Bramlett legacy honored

Former Crystal River AD and football coach is among 7 FACA Hall of Fame inductees.

By DAWN REISS
Published January 7, 2007

DAYTONA BEACH - Former Crystal River athletic director and football coach Earl Bramlett made history Saturday as the first Citrus County coach or athletic director to be inducted into the Florida Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

Trying to remain stoic, Bramlett took to the podium in the Hilton Oceanfront Resort as the first of seven inductees.

"Coaching is a great profession, and I've enjoyed every day," said Bramlett, choking back emotion. "It's the only thing I've ever wanted to do. I only hope I've been a positive influence."

Bramlett, 68, talked about how his coaching style changed from when he started in 1963 until his retirement from coaching in 1999. Bramlett, who retired as Crystal River's athletic director in July 2006, joked that when he started his athletes kept their hair short and parents were more proactive in disciplining their children compared with athletes of today, who prefer "eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and playing video games."

During Bramlett's two stints that totaled 20 years at Crystal River, he won seven district football titles and five weightlifting championships, along with boys conference golf titles and weightlifting titles.

The 2007 FACA Hall of Fame class included former Jesuit baseball coach John Crumbley, Polk County athletic director Don Bridges, Tallahassee Chiles cross country/track coach Scott Gowan, Bradenton Southeast girls basketball coach John Harder, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons wrestling coach Frank Pettineo Jr. and Jacksonville Wolfson track coach Ron Brooks.

Crumbly, Jesuit's third inductee, went 575-154 with 18 district championships, 20 regional championship and 11 state Final Four appearances in 22 years. His 1997 team was named national champions by Baseball America.

In his speech Crumbly talked about how persistence pays off - even if one has to jump a few baseball fences to watch multiple games and learn.

Crumbly attributed his success to a few things: "Great players, great coaches, and you've got to have a little bit of luck."

The FACA Hall of Fame was started in 1977 and includes 190 members. All inductees receive a personal plaque and one for their school, plus an engraved Hall of Fame championship ring.

"This is the biggest award for a coach in the state of Florida," FACA executive director Wallace "Wink" Barnette said.

[Last modified January 7, 2007, 00:04:31]