Crabtree was a standout two-sport athlete during his collegiate career on The Hill from 1937-40. He was known for his speed and quickness as he filled the spinner slot in the single-wing formation employed by Coach Earle Smith. Crabtree was always a threat to score either by the pass or run. The Mobile, Alabama native came to Spring Hill after an outstanding high school career at University Military School (now UMS-Wright). As a fleet-footed outfielder on the baseball team, he roamed the left field for the Badgers while hitting lead off with a .300+ career average and was a key member of the Badgers 1939 Dixie Conference Championship team.