Terry Crawford served as head coach for the Texas women’s cross country and track and field programs from 1984 to 1992, and will return to the Forty Acres once again this weekend as an honorary referee for the Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays. 

During her time as head coach, the Longhorns won four Southwest Conference cross country titles and six Southwest Conference outdoor track and field titles. Additionally, Crawford coached the Longhorns to victory in the 1986 cross country, as well as the outdoor and indoor track and field NCAA championships. This feat earned Texas the first Triple Crown in women’s NCAA Division I history. 

In 1988, Crawford led the United States national team’s women’s track & field at the Seoul Summer Olympics. She was later inducted into the USA Track & Field Coaches Hall of Fame in 1996. 

During the 1970s and 1980s, the atmosphere of women’s collegiate sports began to change.  

“Texas Athletics was one of the first big-time programs to embrace and promote women’s athletics immediately after the passing of Title IX,” Crawford said. “It established a legacy of excellence for women athletes and still is very present in the current athletic program.”

The Texas Relays have a deeply rooted history in Texas Athletics, and this year will mark the 98th holding of the event. 

“The Texas Relays were established and were one of the most celebrated track meets long before I came to Texas in 1984,” Crawford said. 

In recent years, the relays have become even more competitive than when they were conceived. The relays also host thousands of athletes annually and welcome tens of thousands of fans. It is one of the most notable track & field meets in the country, not just at the collegiate level, but also at the high school and professional levels. 

“The relays have made numerous changes to improve the competitive opportunities for athletes,” Crawford said. 

Each year, an honorary referee is named ahead of the Texas Relays. This year, Crawford was selected by the program’s current head coach, Edrick Floréal.

The position is largely ceremonial but is nonetheless important. Although Crawford, as an honorary referee, will not be participating in the actual officiating of events, she will be recognized throughout the weekend for her contributions to Texas Athletics. 

Crawford’s duties as honorary referee for the 98th annual Texas Relays will begin on Wednesday and conclude on Saturday.