This article in the Toledo paper today 2-9.

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100208/SPORTS12/100209679/-1/sports12

Here is the updated article.
http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100209/SPORTS12/2090418

TOLEDO St. Francis coach Dick Cromwell,that is

This does not come as a surprise to me one bit. From the brief conversations I have had with Cromwell lately, you could tell he was growing tired and ready to step down. Look at the year he had... After struggling greatly the past few seasons, he finally had a nice run and a lot of the key players on last year's team were Seniors (I believe). He's ready. It's a sad day not just for St. Francis football, but for all of Ohio high school football. =(

Totally bummed out - whether you agree with his coaching style or not....he's a total class act. The kids who have played for him absolutely love the guy and have complete respect for him and the program he runs over there. Not sure who will step up - hopefully it comes from inside the existing SFS coaching staff...I know that several of the returning players are sad to read about this today. We all wish him the best, though - and thankful he's going to continue being a part of the SFS family, even if he's not head football coach any longer.

Great coach and leader. It's a sad day. Thanks to Coach Cromwell for all he has done and best of luck in the future.

I always tell people...

While a student at St. Francis I was never a big fan of the school but the only thing that kept me around was Coach Cromwell. Not only was he a great coach, he was a better man.

It certianly will be odd without him strolling the Knight sidelines.

any ideas on who will step up as coach?

Cromwell is the best to come out of NW Ohio. Great coach. Not exactly sure why everyone is saying it is a sad day though, it's not as if he died! He doesn't love it like he used to. Enjoy your retirement from coaching Coach Cromwell!!!

cityleaguewarrior wrote: any ideas on who will step up as coach?

Just speculation, no basis here other than my opinion, but in a program like SF's, and with a staff that has been around with Coach Cromwell for as long as they have I could see them hiring from within.

If you ask me, the job belongs to longtime defensive coordinator Craig Schaefer IF he wants it. Coach Schaefer, who teaches at Northview, and had success there as a HC years ago seems the obvious choice.

Seeing as how Coach Cromwell will retain his AD duties I'm sure he will have a hand in who the next coach will be. Should be interesting because I'm certain that if they open the job up there will be countless of qualified applicants from not only NWOhio but elsewhere around the state and beyond who will be interested in the job.

This Southview Cougar fan likes and respects Coach Cromwell. Good luck to him in his retirement from football.

It was pointed out to me from a fellow huddler who will remain anonymous (Thanks John) that Brian Cromwell (Dick's son, and former SF standout QB) will be in the running for the job.

Brian is the offensive coordinator at Columbus De Sales who went to the state finals game this season coming up short against what was probably the best team in the state in Cardinal Mooney. I believe Brian spent time coaching on both sides of the ball and definitely has the resume and the pedigree for the job.

Sounds like a perfect fit to me!! Thanks John!:shy::rolleyes:[/size]




It was pointed out to me from a fellow huddler who will remain anonymous (Thanks John) that Brian Cromwell (Dick's son, and former SF standout QB) will be in the running for the job.

Brian is the offensive coordinator at Columbus De Sales who went to the state finals game this season coming up short against what was probably the best team in the state in Cardinal Mooney. I believe Brian spent time coaching on both sides of the ball and definitely has the resume and the pedigree for the job.
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How long has Coach Cromwell been there? Seems like forever, best of luck to him, he's a class guy.

First stint was 1979-1984 - D-II State Runner-Up 1982 & D-I State Champions 1984

Second one was from 1990-2009 - D-II State Champions 2001

Cromwell is a classy guy, sad to see him go.

Coach Schaefer is a great guy too, but there's no doubt in my mind St. Francis will have many classy guys to choose from for the job.