first place in the tournament's intermediate division, though some points of the competition were not so easy.

"The second match was probably the hardest," he said. "The kid had a little more strength than the others, but I still managed to keep him down on the mat."

Bancroft is now qualified to compete in Long Island at the state tournament in March. He is working with his dad on more advanced moves, such as the cross ride, a favorite of college wrestlers. 

"My dad taught it to me because the states are going to be more challenging and I'm  going to have to do different things in order to win," the youngster said. 

Bancroft, who has been passionate about wrestling since the age of five, is a veteran of the . His father coaches the club.

Marie Bancroft, David's mother, attends all her son's practices and matches. 

"We are very proud and excited for him," she said.