William Crowley, Sr.
Known as ‘Big Bill’ during his days of athletic excellence, William Crowley, Sr., was an all-rounder who sparkled in many sports.
Born here in 1886, he was considered by many old-timers as one of the greatest all-round competitors to be raised locally. He excelled at hockey, football, lacrosse, baseball, rugby, and track and field. He played defence for several championship hockey clubs, one of which won the Intermediate OHA championship in 1906. His football team had won the Ontario Intermediate title the previous year.
Crowley moved to Edmonton in 1907 to play professional hockey. Another member of that Edmonton Eskimos’ team which challenged for the Stanley Cup was Fred WhitCroft, also a Peterborough native who is in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Crowley became a prominent citizen of Edmonton, and later Calgary, as well as earning honours as a hero of World War I. He died in 1946.
Year Inducted:
1984
Status:
Deceased
Known as ‘Big Bill’ during his days of athletic excellence, William Crowley, Sr., was an all-rounder who sparkled in many sports.
Born here in 1886, he was considered by many old-timers as one of the greatest all-round competitors to be raised locally. He excelled at hockey, football, lacrosse, baseball, rugby, and track and field. He played defence for several championship hockey clubs, one of which won the Intermediate OHA championship in 1906. His football team had won the Ontario Intermediate title the previous year.
Crowley moved to Edmonton in 1907 to play professional hockey. Another member of that Edmonton Eskimos’ team which challenged for the Stanley Cup was Fred WhitCroft, also a Peterborough native who is in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Crowley became a prominent citizen of Edmonton, and later Calgary, as well as earning honours as a hero of World War I. He died in 1946.