Memorials: John Crawford

John Crawford is the name on the track but so much more. The track at Edgar Brown Memorial Stadium, which now bears his name, and John go back to the late 60’s shortly after he came to Pasco. Of course, the track you see today is not the cinder track that he poured countless hours into as he prepped for the Pasco Invite. 

John came to Pasco High School (PHS) in 1965 as an educator, after graduating from Whitworth College in Spokane. It didn’t take long for him to become involved in sports. At PHS he coached track for 10 years. He was a strong and passionate leader, working as meet manager for the Pasco Invite Track Meet for 46 years. While he could control a lot about the invite, one thing that he couldn’t control was the weather. Some years “Sunkissed Saturday” showed up in all its glory…other years, it missed roll call. However, nothing could diminish John’s passion for the event. He could always be counted on to pour his heart and soul into the Pasco Invite where he worked alongside many outstanding individuals and friends until his health no longer allowed in 2020.

John brought his love of technology to the Pasco Invite with computerized results. Parking his silver van on the field, results were entered into a computer, printed, then a runner would take that sheet upstairs, where it was given to announcers, posted and copies made for coaches. Later, fully into the digital age, a network connection eliminated the runner (most of the time), a timing system replaced timers, and results were posted to the web. He was always looking for ways to improve the accuracy and speed in which results were created.

John’s love of track was displayed on his license plate wherever he drove. JC 4x4 did not represent the fact that he drove a 4-wheel drive vehicle, but that his favorite event was the 4x4 relay.

Additionally, John was part of the Greater Pasco Foundation that provided the funds to make major improvements to the stadium and track. He was also instrumental in bringing the WIAA State Track Meet to Pasco for a few years. He was very proud of the Pasco community and their support for student athletes.