The eighth presentation of the annual Richard F. Crawley awards was, coincidentally, made to eight women. In explaining the choice, Ed Meehan, president of the Crawley Memorial Foundation said, "The girls basketball team has been a dominant force in Long Island basketball. Fifty years ago the boys here at Oyster Bay, under Coach Crawley, were the dominant force."

In making the presentation, Mr. Meehan said, Richard F. Crawley was a teacher, coach, athletic director. Although he was a man the young ladies never knew, he was "A man we 'old grads' remember and honor each year through this scholarship program." The funds come from Oyster Bay High School graduates from 1946, when Mr. Crawley came to Oyster Bay.

Mr. Crawley said the coach had a special view of how to play, called "The Game." They are tips for a great athletic team. He would tell the players:

1. The game is the test.

2. Winning is the result, not the end.

3. The tests are passed in practice.

4. The team wins when it passes the test.

5. The player plays for the team, not the coach.

6. The coach is part of the team.

7. The coach sets the example in conduct and training.

8. Always be courteous.

9. Don't antagonize the officials or the opponents.

10. Don't be provoked.

11. Don't do as I say, do as I do.

"Because of 'The Game' there develops a strong bond between players and coach. And from this bond there comes mutual respect. And for those of us who played for him, many happy memories to reflect back on. Coach Crawley passed away nine years ago. He was 92...and by helping you (with scholarships)... is our way of remembering him," said Mr. Meehan.

Three of Coach Crawley's children, Barbara, Jean and Dick, presented the awards. Daughter Pat lives in Florida and son Paul lives in Arizona.

It was the first time Richard F. Crawley Jr. was able to help present awards for the first time. A retired science teacher, he flew in from his home in Henry, Illinois, 150 miles west of Chicago. He still coaches girls softball, basketball and summer sports basketball camp.

David Layton, class of 1949, made the opening remarks. Mr. Crawley coached from 1946 to 1954/55. Mr. Layton recalled that things were tough then, after the depression. Some homes had no indoor plumbing; some kids shared a bed with their siblings; the family income might be $75 a week.

Mr. Layton described the "Crawley Era." Oyster Bay, before Dick Crawley was not noted for athletics. There were no school-sized leagues. Oyster Bay with 350 students played Sewanhaka with 2,000 students. "When we scrimmaged them in football, they suited up more players than we had in our whole high school!

"We were a pushover, until Richard F. Crawley arrived. In one year we had a basketball championship and three on the all-county team with Coach Crawley as Coach of the Year," he said.

"The teams grew, had energy and enthusiasm and coach knew how to channel it all. In 1948 we were county champions of the open class. (There were no Class A, B, C groupings of schools by population.)

"In '49 we were eliminated in the playoffs. In '50, '51, '52 we were champions including a 38 game winning streak. We're talking baseball here. That's four of five years! Few schools wanted to scrimmage us anymore!"

OBHS won the Cornell Trophy for superior athletic programs. It was retired after three wins by a school. Oyster Bay won it in its first four years on the scene, said Mr. Layton.

John Wasilchuk, a past recipient of the award was at the event, to talk to the new winners about what to expect in college.

The Crawley Foundation presented $1,500 to Barbie Huelser who ranked second in the class of 2001 and will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to teach or do physical therapy. She distinguished herself in track, cross country, is a competitive sailor in the 420 class out of Seawanhaka Jr. Yacht Club.

Four year captain of the girls basketball team, Kelly Brant was awarded $1,000. She won the NYS Championship Sportsmanship Award in grade 12. She is distinguished in track, long jump, field hockey, softball. Ms. Brandt will attend Cortland State to be an elementary teacher and to coach.

Kristen Egan was All Nassau County in basketball for three years, team MVP in grade 10 and 11, captain in grade 11 and 12, and was distinguised in track, hurdles and cross-country. She was awarded $1,000 scholarship. Kristen Egan will attend Cortland State to be an elementary school teacher and coach.

Equestrian Meredith Waltzer was awarded a $750 scholarship. She is currently ranked fifth nationally in jumping. She also skis. Meredith Waltzer (and her horse) will attend Hollings University in Virginia and plans to study business.

Also ranked second in the class of 2001, Antonia Laino distinguished herself in track and cross-country. She received a $750 scholarship. Antonia Laino will attend Duke University and then to go to medical school.

Cheerleader, runner, and four years on the honor roll earned a $500 scholarship for Athena Heyenoort who will attend SUNY Binghamton to major in psychology.

Four-year scholar athlete Leslie Panagot who was involved in softball, basketball received a $500 scholarship. She will attend James Madison College in Virginia to earn a degree in child psychology.

Field hockey, winter track, track and field were the credits that earned a $500 scholarship for Jennifer Trepal who will attend Loyola College in Baltimore, Maryland, to become a special education teacher.

The young ladies included academic qualifications for their awards. They were encouraged by Oyster Bay Guidance Director Gweyth Smith to apply for the scholarships. Mr. Smith was chosen by the Class of 2001 as their favorite faculty member. It was his first year on staff.

Refreshments followed, courtesy of Mary Villani Koji, OBHS Class of 1950.