Long Beach State University Athletics
Water Polo Legend Ron Crawford Passes Away
12/29/2015 12:00:00 AM | Men's Water Polo
Long Beach, Calif. - Three-time Olympian and Long Beach State water polo star Ron Crawford died last week. He was 76.
Crawford was synonymous with American Water Polo in the 1960s, representing the United State of America in three consecutive Olympiads in 1960, 1964, and 1968, and was widely recognized as the best water polo player in the nation.
After competing at Long Beach City College, Crawford transferred to Long Beach State, where he was an All-American in both 1962 and 1963, leading the 49ers to a California State Championship in 1963 with a 23-1 record.
Crawford was widely recognized for his accomplishments in the pool. Crawford became the first American inducted into the International Water Polo Hall of Fame in 1983, and was inducted into the USA Water Polo Hall of Fame in 1977.
At Long Beach State, Crawford was one of 17 members of the inaugural class of the Long Beach State Hall of Fame in 1986.
Crawford was also the long-time water polo coach at Beverly Hills High School, where he coached into the 90s.
