Brentwood Home Page staff reports
Brentwood High School head football coach Ron Crawford announced to his team on Tuesday that he was headed to Cleveland, Tenn., to take over the Blue Raiders team. We asked for readers to share their thoughts and are posting some of them today. Click here to see our full story from Wednesday.

Dan Taylor, official of high school and college sports for 29 years

“Coach Crawford is one of the finest men I have met as well as one of the best coaches I've been lucky enough to officiate his games. Coach Crawford has always handled himself with class during a game and has the expectations of the same from his staff and players.

“Coach Crawford didn't always agree with your calls & at times he would get a little ‘excited,’ but Coach Crawford was a fair coach. If he asked you a question regarding a penalty or a non call, and once you explained the play, he would say thanks and move forward; he did not always agree with the explanation, but he would move forward and say thanks.

Brentwood High coach Ron Crawford, headed to Cleveland High School, enjoys a victory over Blackman last fall. (File photo by Peg Fredi for BHP)

“I want to tell you a story which summarizes the man, Coach Crawford.

“Three years ago I was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer at the start of football season which wasn't supposed to have a great outcome. I had major neck surgery, blessed by God to beat the odds, missed three weeks/games and my first game back on the field was at Brentwood High School vs Independence. I wasn't supposed to officiate for seven weeks but had the Brentwood/Indy assigned game which was a big game for both teams. I work as a line judge which is on the end of the line on Brentwood's sideline.

“At our pregame officials/head coach meeting upon seeing me Coach Crawford came over with tears in his eyes, hugged me, told me he/his family had been praying for me and he sure was glad to see God/prayer at work. I told Coach I really wasn't supposed to be back yet (neck had 18 staples still in/had it bandaged) and that if he could, please have his sideline back as far as possible in order not to be ‘bumped’ from behind. The entire night his staff/players were lined up against the fence. No one was within 5 yards of me, and there is only 8 yards from sideline to their fence.

“The game was great, but the entire evening Coach Crawford kept asking was I OK and did I need anything! Now here we are in a tight football game with a county rival, and this man is worried as much about my well being as he is calling the next play.

“I have worked many games since then for Coach Crawford and see him when I'm working high school basketball games at Brentwood, and he never fails to stop by and ask how I'm feeling and he's glad to see me at Brentwood.

“I don't have children, but if I did, I'd want them to play for Coach Crawford! Coach teaches more than Xs and Os which he is great at teaching, Coach Crawford teaches life lessons.

“To say he will be missed is a huge understatement! He will be remembered for his class, love of the game, love of the kids, love of the school/community, his great sense of humor, and he will be missed as my friend.

“Cleveland High School just landed the lottery in coaches: Coach Ron Crawford.”

Ryan Ault

Ryan Ault, senior on 2011 Bruins football team

“We as Bruin Nation will miss you Coach Crawford. You taught me life lessons I will never forget and memories I will always cherish. You will always be my high school coach and I was very honored and humbled to have you as my head coach. I have no shame in saying I had the best high school football coach a kid could ask for. Thank you Coach Crawford, and good luck at Cleveland.

Reid Mangelsdorf

Reid Mangelsdorf, who will be senior on fall 2012 BHS team

“Coach Crawford was a great mentor to every person on the team. He treated us like his sons and turned us boys into men. He always wanted us to succeed on and off the field. Although we are upset to see our coach leave, we remain a strong team, and our goal does not change. The seniors need to step up and lead now more than ever. We are shocked to see our coach leave and don't want him to go, especially somewhere else; but we wish him the best in his new journey. We look forward to moving on with a new head coach and our journey to a 2012 state championship.”