Gaylesville High School – Five year letterman in Baseball and Football
Gaylesville High School – Four year letterman in Basketball
1964-1965-1966 All-Cherokee County Football Team
1966 All-State Honorable Mention Football 13 TD’s Rushing, 10 Passing, 3 Punt Returns
1965-1966-1967 All-County Basketball Team
1967 All-Tournament Area 12 Region 6 Basketball
1967 Cherokee County Basketball Tournament Co-Most Valuable Player
1967 All-State Basketball 22.6 point, 8.0 rebounds, 5.8 assists per game
1965-1966-1967 All-County Baseball Team

At 5’8” inches tall, Victor Lamar “V.L.” Crane possessed a lethal combination of speed, strength, skill and game sense that baffled and bewildered larger opponents. Although a team championship eluded the Trojans during his time at Gaylesville High School tales of Cranes encounters with the giants of his era are plentiful. A fearless competitor, Crane would reach the end zone 16 times his senior campaign (13 rushing, 3 punt returns). Additionally, Crane would throw for 10 more Trojan scores. Crane’s efforts propelled the Trojan back to all-state honorable mention status. Later in his senior season Crane also achieved all-state recognition on the basketball court averaging 22.6 points, 8.0 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game. An excellent student, Crane was a member of the Beta Club and served as the schools newspaper sports editor. He was honored as Mr. Gaylesville High School his senior year. Crane made the most of limited baseball opportunities afforded at that time. He was a regular on the Babe Ruth All-Star rosters. Crane also excelled on the first American Legion squad Cherokee County that had formed in nearly twenty years. As a result of his all-round talents, Crane entertained offers from Mississippi State, Jacksonville State and Dartmouth. Crane would complete degree work at Northeast State Junior College and then obtain a B.A. in Economics from Jacksonville State University. Between Northeast State and Jacksonville State, V.L. served his country in the U.S. Army and worked for Reigel Textile Corporation in Trion, Ga. At Reigel, Crane participated on the company softball team leading them to four national tournament appearances. Later, Crane returned to Jacksonville State where he received his B.S. in Recreation and began his pursuit of a Master’s Degree in History. Still a scholar, Crane was named to the President’s List four times and the Dean’s List twice. Crane still gives back to the athletes in Cherokee County, serving as a volunteer coach. Crane was part of the Cedar Bluff baseball coaching staff in 2014 that guided the Tigers to a state semi-final appearance against Athens Bible. In V.L. Crane, heart and spirit trump size. Without reservation, coaches, players and spectators could attest that with his compact 5’8” frame Crane possessed an undeniable fiery spirit and the heart of a champion.