Thank you!

The Eastern Mennonite School Athletic Department would like to thank Varsity Boys Basketball Head Coach Eli Crawford, and Varsity Assistant, Blaize Velvin, for their dedication to the EMS Basketball program. 

After 5 years of leadership, Coach Crawford and Coach Velvin are stepping down from their coaching roles at EMS.

Coach Crawford took over the Flames in 2022 and led the team to the VISAA D3 State Championship, the first in school history. He was named VISAA D3 State Coach of the Year in 2022. Over his tenure he coached four First Team All-VISAA Selections, including the 2022 Player of the Year. The Flames had multiple VISAA 2nd Team Selections and 1st and 2nd Team All Conference Selections during his time as coach.

“I first would like to thank the ones that believed in me (Gascho, King and Mr. Leaman), they took a chance on me five years ago to become the next coach here at EMHS. Thank you to you guys! Eastern Mennonite has been my home for a very long time from my stint at the college and making it to the NCAA tourney for first time in history and also the high school with winning our first ever state championship!! Something that’ll stick with me forever and wherever I end up!!I want to say thank you also to the EMHS staff that welcomed me with open arms as well! I’ve so enjoyed my time here, but I know all great things must come to an end. I’m not a big good-bye person so I’d like to say see you later!Thank you all for the great memories, something that’ll last a lifetime!” – Coach Crawford

In reflecting on their time at EMS, Athletic Director Andrew Gascho said, “Coach Crawford’s magnetic personality and vibrant smile has been a staple of the EMS gym for the past five years. It has been a true pleasure to work with Coach Crawford and Coach Velvin and see them grow as coaches and leaders. They have created incredible relationships with their athletes, and I am proud to call each one a friend. As they leave, Coach Crawford has assured me that this is not a ‘good-bye’ but a ‘see ya later.’ I look forward to seeing him come home and watch future Flames build on the foundation that he has left. I wish Eli and Blaize nothing but the best as they transition to new things, and I know they continue to impact the lives of each athlete they coach.”

“Eli is exceptional in the fact that he is experienced in so many different high level and championship games- whether at the conference or state level. He has been a mentor and role model for many student-athletes and is just as eager to teach a life lesson as a jab step” said High School Principal, Justin King. 

The Eastern Mennonite School Athletic Department will immediately begin a search for a new coach to lead the Varsity Boys Basketball program. If you are interested in coaching, please inquire with Andrew Gascho, Athletic Director (gaschoa@easternmennonite.org)