Everett L. “Corky” Crane
Inducted 1999
Hometown: Banquete
College: Texas A&I University
Best Known: Athlete-Football
One of the smallest stars in the Valley football galaxy, the 135-pound Crane played football at Lyford high School was nonetheless a tough man who won numerous Golden Gloves titles as a fighter and became Lyford's greatest star on the gridiron.
Crane was swift and strong enough to make All-District as a freshman in 1950, and won the honor four straight years, as a halfback and quarterback. He led the Valley in scoring in 1953, earned second-team All-State, and guided the Bulldogs to the state quarterfinals with an 11-1 record. In the 14-6 loss to Deer Park that season, Crane ran a punt back 85 yards for a score to keep Lyford close.
He played four years at Texas A&I University despite his lack of size, lettering from 1954-57 and enjoying some fine moments as a defensive back and halfback. The versatile Crane was also a noted stage actor while at Texas A&I.