Lance Crawford was named LOCAL 15's Sports Director in July 2008, but he is no stranger to the Gulf Coast. He worked for WALA from 1990 to 2000, the last 5 years as Sports Director. In 2000, he joined Comcast SportsNet, an all-sports regional television network in Philadelphia. "I'd always wanted to test myself in a highly competitive market, and satisfied that desire covering the city's 4 major sports teams for 8 years," Lance says. He was on the field in January 2005 when the Eagles beat the Falcons earning their first Super Bowl berth in 24 years. "The most memorable thing for me that day was spending three hours in minus-10 wind chill," Lance said. Much more comfortable duties included reporting courtside for live broadcasts of 76ers and Flyers games on the network, as well as anchoring the evening's highlight shows. In Philadelphia, he was twice nominated for a mid-Atlantic regional Emmy Award, winning in 2007 for his sports reporting.
Lance grew up on the West Coast, making stops at television stations in Chico, CA, Palm Springs, CA and Medford, OR before finding his way to the Heart of Dixie. During more than two decades in the industry, Lance has covered everything from lumberjack competitions to Super Bowls. He has driven stock cars, flown in a hang glider and ridden a bronc in the rodeo. "The most interesting stories to me, have always been those in which people meet and beat extreme challenges. One of my favorites was a 69-year-old man successfully summiting Mount Everest," Lance says.
Lance jumped at the chance to return to Mobile to be near family. His wife Luann grew up in Daphne. The Crawfords return to the Gulf Coast with two additions to their family, Nolan and Savannah, who are excited to be near Mimi, Papa and their cousins.
When not chasing after his kids, or at work, Lance enjoys being outside, doing almost anything. Another benefit Alabama has over the Northeast! He is a frequent speaker at schools and offers his time to various charities.
