DIXON, CA (MPG) - The Crump Invitational, a Track and Field event, was a first at Dixon High School and was a success despite the weather. Tom Crumpacker coached 45 years in many schools in Northern California including 31 years for Dixon High School. During his tenure here, he also served as Athletics Director for nine years and he coached football, basketball, cross country, and Track and Field.

During his tenure as Head Coach or Co-Head Coach, his teams won an amazing 10 Section Championships (six Cross Country and four Track and Field.) 38 League Championships (21 in Cross Country and 14 in Track and three in football.

He taught his athletes that success was not solely on win/loss records but that the person left the sport with more knowledge than when they started, that the athlete displayed respect for the sport and their fellow competitors and as the season progressed, each team would grow with a sense of family. Crumpacker stressed that a positive educational style of coaching be used with all teams, and he encouraged youth to give back to the Dixon community.

There are countless athletes I coached who went on to play college sports and some who went into coaching – some chose to work and also coach,” said Crumpacker.

He credited his accomplishments to his exceptional assistant coaches who led the charge over the years and certainly to his wife and family, he said.

All of the current Dixon Track and Field coaches have competed at university level so have a wealth of training to provide for Dixon High School athletes. After Crumpacker retired, Co-Head coaches are Tony Potier and Nate Pederson with Assistants Justin Kelso and Andy Bloom.

“We are always there for the kids,” said Potier who is in his 13^th year coaching at Dixon High.

His family moved to Dixon while the ever-dedicated Crumpacker was coach. He remembered when he got started that there were only 19 students, but they went over 100 the second year.

“Now, we’re at about 80 and their talent is unbelievable,” he enthused. “We’re very excited. They were several committed to practicing over the summer because they believe in the program.”

In regard to the Crump Invitational, Potier reported that it was a success and now that they know how to do one, there will be another, he said with a laugh.

“Our supporters were amazing, and I can’t say enough thanks to Tully Consulting, Grocery Outlet and Dawson’s.”

Dixon Dolphins
Summer swim registration is now open for both new & returning swimmers. Sign-up today at www.dixondolphins.org. Coaches will hold assessments for new swimmers on Monday, April 10. The first night of practice will be on Tuesday, April 11.

Lifeguard Course
The City of Dixon is holding a Lifeguard Certification Course beginning in March with session 2 during spring break and session 3 in April. The cost is $230 and there are scholarships available for those who qualify. Times are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and you have to be at least 15 years old. Upon successful completion of course requirements, participants will receive a 2-year certification in Lifeguarding, CPR, AED and Title 22 First Aid. For more information call (707) 678-7000, ext. 5422 or email [email protected].