by Julia Robins ’20

Momentum is building to name Sherwood’s gymnasium after Warren Gorden Crutchfield, who passed away at 82 years old on July 5. He taught physical education at Sherwood for 30 years, also coaching basketball, track, and cross country teams. He was the first African American head coach in MCPS. Prior to being a teacher and coach, he sprinted in the Olympic trials and served four years in the Medical Corp in Germany. In addition, he was also the first teacher of MCPS to speak at any high school graduation.

“Crutchfield was a great man who knew how to get the best out of others, while making them feel good about themselves and wanting to be better humans. This quality, and one of his finest, is that of a true leader,” stated Sherwood Alumnus Kathy Awkard, Class of ‘77. On Change.org, the petition she started that closed with 2,713 signatures. 

In late August, Principal Eric Minus had received information from a faculty member about Mr. Crutchfield’s death. Soon after, he became aware of Awkard’s petition. More members of the community started contacting him, seeking an opportunity to honor Crutchfield for all that he did for the students and families here at Sherwood and in the community. He treated the students and the community with a strong, caring commitment towards everyone’s success. 

The stories that Minus has been receiving “have been overwhelming to hear, and I think that is why I’ve been most impressed. This is a gentleman who has a long standing history, not just in school but in the community, and he has served in multiple capacities [and] it sounds like he was a true champion for all students here at Sherwood.” 

Crutchfield made a vast difference in the community and inspired many students, including Social Studies teacher Caitlin Thompson, who is also the assistant coach for indoor track. Her freshman year, she tried out for his basketball team, and even though she got cut, Crutchfield pulled her aside, and told her that she had strong potential for running track. He worked hard to make her feel better about herself. According to Thompson, he was also tough but in a way that meant students knew he cared about them. 

“Mr. Crutchfield was a pillar of this community in every imaginable way for decades. He helped shape the lives of student-athletes and is one of the brightest spots in many people’s memories of Sherwood. I can’t think of a more deserving person to honor,” said Thompson.

According to Minus, after an individual petitions the school system, stakeholders (that include students, community members, and teachers) collect input from the community and then vote for a recommendation to the county of whether or not to proceed with the change. The committee aims to meet and give its recommendation/vote to the school system in January.