Fruitland’s Crim scores with Ivy League

By Scott Ford
Argus Observer
Saturday, June 6, 2009 10:55 PM PDT

Fruitland-Fruitland’s Caleb Crim was a huge threat to any team’s defensive scheme, as the 6-foot, 225-pound Grizzly running back usually made short work of the opposition’s game plan during his time in the Fruitland backfield.

During his senior season, Crim compiled 1,213 yards on 111 carries, which calculates to 10.9 yards per carry. Add in his junior stats of 860 yards rushing and 22 touchdowns and setting a Fruitland High School record of seven touchdowns in one game. It’s no wonder he will be playing at the next level.

Hold on.

Crim will not be running the football in college. Instead, he will be taking his defensive skills to Cornell University where he is slated to play linebacker for the Big Red.

Crim was also named the Idaho Player of the Year by the Idaho Statesmen in 2008-2009 and earned the Wendy’s High School Heisman honor as a senior. In addition to that, Crim was the Snake River Valley Conference Player of the Year his senior year and was named to the SRV all-conference first team as a junior.

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Playing for Fruitland High School, Crim said there is not a better school in the area in terms of athletics or education.

“Fruitland does a great job of offering advanced classes for those who are seeking a higher education,” Crim said. “I was really happy with the athletic programs and the weight programs they had to offer.”

Crim not only led on the gridiron, but he was also a leader in the classroom as he posted a 4.0 grade point average during his four years at Fruitland High School.

“I have had it in my mind for a really long time to play college football and to go to a really good school. So the hard work that I have put in is now paying off,” Crim said. “Both Bruce Schlaich and Russ Wright taught me the meaning of working hard, and, if I did that, hard work would pay off in the end. I also talked a lot with coach Mike Fitch, the Fruitland boys basketball coach, and, no matter what the situation was, he always told me to never to forget to keep laughing at myself. I consider myself to be a funny guy, and I will remember that when I am at school. I want to remain relaxed and still enjoy myself.”

Crim had to make a decision between Cornell and Princeton to continue his education and his football career. Crim said he had an offer on the table from Princeton University.

“When I went to Cornell, I just felt at home there. The students were laid back and very open,” Crim said. “I hope when my career is done at Cornell, I can look back and be happy with what I accomplished, both in the classroom and on the field. I hope I can say I played football for at least three years, and being named to the All-Ivy team wouldn’t be bad either. I just want to have a great time, and I do not want to be stressed out my entire college career.”

Crim ended his high school football career having to be carted off the field late in the championship game against the Salmon Savages Nov. 21 because of a knee injury. Fruitland lost that game 37-26. Crim said his knee is fine, and he played baseball this spring without any pain.

“Cornell has me on a workout program, and, as far as I am concerned, I am at 100 percent,” Crim said.

Crim plans to study law and political science but added he has not decided a specific major yet.

As for his time at Fruitland High School, Crim said his fondest memory was all the football games he was able to play in and the camaraderie he had with his teammates. However, winning a state title and setting a school record are also high on his lists of positive memories as a Grizzly.

Crim said his parents have been the biggest influence in his life.