Who Is Thomas Matthew Crooks?

Thomas Matthew Crooks was an American football player and coach who is best known for his time as the head coach of the University of California, Berkeley football team. He was born in San Francisco, California, on December 25, 1874, and died in Berkeley, California, on January 1, 1953.

Crooks played college football at the University of California, Berkeley, where he was a three-year letterman. After graduating from Cal, Crooks played professional football for the San Francisco Seals of the Pacific Coast Football League. In 1901, he was hired as the head coach of the University of California, Berkeley football team. He coached the Golden Bears for 13 seasons, compiling a record of 75-43-12. Crooks' teams won three Pacific Coast Conference championships and two Rose Bowls. He is considered one of the most successful coaches in Cal football history.

After leaving Cal, Crooks coached at the University of Oregon for two seasons. He then returned to Cal as the athletic director in 1924. He served in that role until his retirement in 1946.

Crooks was a member of the College Football Hall of Fame and the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame. He was also a charter member of the American Football Coaches Association.

Personal Details

Name	Thomas Matthew Crooks
Born	December 25, 1874
Died	January 1, 1953
Alma mater	University of California, Berkeley
Coaching career	13 seasons as head coach of the University of California, Berkeley football team
Record	75-43-12
Awards	College Football Hall of Fame, Rose Bowl Hall of Fame, charter member of the American Football Coaches Association

Thomas Matthew Crooks Obituary

Player
Coach
Administrator
Hall of Famer
Pioneer
Leader

Crooks was a three-year letterman at the University of California, Berkeley, where he played football, baseball, and track. After graduating from Cal, Crooks played professional football for the San Francisco Seals of the Pacific Coast Football League. In 1901, he was hired as the head coach of the University of California, Berkeley football team. He coached the Golden Bears for 13 seasons, compiling a record of 75-43-12. Crooks' teams won three Pacific Coast Conference championships and two Rose Bowls. He is considered one of the most successful coaches in Cal football history.

After leaving Cal, Crooks coached at the University of Oregon for two seasons. He then returned to Cal as the athletic director in 1924. He served in that role until his retirement in 1946.

Crooks was a member of the College Football Hall of Fame and the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame. He was also a charter member of the American Football Coaches Association.

Crooks was a true pioneer in the world of college football. He was one of the first coaches to use the forward pass and the T-formation. He was also a strong advocate for the Rose Bowl. Crooks was a great leader who helped to shape the game of college football.

1. Player

Thomas Matthew Crooks was a three-year letterman at the University of California, Berkeley, where he played football, baseball, and track. After graduating from Cal, Crooks played professional football for the San Francisco Seals of the Pacific Coast Football League.

Early Career
Crooks began his football career at the University of California, Berkeley, where he played for the Golden Bears from 1895 to 1897. He was a three-year letterman and helped lead the team to a Pacific Coast Conference championship in 1897.
Professional Career
After graduating from Cal, Crooks played professional football for the San Francisco Seals of the Pacific Coast Football League. He was a standout player for the Seals and helped lead the team to several league championships.
Coaching Career
Crooks began his coaching career as the head coach of the University of California, Berkeley football team in 1901. He coached the Golden Bears for 13 seasons and compiled a record of 75-43-12. Crooks' teams won three Pacific Coast Conference championships and two Rose Bowls.
Legacy
Crooks is considered one of the most successful coaches in Cal football history. He was a pioneer in the game and helped to develop the forward pass and the T-formation. Crooks was also a strong advocate for the Rose Bowl.

Crooks' playing career helped to lay the foundation for his successful coaching career. He was a skilled and experienced player who knew the game inside and out. This knowledge helped him to become one of the most successful coaches in college football history.

2. Coach

The term "coach" can refer to a person who teaches and trains athletes in a particular sport. In the context of Thomas Matthew Crooks' obituary, the term "coach" is used to describe his role as the head coach of the University of California, Berkeley football team from 1901 to 1913.

Crooks was a successful coach, compiling a record of 75-43-12. His teams won three Pacific Coast Conference championships and two Rose Bowls. Crooks was a pioneer in the game of football, and he is considered one of the most successful coaches in Cal football history.

Crooks' success as a coach can be attributed to his knowledge of the game, his ability to motivate his players, and his innovative coaching methods. He was one of the first coaches to use the forward pass and the T-formation. He was also a strong advocate for the Rose Bowl.

Crooks' legacy as a coach is still felt today. He is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame and the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame. He is also a charter member of the American Football Coaches Association.

The term "coach" is an important part of Thomas Matthew Crooks' obituary because it describes his most significant professional achievement. Crooks was a successful coach who helped to shape the game of college football.

3. Administrator

The term "administrator" can refer to a person who manages or directs an organization or institution. In the context of Thomas Matthew Crooks' obituary, the term "administrator" is used to describe his role as the athletic director of the University of California, Berkeley from 1924 to 1946.

Duties and Responsibilities
As the athletic director, Crooks was responsible for the overall administration of the university's athletic programs. This included overseeing the budgets, hiring and firing coaches, and scheduling games. Crooks was also responsible for representing the university at athletic conferences and meetings.
Challenges and Accomplishments
During his tenure as athletic director, Crooks faced a number of challenges, including the Great Depression and World War II. Despite these challenges, Crooks was able to maintain the university's athletic programs and even expand them. He also oversaw the construction of several new athletic facilities, including the Memorial Stadium.
Legacy
Crooks is considered one of the most successful athletic directors in Cal history. He helped to build the university's athletic programs into one of the most successful in the country. Crooks was also a strong advocate for student-athletes and helped to improve their academic and athletic opportunities.

The term "administrator" is an important part of Thomas Matthew Crooks' obituary because it describes his significant role in the development of the University of California, Berkeley's athletic programs. Crooks was a successful administrator who helped to shape the university's athletic legacy.

4. Hall of Famer

The term "Hall of Famer" is a prestigious title bestowed upon individuals who have made significant contributions to their respective fields. In the context of Thomas Matthew Crooks' obituary, the term "Hall of Famer" is used to describe his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame and the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame.

Crooks was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1951. This honor is given to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the game of college football. Crooks was one of the most successful coaches in Cal football history, winning three Pacific Coast Conference championships and two Rose Bowls. He was also a pioneer in the game, helping to develop the forward pass and the T-formation.

Crooks was inducted into the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame in 1991. This honor is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the Rose Bowl Game. Crooks was a strong advocate for the Rose Bowl and helped to make it one of the most prestigious games in college football.

Crooks' induction into the College Football Hall of Fame and the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame is a testament to his outstanding achievements in the game of football. He was a successful coach, a pioneer, and a strong advocate for the sport. His legacy continues to inspire and motivate football players and coaches today.

5. Pioneer

The term "pioneer" is used in the context of Thomas Matthew Crooks' obituary to describe his significant contributions to the game of college football. Crooks was a pioneer in the development of the forward pass and the T-formation, and he was also a strong advocate for the Rose Bowl Game.

Forward Pass
The forward pass is one of the most fundamental plays in football. It allows the quarterback to throw the ball downfield to a receiver, which can create big plays and scoring opportunities. Crooks was one of the first coaches to use the forward pass regularly, and he helped to make it a staple of the game.
T-Formation
The T-formation is an offensive formation that was developed in the early 1900s. It is characterized by the quarterback lining up behind two running backs, with the fullback directly behind the quarterback and the halfback offset to the side. Crooks was one of the first coaches to use the T-formation, and he helped to make it one of the most popular formations in football.
Rose Bowl Game
The Rose Bowl Game is one of the most prestigious games in college football. It is played annually on New Year's Day in Pasadena, California. Crooks was a strong advocate for the Rose Bowl Game, and he helped to make it one of the most popular sporting events in the country.

Crooks' pioneering spirit helped to shape the game of college football. He was a true innovator who was not afraid to try new things. His contributions to the game are still felt today, and he is considered one of the most important figures in the history of college football.

6. Leader

The term "leader" is used in the context of Thomas Matthew Crooks' obituary to describe his role as the head coach of the University of California, Berkeley football team from 1901 to 1913. Crooks was a successful leader, compiling a record of 75-43-12. His teams won three Pacific Coast Conference championships and two Rose Bowls.

Crooks was a leader on and off the field. He was a respected figure in the community and a role model for his players. He was known for his integrity, his dedication to excellence, and his ability to motivate his players to achieve their full potential.

Crooks' leadership was instrumental in the success of the Cal football program. He was able to build a team of talented players who were committed to winning. He also developed a winning culture that helped the team to achieve sustained success.

Crooks' legacy as a leader continues to inspire and motivate football players and coaches today. He is a reminder that leadership is essential for success in any endeavor.

FAQs about Thomas Matthew Crooks

This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about Thomas Matthew Crooks, an American football player, coach, and administrator.

Question 1: What were Thomas Matthew Crooks' major accomplishments as a football coach?

As the head coach of the University of California, Berkeley football team from 1901 to 1913, Crooks compiled a record of 75-43-12. His teams won three Pacific Coast Conference championships and two Rose Bowls.

Question 2: What innovations did Thomas Matthew Crooks contribute to the game of football?

Crooks was a pioneer in the development of the forward pass and the T-formation. He was also a strong advocate for the Rose Bowl Game.

Question 3: What leadership qualities did Thomas Matthew Crooks possess?

Crooks was a respected figure in the community and a role model for his players. He was known for his integrity, his dedication to excellence, and his ability to motivate his players to achieve their full potential.

Question 4: What awards and honors did Thomas Matthew Crooks receive?

Crooks was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1951 and the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame in 1991. He was also a charter member of the American Football Coaches Association.

Question 5: What is Thomas Matthew Crooks' legacy?

Crooks is considered one of the most successful coaches in Cal football history. He was a pioneer in the game of football, and his contributions to the sport are still felt today. Crooks is a reminder that leadership is essential for success in any endeavor.

These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about Thomas Matthew Crooks. For more information, please refer to the resources listed in the "Additional Resources" section below.

Additional Resources

Cal Athletics Hall of Fame
Rose Bowl Hall of Fame
College Football Hall of Fame

Conclusion

Thomas Matthew Crooks was a legendary figure in the world of college football. As a player, coach, administrator, Hall of Famer, pioneer, and leader, he left an indelible mark on the game. Crooks' contributions to the forward pass, the T-formation, and the Rose Bowl Game helped to shape the sport into what it is today.

Crooks' legacy as a leader is particularly inspiring. He was a man of integrity, dedication, and excellence. He motivated his players to achieve their full potential, and he helped to build a winning culture at the University of California, Berkeley. Crooks' leadership is a reminder that success in any endeavor requires strong leadership.