In presenting the Coach of the Month award to football coach Tom Crawford, Bishop Diego Athletic Director Dan Peeters said one of the many things that stand out about Crawford is how his athletes develop as young men.
“The kids that commit to his program, it’s such a formative experience,” Peeters said at Monday’s Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table press luncheon. “It’s amazing to see the development under coach Crawford’s leadership.”
This past football season, Crawford became the second winningest coach in Bishop Diego program history, trailing only SBART and Bishop Hall of Famer Robert Morelli.
He guided the Cardinals to the 2011 Frontier League championship and the CIF East Valley Division semifinals. In his 12 years at the helm, Crawford’s teams have been to the playoffs nine times, including three semifinal appearances in the last six years. His 2007 team reached the final.
Crawford’s program has produced 17 All-CIF football players, four All-County Players of the Year and two all-state players.
“He demands great effort, commitment and personal sacrifice from both the boys in the program, his staff and himself,” Peeters said in a statement. “His high expectations and exacting approach have created a culture of collective dedication, which has enabled coach Crawford and his staff to prepare the boys to consistently compete at a very high level.”
