DENVER – Forrest Craddock became – as far as he and his coaches know – the first state wrestling champion in Colorado Springs Christian School history on Saturday night.

He did so, capping his high school career with a 10-5 victory over Walsenburg’s Taylor Torres in the 2A boys’ 138-pound final, as the result of some deliberate decisions.

One decision came in the final period of Saturday’s match. He heard that dreaded “pop” sound in his knee and contemplated his options during an injury timeout.

There wasn’t much to contemplate.

“It’s been my goal to be a state champion ever since I was a little kid,” Craddock said. “It means a lot to me. I knew I needed to come back in order to get it done. Just grit. It was just a decision I made before the match that I was going to do anything possible to get it done.”

He came back and finished off the victory, which was very much in doubt early after Torres, the No. 2 seed, scored an early takedown and led against the top-seeded Torres.

That Craddock (46-4) was on this stage representing CSCS was also the result of a deliberate, and somewhat difficult decision.

With Colorado’s open-enrollment option, a wrestler of his caliber could have easily found a home at a program that routinely pumps champions off the conveyor belt.

For Craddock, the youngest of three brothers who have all attended CSCS, it was in part a desire to continue the legacy. There was also the deterrent of sitting out a year had he transferred, which he did not want to do.

“His education was always more important than his wrestling,” said Mike Craddock, Forrest’s father, the former CSCS head wrestling coach who sat in his son’s corner as an assistant on Saturday. “A Christ-centered education was the most important for us.”

CSCS coach Gabe Burak knew a state championship might be a realistic goal when Craddock finished a match away from placing as a sophomore. He then placed fourth as a a junior and won a Grecco-style state club championship over the summer.

“I think it lets people know what can be done in a place,” Burak said of the potential value Craddock’s title will give to the CSCS program.

After his title, Craddock embraced his father and Burak, then ran to the front row at Ball Arena where he hugged his two brothers, his mother and his club coach. This whole group had poured into him, helping him turn his decisions into a state championship.

“It was great,” Craddock said of his celebratory moment. “I wouldn’t have it any other way. … I’m honored to be the first state champion from CSCS.”