Crabtree steps down after 25 years as Perkins wrestling coach

Travis Crabtree is stepping down after a successful 25-year run as Perkins' head wrestling coach. Crabtree, one of the winningest coaches in Ohio history and one of the most recognizable faces at Perkins, wrapped up his career as a head coach at last weekend's NHSCA championships in Virginia Beach, Va. He turned in his resignation letter Tuesday afternoon. Crabtree has a 333-113 career duals record — the 18th-most wins state history. He has coached three state champions, 11 All-Americans, 38 state placers and 59 Sandusky Bay Conference champions. His final All-American is current Perkins standout Law Davlin, who placed fourth at 170 pounds at Virginia Beach. "That was a fun way to end it," Crabtree said. "There were thousands and thousands of kids from across the country there. (Davlin) beat three state champions and three state placers. "He said, 'I'm glad I'm your last All-American' and that's when it kinda hit me." Crabtree led Perkins to nine SBC team titles, which is tied for first with Oak Harbor's George Bergman. "I love to see kids change and help them change their lives, mold them into young men," Crabtree said. "I've mentored a lot of young men over the years. I love the competitive aspect of it and watching kids reach their goals." Crabtree is stepping down in the hopes that his son Drew, a current Perkins assistant coach and also a teacher at Perkins, will be elevated to head coach. Crabtree got the head coaching job a quarter century ago when Steve Finn recommended him after Finn stepped down after 13 seasons guiding the program. "I've accomplished things from state champs, national champions to All-Americans," Crabtree said. "I always said I'm not gonna stand in somebody's way who's young if they're ready. If it's gonna be my son, then it makes it more special." Perkins athletic director Brad Watson said he hopes to move quickly on filling the position, which must be posted for seven days. "I'm grateful for his commitment and the positive impact he's had on our wrestling program," Watson said. "He has developed our student-athletes and made a strong impact in not just their athletic careers, but their lives. "I call him 'Mr. Perkins.' He's just an awesome human being. I read his (resignation) letter and told him it's sad, but it's understandable." Crabtree's three state champions at Perkins were Lucas Salmon, Jonathan McGookey and Matt Fisher. Crabtree was briefly the head coach at Heidelberg University before he heard that a job at Perkins was open. He applied and got it, after doing some solid recruiting at Heidelberg. "I did all the recruiting and they won three OAC championships with those kids," he said. Crabtree, who teaches health and physical education at Perkins, plans to stay active in the wrestling program as an assistant coach. He's also an assistant baseball coach and coaches junior high football. "Kids keep me young," he said. "That's why I do it. That's why I coach three sports." Crabtree also appreciated the support he's had at the high school. "I've had a lot of backing from our administration," he said. "Perkins is a great place to coach and teach."