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Each season the Orlando Rage honor
the memory of Joel Crane, former player, who was tragically cut down early in
his life.
Joel was truly a leader on and off
the football field and exemplified everything that a player, coach or human
being would look for in a person.
Joel's dedication to his Lord, family, friends and
teammates caused him to rise above the others.
Given Joel's work-ethic and genuine personality, the
RAGE honor a player each year for his attributes and dedication by giving him
the "Joel Crane Award"
Joel Alexander Crane, a native of Miami, Florida, who
resided in Orlando, Florida died May 18, 2002. He was employed by Walt Disney
World Company; Security Division for the City of Orlando and in Sales with West
Gate Time Share Company. Joel was a graduate of Florida A & M University and a
member of the Knight of Goodwill Lodge. He played professional football for the
Arena Football league, Jacksonville Tomcats and for the Space Coast
Panthers of the Sunshine State Minor Football Organization. Survivors include:
parents, John & Carolyn Crane; brothers, Jermaine A. Crane, John Crane, Jr.;
grandparents, Mrs. Rosetta Crane, Rev. David and Mrs. Dixie Baker; several
aunts, uncles, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many sorrowing friends. |
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2011 Joel Crane Award Recipient-Dwight
Gifford
At halftime of the April 23, Rage/Bobcats match up the
Orlando Rage awarded the "Joel Crane Award" to Offensive Lineman and Rage stand
out player, Dwight Gifford. Each year the Rage honor former player, Joel Crane's
memory and legacy by giving out the award. The award is given to the player who
most personifies Joel's character in dedication to his Faith, Family and
Football.
Dwight came to the Rage when his
family relocated from the gulf coast area to central Florida. Dwight played on
many top notch teams including the St. Petersburg Sharks and Bradenton
Gladiators before ending up in Orlando.
"Dwight immediately stood out as a
leader by his actions, not his words." said his position coach, Rick Leita. "He
comes to practice early and leaves late-he's always ready to go."
Recently Dwight stepped up again in
handling duties at center when the starter suffered an injury.
What's more is that Dwight often
leads the team in prayer before and after each practice and game and he even
sang the National Anthem at a Rage home game.
It's these qualities and MORE that
makes Dwight Gifford the 2011 "Joel Crane Award" recipient.
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| Past Winners:
2010: Tight End Wilson
Bailey
Click Here For Pictures of Award Presentation
2009: Rage Offensive Line Ty Abney
2008: Rage Defensive Line Dan Turcotte
2007: Rage Defensive Line Robert Morgan
2006: Rage Offensive Line Tony Elam
2005: Rage Defensive Lineman Johnny
Quarterman
2004: Rage Fullback/Linebacker Amilka
Delgado
2003: Rage Wide Receiver Garnell Rackley
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ORLANDO
RAGE FOOTBALL
