Albion College claimed MIAA football championships in 1976 and1977. Fred Cromie, who achieved all-league status as a member ofboth title teams, was a star on defense.
The 1976 "wrecking crew" led the nation in total defense andpoints allowed, and ranked second against the rush. Fred averaged12 tackles a game his junior season, and tied teammate Dave Abbottas the league leader in fumble recoveries.
Albion made its first appearance in the NCAA Division IIIplayoffs in 1977 after posting an 8-1 regular season record. The"wrecking crew" continued its dominance, topping the nationalcharts in total defense, rushing defense, and passing defense. Fredwas credited with 12 tackles and three fumble recoveries in theplayoff game at the University of Minnesota-Morris. He alsointercepted two passes, returning one for a touchdown.
In 1981, Fred became an assistant professor in sports andmovement studies as well as the co-head football coach and headwomen’s track coach at Earlham College. He returned toMichigan in 1983 as an instructor of physical education and thedefensive, academic, and recruiting coordinator for the footballprogram at Grand Valley State University.
After receiving his master’s degree in 1985, Fred hasserved as a school administrator. He currently holds the positionof principal at Avondale High School.
Fred and his wife, Camella Maxim Cromie, ’77, have twosons, Fred and Daniel, ’05, and a daughter, Katie.
