Joe Crabtree served in many different roles within the Athletic Department at Cleveland State and was the fifth employee hired at the college. Crabtree taught Physical Education while serving as the Athletic Director and Head Men's Basketball Coach from 1967-1975. He oversaw the construction of the first athletic facilities built on Cleveland State's campus and his Men's Basketball team played the first ever game in L. Quentin Lane Gymnasium, winning 75-71 over Johnson Bible College. He also was the first Director of the TJCAA and helped Cleveland State become a founding member of the conference when it was established in 1968. Crabtree also coached Golf for two seasons and Baseball for a season.
