Imhotep Charter's Albie Crosby Is Coach Of The Year

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Albie Crosby is part coaching amoeba, part man. How else can anyone explain the Imhotep Charter coach's innate ability to be everywhere at once?

A seven-on-seven passing camp in Bucks County—he's there. A coaching clinic with his assistant coaches in tow at a local college—he's there, too. There he is again, puttering along in a packed car driving a crew of his players to a Southeastern Conference school over the summer; or at Jahri Evans' annual camp for local high school kids in May.

It's that time and commitment to his players and program that's made Crosby in his first stint as a head coach a winner.

In four years at Imhotep Charter, all Crosby has done is compile a 53-6 record, one PIAA Class AA state runner-up trophy and this season a PIAA Class AAA state championship, the first state football title for a Philadelphia Public League school.

There were six Imhotep players (Mike Waters, Naseir Upshur, Yasir Durant, JohnCarlo Valentin, Andre Mintze, and Shaka Toney) who were named to the Class AAA all-state team. Crosby, who has a .898 winning percentage, was named AAA Coach of the Year by the Pennsylvania football writers.

Crosby has another accolade to pick up: CBS Philly's Coach of the Year.

"We wouldn't have done all of the things we did without coach," said Valentin, Imhotep's all-everything offensive guard. "Me and coach had our clashes, but everything he does he does to make his players better. I learned to appreciate that. He helped me mature."

Crosby always places challenges on himself. One of the biggest this season was trying to keep a talented team focused—and they were, good enough to arguably be the greatest team in Philadelphia Public League history, finishing 15-0 and easily dominating Erie Cathedral Prep in the Class AAA state championship, 40-3.

"We had a really good group this year, and I just wanted to place them in a position to achieve," said Crosby, who was unwilling to take any credit. "We wouldn't be where we are without my assistant coaches. Our success is because of the staff I have. They all a major play in what we've done. They're not only great football coaches but great men.

"Focus is a big deal every year. We had to keep our young people in line and focused. That's a challenge at all times, not just on the football field. There are so many distractions out there, especially with social media today. We have a major support system throughout our school—and we have a group of very special young people. It's all of them that I have to give the credit to for our success."