Mr. Maumee volleyball: Randy Crawford enjoys his time as line judge for Panthers

Randy Crawford has been a line judge for the Maumee volleyball team for eight years. / Jeremy Schneider

By JEREMY SCHNEIDER

IMA SPORTS

Usually when their kids graduate from high school, most parent volunteers will close the book on volunteering with the sports programs their kids were involved in.

Most parents, but not Randy Crawford.

You may not know Crawford, but if you’ve been to a Maumee volleyball match over the last eight years, you’ve definitely seen him. Crawford is the lead line judge for the Panthers, helping recruit new line judges and setting a schedule for the group.

His oldest daughter, Kara, played three years of volleyball for the high school. As any parent knows, once their kid is on a team, the coaches make a call for volunteers. Crawford was ready.

“Once Kara got in junior high, I gravitated to the sport,” Crawford said. “I enjoyed being in the gym and being close to the action. It’s an awesome sport. I enjoy the power, the agility, everything.”

Kara Crawford graduated from Maumee in 2021, and Courtney Crawford graduated in 2023. Courtney did not play volleyball, but none of that stopped Randy.

Not only has he done eight years of line judging for Maumee, but he also spent a couple of seasons as a line judge at Springfield High School.

“I enjoy being in the gym, I enjoy helping out,” Crawford said. “I know most parents don’t like doing it, but I’m one of the few that do.”

Crawford isn’t just another line judge, though. According to Panthers coach Lindsay Vannett, he’s one of the most trusted line judges in the area, being recognized and trusted by officials.

“When they see him, they know, ‘Oh yeah, we don’t need to even talk to him, we’re good,’” Vannett said. “You don’t ever see the officials challenging our calls because they trust they know what they’re doing.”

Vannett said having Crawford come back year after year has made at least one part of her job “super easy.”

“He just really enjoys the game,” Vannett said. “We have a great relationship, so he knows that it really helps me out. … He’s just a great energy and attitude to have around our program and girls. It’s a good feeling to have good people around your program.”

Watching Crawford on the court gives the impression he doesn’t view this as a duty or volunteer opportunity. He truly enjoys the front row seat he’s had to some of the best players to pass through the Maumee program, like Brynn Brown, Jolie Sobb, Kate Owens and Camy Wedge, to name a few.

“I enjoy seeing the players’ progression from freshman to senior year,” Crawford said, “seeing how they grow into their game, how they enjoy the sport. I’ve seen some good athletes along the way.”

Photo courtesy of Pride of the Panthers

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