Hargis: Crownover inspired by her father

There are moments, like when she catches herself momentarily scanning the bleachers or awaits the postgame phone call that isn't coming, that the reality hasn't sank in for Susan Crownover just yet.

Those are the instances that Crownover would normally find her father, Eddie Lance, sitting in the stands to watch her work, or on the rare occasion that he couldn't attend the game, would call shortly after she arrived home to find out how her GPS team had fared. But on Dec. 8, after a two-year battle with cancer and bouts of dialysis, the 71-year old Lance passed away, causing Crownover to spend time reflecting on how greatly she misses those small moments she shared with her father.

"He was the reason my brother, sister and me all played sports," Crownover said, moments after GPS has advanced to the semifinals of the annual Best of Preps tournament Wednesday. "Daddy was my biggest fan when I was a player, and he was my biggest fan once I became a coach.

"I chose my career because of him, and I know in my heart he will always be with me. His last words to me, he looked up and opened his eyes real wide and said, 'Hey babe, I love you. Keep winning those games.' He always encouraged me to do what I love."

Her father spent nearly a week in an ICU unit before passing away and Crownover missed coaching three games to be with her family. The Bruisers paid tribute to their coach the best way they knew how, by giving an effort that would have made Eddie Lance proud, winning each of those games.

With a veteran group of returning playesr, GPS (11-1) is not only the favorite to repeat as champions of the Best of Preps tournament this week, but also to defend its state title.

"He loved watching me coach and he loved watching his grandchildren play ball," Crownover said. "There were several times he had no business being at the state softball tournament, but he was there. And last year, with his grandsons playing in the state baseball tournament in Columbus (Ga.), there he was, sick with cancer and on dialysis on one of the hottest days of the year watching.

"That's what I will always remember about him. He was so supportive and that makes all of us feel really good to know he cared that much just to come sit and watch us, even when he was so sick."

An All America center on the 1957 state champion Central High football team, Eddie Lance played at Auburn University for two years before returning home to finish his collegiate career at the University of Chattanooga. Although he passed along his love of sports to his three children, none seemed to inherit his competitive streak more than Susan, who is married to Ringgold assistant baseball coach David Crownover.

A point guard in basketball, Crownover said the conversations she shared with her father on the ride home after games revolved more on how to become a better leader than her stats in the game. His repeated advice to all of his children was to never do anything half-hearted. Do everything with a purpose.

Crownover soaked in the advice and few coaches in the state can match her level of success, having won seven softball state titles and last year leading the Bruisers to the Division II basketball championship.

"Ask my girls and they'll tell you how often they hear me say those same words to them, never do anything halfway, always play with a purpose," Crownover said. "It's like it's daddy talking through me.

"He didn't want to leave my mom or any of us kids, but he was in such a tough place physically. We're glad to know he won't suffer anymore. And no matter where I am or what team I'm coaching, I know a part of him will always be there, encouraging me."