Crane steps down as LHS coach after two seasons

By ANDY REED

Sports Editor

Troy Crane's two-year reign as Lebanon football coach ended with Friday night's season finale against Hendersonville.

Crane, 37, told the Blue Devils of his resignation during yesterday's pregame meal.

The longtime Wilson Central football and basketball assistant before getting his first head coaching job in the winter of 2011 went 3-17 in charge of the Blue Devils, including 1-9 this season after closing with 13-7 upset of the Commandos, likely knocking them out of the playoffs. He also spent a season as Cumberland's quarterbacks coach.

"I've just not been able to get the job done that needed to be done," said Crane, whose tenure was marked by school-imposed sanctions which resulted in the cancelation of spring practice for violating the offseason practice rule last spring. "Really, I have nobody to blame but myself. Couldn't ask for better support from the administration.

"I just feel it's the best thing for me and for Lebanon High School to let someone else take over that position."

Crane, who is a graduation coach at the school, said he has no immediate plans.

"It's just too early to tell about anything," Crane said. "I'm just going to take some time off, recharge my battery and see where it goes from there."

Sports Editor Andy Reed can be reached at 444-3952, ext. 17; or by email at andy.reed@lebanondemocrat.com