The crusade starts with Gribben
June 16 , 2008
The Fond du Lac Crusaders overhauled half their roster and brought in an entire new coaching staff last season. Perhaps their biggest addition was going out and getting Tony Gribben at the quarterback position. Competing for the starting spot with an experienced veteran, Tony went on to win the job half way through the season.
Tony brings a very impressive resumé of high quality football and baseball experience to the Crusaders. He played under Coach Bob Hyland at St. Mary's Springs High School, where he was a starter at defensive end and quarterback. He was a member of three conference championship teams, two state championship teams, and was named All-Conference and All-Area during his senior year.
On the baseball diamond, Tony was a member of three conference championship teams at St. Mary’s Springs and made one state tournament appearance. He was named All-Conference three times, All-Area once, and was selected to play in the state All-Star Game. Tony was a member of two state championship Babe Ruth teams which both finished third in the Midwest Regionals. He was selected All-State twice and All-Midwest once in the Babe Ruth League.
Tony passed on college football offers to play baseball at Indian Hills CC (IA). He eventually transferred to the University of Wisconsin - Fond du Lac, where he was a starter in every career game and was named their Team Captain. Undoubtedly successful on the baseball field, he still had a passion to see if he could play football at a high level. He answered that question when he joined the Crusaders in 2007.
In 2007, the wins were thin and the losses came hard, but Tony showed his teammates he was a true leader through all situations. Playing in only half of the Crusaders’ games, Gribben led the team with 780 yards passing and a completion percentage of 57.8. His completions averaged a very respectable 14.2 yards. Tony’s dedication to watching film in the off-season and his rigorous conditioning program has brought him into this year’s camp in top condition, both mentally and physically. This season, the team has surrounded Gribben with even more talent to get the ball to, in hopes that it will translate into more touchdowns and wins. The Crusaders are banking that his hard work, confidence and positive demeanor will lead Fond du Lac deep into the 2008 campaign and possibly beyond.