With the recent retirement of Jonathan Zimmerman, it became imperative that 91ÖÆƬ³§ Track & Field find a new head coach with immediacy. Bill Crumley, a retired high school teacher and coach and recent volunteer assistant for Biola, answered that call.
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Crumley began his first season as the Interim Head Track & Field coach last week and immediately went from waking up in the Word and making his tee time to being a full-time collegiate coach over 50 student-athletes, including his youngest daughter, Megan Crumley.
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"I feel like I was called by God to be here," said Crumley. "I felt prepared after being here part-time coaching throws. This is such a special place, it's like a little piece of heaven in this world for my family."
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He joins the Biola staff after a 35-year teaching career that began in the Bay Area, but spent its last 34 years in Oregon. He taught full-time and also served as a head football and golf coach and assistant basketball and track & field coach.
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His youngest daughter and youngest son, Ben Crumley, both attend Biola. Megan is currently a thrower, and a GSAC Champion, on the track team, while Ben competes with men's golf.
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He and his wife Joanna have been married 25 years and have four children. Their two eldest, Bill and Elisa, are working in careers as a veterinarian and preschool teacher/coach, respectively.
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While finishing up his career in public education Crumley took two or three chances each of the last two years to come down to La Mirada and help Zimmerman out as a volunteer throwing coach. He led Biola's throwers to four individual conference championships and 12 All-GSAC honors.
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"Bill is a very experienced coach who has strong Christian character," said Athletic Director Dr. Dave Holmquist. "He is familiar with Biola and the track program and understands what needs to be emphasized. I am excited we could find a person of his caliber to coach our teams during the upcoming season."
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In his spare time Crumley is an avid golfer and works part-time as a host at his local golf course.
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The Biola track & field season begins competition Feb. 7 at the University of La Verne.