Former Monessen and AFL and NFL star Eric Crabtree is a member of the Class of 2015 that was selected for induction into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.
Crabtree, a 1962 Monessen graduate, played on the Greyhounds' 1961 undefeated WPIAL Class AA championship team and later enjoyed a lengthy professional career as a receiver with several teams.
After graduating from Monessen, Crabtree went on to continue his playing career at Pitt as a wide receiver.
Crabtree, 70, was drafted by both the AFL and NFL in 1966, getting picked in the 11th round by the Baltimore Colts of the NFL and in the 13th round by the old AFL's Denver Broncos.
His career spanned seven seasons with the AFL (Denver 1966-68, Cincinnati 1969) and NFL (Cincinnati 1970-71, New England 1971).
His career stats included 164 receptions for 2,663 yards and 22 touchdowns.
During his career at Monessen, Crabtree was one of four Greyhound teammates who would eventually land in the NFL, including Doug Crusan, Sam Havrilak and Bill Malinchak.
Unfortunately, Crabtree's career was also marked with injuries as he is one of thousands of former NFL players who are involved in the federal class-action suit against the league over concussions and repetitive head traumas.
Other members of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2015 include Matt Bahr, Chuck Fusina, Pete Carlisimo, Bernie Parent, Neal Olkewicz, Gary Simons, Bill Koman, Kristy Kowal, John Lutz and deceased inductees Foge Fazio and Joe Paterno.
The Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame was established in 1962 and is based in Harrisburg.
Crabtree joins a list of numerous other athletes and coaches from this area to be enshrined in the state sports hall of fame, including Havrilak, Malinchak, Fred Cox, Arnold (Pope) Galiffa, Ken Griffey Sr., Dale Hamer, Bap Manzini, Ron Necciai, Myron Pottios and Jim W. Russell.
Necciai was inducted in 2014 while Havrilak and Hamer went in 2012 and Malinchak 2010.
Jeff Oliver is a sports editor for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 724-684-2666 or joliver@tribweb.com.
