When Cardinal Mooney fans discuss
the school’s rich football tradition, the conversation centering
on the Hudzik years always will gravitate to Bill Crawford. Although
much of the early history of Cardinal football is undocumented,
there is no argument that Bill Crawford’s contributions were significant
and remarkable. Bill Crawford was truly a “trailblazer” at Mooney.
He was the starting halfback the first 4 years of Cardinal Mooney
grid action, the first running back to gain 100 yards in a game,
scored the first touchdown in school history, and was the first
Mooney runner to earn All-City honors (1959). Crawford was a two-way
performer also starring at defensive end where he played much
larger than his 170 pounds. Bill is employed by the City of Youngstown
as a Waste Water Shift Manager. He and his wife Diane have 4 children
and reside in Boardman.
