Knights' Cromwell steps down as football coach

2/8/2010

Dick Cromwell, the City League's all-time winningest football coach with 208 victories in 26 seasons at St. Francis de Sales High School, said yesterday he is stepping down.

The 62-year-old Cromwell capped his career with an 11-2 record and an 11th state playoff appearance in 2009. He led the Knights to state championships in 1984 and 2001, as well as a runner-up finish in 1982.

St. Francis won 11 City League titles under Cromwell, who first served at the school from 1979-84 and returned in 1990.

Already a member of the Ohio High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame, Cromwell spent 34 years as a head coach with additional stints at Olmsted Falls and Findlay high schools. His career record is 251-119-2.

“I'm tired of the weight room, I'm tired of the demand on coaches during June and July, and I'm tired of two-a-days,” Cromwell said. “Spending 34 years in charge of programs that affect a lot of kids and adults has tired me out for this particular position. But I feel like I still have plenty of energy for my other duties.”

Cromwell leaves coaching with a 208-85-1 record at St. Francis, which includes a 17-9 mark in state playoff games.

For complete coverage, read Tuesday's edition of The Blade.