After 13 seasons, Loyola Blakefield head coach Jack Crawford has decided to hang up his blue and yellow duds. The longtime Dons coach announced his resignation Aug. 13.
Crawford joined the Loyola Blakefield coaching staff in 2002, after serving as an assistant coach at Landon School in Bethesda, Md., and as head coach at The Thacher School in California.
The Rockville, Md., native brought three MIAA A Conference titles to Chestnut Avenue, the most recent coming in 2013 against a then-No. 1 and undefeated Boys’ Latin team. Under Crawford, Loyola Blakefield also won the league in 2007 and 2008.
This past season, Crawford’s team finished 9-5, with two wins against top 10 teams.
“The timing just feels right,” Crawford said in a release issued by the school. “The program could not be in a better place considering the quality of the coaches and other people associated with the team. We are also blessed with outstanding kids.”
During his time with the Dons, Crawford relied heavily on his family’s military background to mentor players and continue a lacrosse program rich in tradition and in accordance with the school’s mission.
“As good as Jack is at running a successful sports team, his enthusiasm in the classroom is one of his greatest strengths,” Loyola Blakefield principal John Marinacci said in the release. “His presence will be missed here at Blakefield.”
Crawford hopes to explore other career opportunities and spend more time with his family after his resignation. Loyola Blakefield has yet to announce Crawford’s replacement.
