William W. “Buck” Crosby ‘59

Football 1955-58

William Crosby exhibited leadership on and off the football field during his college days, and after graduating from Benedict he served as an educational leader in his home state of Georgia for nearly four decades.

A skilled player who had a nose for the ball, Crosby was a big contributor as an offensive and defensive player from 1955 to 1958 under Coaches John E. Brown and Ted Brown.  Those were rebuilding years for the Tigers, who had up-and-down success in regular season competition.

“Buck” Crosby made everyone around him play better.  He was a motivator who inspired his teammates to out-smart and out-hit opponents.  In 1960, the year following his graduation, the Tigers emerged as one of the SIAC’s best with a 9-2 record.

Crosby took his Benedict degree home to Brunswick, Georgia, where he began teaching and coaching in the Glynn County School System.  During a 38-year career in education he rose through the ranks to become interim superintendent.

Now retired, William Crosby is devoting more time to community organizations.  He currently is president of the Torchbearers Program, Inc., which mentors African-American male students who are at-risk.  Also, among many other affiliations, he serves as chairman of the local hospital board and is the first Black chairman of the Salvation Army board.