Patrick Crampsie has been an important part in the lives of many people in the Panther Valley area.

For 23 years, he has served as a basketball coach and a teacher in the Panther Valley School District.

Sunday night, Crampsie was the recipient of the 76th Annual Shamrock Award, presented by the Panther Valley Irish American Association.

Crampsie shared how the Shamrock Award and the association have been an important part of his and his family’s lives.

“One of the earliest memories I have is of my grandfather (Jack Crampsie) receiving this award in 1982. It’s something our family has always held very special, and it’s definitely very humbling. I’m very much appreciative of the Irish American Association,” he said.

“I’ve been a member pretty much my whole life. I remember how special it was presenting the award to my father (James “Juvey” Crampsie),” Crampsie said.

“It’s something I hold very dear.”

Approximately 100 people filled the Hilltop Community Center in Summit Hill to pay tribute to Crampsie. Paul McArdle Jr. emceed the event, which included speakers Michael Crampsie, Patrick’s cousin, and Brendan Smith, Patrick’s cousin and godson.

While regaling the crowd with anecdotes about his relationship with Patrick, Michael pointed out that earlier in his life, he was a bit rowdy, and Patrick helped him out.

“You’ve always made sure I was on the straight and narrow while still having a good time, Michael explained. “And I can honestly say today, I don’t know where I’d be without you. And I feel that our relationship, and how you treated me, is a microcosm of how you treat everybody. You’re always looking out for other people. You’re always leading by example. You’re always making sure people are having a good time. And there’s a lot of people in your family and in this community who can say, they don’t know where they’d be today without you.”

Emcee Paul McArdle, Jr., shared about his friendship with Patrick.

“I’ve probably had the best window into what he does coaching over the last 25 years,” McArdle said. “I always say; the dedication that goes in; his energy that goes in; the passion, the knowledge, the love that he has for Panther Valley basketball is beyond compare. Me, as a Panther Valley graduate, as a parent; both my sons have played for him. We can’t be more fortunate that to have a guy leading our young people, some of whom are here tonight. We’re so very lucky.”

PVIAA President Brad Hurley presented the Shamrock Award to Patrick Crampsie.

“The fan section for Panther Valley Basketball has been what is called the black hole. It’s been a staple of the Panther Valley home games. And as you know, because of your science teaching background, that in a black hole, it’s so powerful that light can’t escape,” Hurley said.

“Standing across from that group at every home game is a guy probably screaming, probably yelling, wearing fluorescent yellow shoes; but that guy is the direct opposite of a black hole. Coach, I can honestly say; you bring the light into everything you do.”

Patrick Crampsie shared that having presented the Shamrock award in the past, speaking before a crowd, he was never nervous. He shared that he was nervous tonight.

“Right now, I was never more nervous in my life,” he shared. “Because it was very hard to pick out the words that adequately let everyone here know what you mean to me.”

“I was lucky to have so many great people, great mentors, great coaches, great teachers growing up. I think back on those days, all those guys that we had growing up; it became apparent this his what you knew, this is how you treat people.”

Crampsie also took time to thank his parents, both of whom were present.

“It sometimes happens that when you get older, there comes a point where your Dad is not your hero anymore. I can honestly say, that never happened. Dad, you’ve always been my hero, and you still are today.”

Crampsie shared how a coach once said to his team to be as tough as their mother.

“You mother never gets sick; your mother never gets tired. Your mother is there every day, your mother always shows up. That is what you’ve our entire life, Mom. And I love you for that.”

Patrick and his wife, Amber, are the parents of two children; Kallan and Corrigan.

In selecting the Shamrock Award winners, the PVIAA has a recipient committee that consists of past recipients and the president of the group. One of the biggest things they look at is service to the community. The PVIAA also serves the community. In 2024, they donated $2,000 to local food pantries and other charities.

In addition to the Shamrock Awards, Crampsie also received citations from State Rep. Doyle Heffley, Sen. David Argall, Congressman Ryan Mackenzie, and the Carbon County Commissioners.

Crampsie summed up the evening in describing his own life.

“We have a tendency to try to serve others the best we can, and I feel there is a loyalty there among friends and family, and that’s something I try to practice,” he said.