The Gryphon Gazette

By Rohan D. ‘25

“When I took the position [of Director of Athletics] five years ago, I was told that Crystal was just an academic school,” said Bobby Long, Crystal Springs Uplands School’s Director of Athletics. But “since the Fall of 2022, no school has won more state championships than Crystal.” Those championships belong to Boys’ Cross Country (2022, 2023), Girls’ Cross Country (2022, 2023), and Girls’ Volleyball (2023).

In the ever-evolving landscape of high school athletics, Crystal Springs Uplands School is making waves with a winning streak that has not only altered the trajectory of its sports programs but also sparked discussions about the underlying drivers. In an interview with the Gryphon Gazette, Director of Athletics Bobby Long discusses the remarkable journey of Crystal Athletics and the key factors contributing to its unprecedented success.

Mr. Long first highlighted the importance of good coaching. Today, the school’s athletic culture has shifted significantly, attributed to a deliberate focus on hiring top-notch coaches. “It starts with the coaches: better coaches equals better culture equals better sports,” Mr. Long asserted. However, “great coaches combined with skilled scholar-athletes lead to more wins,” Mr. Long stated. “Coaches can prepare, but it’s the athletes that go out and perform, and they are getting it done.”

He further noted the importance of recognizing small victories. For example, the Crystal Gryphons Athletics’ Instagram account celebrates every achievement, no matter how minor. The Crystal Athletics Department’s increased use of social media has been part of a larger campaign to improve the level of external and internal awareness of the program’s growth. In addition, improved communication, both within the school and to the wider community, has also resulted in increased support for Crystal’s sports programs on the Peninsula, both inside and outside the Crystal community, according to Mr. Long.

“Crystal’s athletic program is undoubtedly on the rise,” declared Mr. Long. The historic reputation of Crystal as singularly focused on academics is dissipating, win by win. Mr. Long proposes that the Crystal narrative has been fundamentally altered, stating “People know, whether they are at Sacred Heart or Menlo, that it is going to be a battle when they get here.”

Additional resources available to athletics have played an important role in this athletic renaissance. Mr. Long expresses gratitude for the new back field behind the Mansion, a resource he envisioned when he first arrived. However, the opportunity for new heights is not exhausted. For example, Crystal’s coaches have full-time jobs outside of coaching. Mr. Long foresees a future where Crystal might have the resources to allow the coaching staff to focus on Crystal as their primary role. Mr. Long also imagines the implications of having a larger student body, stating, “We are in the smallest division in the State of California (Division 5), but you can have up to 450 students and still be in Division 5. From an admission standpoint, although I appreciate that it is so competitive, increasing enrollment to 420 students would be a game-changer.”

The athletic program’s upward trajectory has required strategic decisions regarding where excellence would be sought, with some sports eliminated over time. The decisions have been difficult. Mr. Long says, “The push and pull is: do we want to have a lot of offerings but fewer people, or do we reign it in a bit and crush in the sports we chose to compete in?” By making thoughtful decisions about where Crystal will compete, the Athletic Department and the Crystal administration overall have succeeded in “providing a great athletic experience” for all of his athletes. While it is always disappointing to not be able to have a robust offering for every possible sport of interest, Mr. Long states, “I have never been prouder of a program than Crystal.”

As Crystal continues to evolve, triumph, and add more state championships to its tally, the school’s sports programs stand as a testament to the dedication of its coaches, the talent of its athletes, and a community that rallies behind the pursuit of excellence. While facing challenges and making tough decisions about program offerings, Crystal Athletics has emerged as a force to be reckoned with, marked by the five state championships. As Crystal Athletics continues its successful path, the achievements on the field and the court not only symbolize the dedication of its athletes and coaches but also signal a broader shift in the school’s identity. Crystal Springs Uplands School is not just winning games – it is rewriting its narrative and establishing a legacy of excellence that transcends the playing field.