Senior Kelten Crow has been one of the most active participants in Sheridan High School sports since he was a freshman. Competing in soccer, football, and wrestling for all four years of high school has thrust Crow into the limelight and revealed just how much effort and dedication he has put into athletics.
Born and raised in Sheridan, Crow has had quite the athletic expectation to live up to. The Crow family has been known in the community for their athletics for years. Crow’s older brother, Hayden Crow, wrestled at SHS and attended Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs, Iowa for two years. He then transferred to Concordia University in Seward, Neb. where he now coaches. Living up to the success of his brother, Kelten has gone 60-0 this season, remaining undefeated in his wrestling this year. Crow currently wrestles at 175 pounds and has yet to find an opponent this year to break his winning streak.
In addition to finding success in wrestling, Crow’s performance on the football field has landed him in the spotlight. Playing as a linebacker and as a running back has put Crow on offense and defense, and his skill at playing both positions is undeniable. Being a part of the team that won the state championship for the last three consecutive years, Crow has become a recognized name and a force to be reckoned with. Through his football career, Crow’s improved skills were particularly noticeable. “Sophomore year was a struggle and was humbling,” said Crow. Playing with seniors and varsity scrimmages challenged Crow in new ways. Finding his niche on the team and standing out as a leader has cemented his legacy as a respectable and humble teammate.
Being involved in so many athletic activities during high school, Crow has had to adapt to a full schedule. Maintaining a 3.8 GPA with honors classes mixed into his routine, Crow shows his work ethic in the classroom just as much as he does outside. However, athletics have always been a huge point of focus and where Crow enjoys spending the majority of his free time. “Just being young and growing up playing sports I’ve always enjoyed them,” said Crow. “I like the competitiveness of sports and that they correlate with what I do outside of sports.” During summer break, Crow is just as busy as he is during the school year. Football morning workouts run from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., followed by one-on-one wrestling practice with his brother Hayden at his house. In the afternoon, Crow works for Bronc Builders, an organization that does manual labor around the town of Sheridan and donates $5 per hour earned by each Bronc back to SHS athletic programs.
Wrestling coach and SHS principal Scott Cleland has known Crow since he was in kindergarten. He first coached Crow in the Sheridan Storm Soccer Club and now continues to coach him in wrestling. “I think Kelten has done a good job at raising the bar as far as pushing all the wrestlers to improve and be better. He has really challenged them to become more mentally tough,” said Cleland. Knowing Crow for so long, Cleland has seen just how supportive of a teammate and leader Crow can be. Looking ahead to Crow’s graduation and college athletics, Cleland has nothing but confidence in Crow’s abilities. “I think Kelten can go wherever he wants,” said Cleland. “He will get offers for both [wrestling and football], and it will come down to where he wants to compete.”
Being involved in athletics and proving his talent, Crow offers a piece of advice to aspiring athletes. “Trust the process; it is a 4 year journey, work on your skills and improve every single day,” said Crow. Staying motivated and focused on the task at hand is an important part of becoming a successful athlete and something Crow continues to value to this day.
Hoping to pursue his athletic career into college, Crow has gotten offers from multiple colleges to compete in their football programs. Offers from Dickinson State University in Dickinson, N.D., Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Mont., and Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, S.D. are all still on the table for Crow. Crow is interested in wrestling at the college level and is waiting for any potential offers.
Crow is the son of Megan and Chris Crow.
