BY PARKER SULLIVAN

Last Thursday (9/20) marked the 206th all time win for 35-year head coach Tom Crosby in his win over Indian Hill, his first win over The Braves in a decade, showing Crosby’s career may be ending, but it’s not over yet.

“Having been here 35 years, Mariemont has been a major part of my life,” said the Warrior head coach.

Crosby’s commitment to the Warriors began in the 70’s when he was fresh out of grad school (Western Michigan) and coaching at Purcell Marian for a short period. Before that, Crosby was a four-year player at Ashland University where he received his BA in Physical Education.

Since Crosby first stepped onto the Mariemont grounds he has completed over 300 games. 206 were wins. He has been named City Coach of the Year seven times, and been the state runner-up in football twice.

“What I’m most satisfied with is that I worked my hardest and knowing I accomplished something feels good,” Crosby says.

“From the moment you step into the locker room you knew you were part of something special,” said MHS ’97 graduate and pupil of Crosby, Andy Black. Black was a quarterback under Crosby. Black went on to walk on to the Miami University football team (participating in the 2000 and 2001 seasons). According to Black, Crosby has built Mariemont football to be a highly respected program in Ohio.

“When people think of Mariemont football, they say it’s a good program which is important to me,” says Crosby.

Crosby’s commitments go beyond the football field. He has also been working at Mariemont as Pphysical Education teacher and administrator since during time in Mariemont.

“The most fulfilling thing is seeing kids grow up to be such good and accomplished adults,” says Crosby. Crosby regards watching his daughters grow through the Mariemont community as his fondest memory as a Warrior.

“His retirement will mean the end of an era,” says  Black. Black explains that Crosby’s over-30-year career is his most impressive quality, especially at one school.

“I just turned 60. For me I just think it’s my time. It’s a good idea to retire now, my wife and I want to be able to travel and things we haven’t been able to do,” says the coach.

Crosby says he is very lucky to have had such a long career in one place.

“That just doesn’t happen very often,” he says.