Chad Croft was inducted into the Suwannee High School Sports Hall of Fame during halftime of the Bulldogs’ Sept. 8 football game against Gainesville High.

Chad graduated from Suwannee High School in 1985, lettering in football in 1984 and 1985. He earned all north Florida’s recognition as a two-way tackle both years. Although Croft was an outstanding football player he is being recognized for his wrestling prowess. He was the 220-pound District Wrestling Champion in 1984 and 1985. Croft was also the 220-pound Regional Wrestling Champion in 1984 and 1985.

Croft’s outstanding wrestling accomplishment was being a two-time state champion in 1984 and 1985, leading his team to state championships. From 1983 through 1985 Croft never lost a district match. From 1984 through 1985 he never lost a wrestling match. After Croft’s senior year he was ranked the fourth best wrestler in the nation. Croft received a scholarship to Clemson but knee surgery cut his collegiate career short.

He returned to the mats again in 1994 and 1995 to become a two-time Florida Firefighter Olympic Champion. Croft is a familiar figure in Live Oak. He joined the Live Oak Fire Department in 1987, became a fire inspector in 1989 and in 1998 rose to the rank of lieutenant. Croft became assistant fire chief in 2000, and in 2002 he became the youngest fire chief in the city’s history.