NBA official Joe Crawford is the 2015 Daily Times Sports Figure of the Year, as selected by the Daily Times sports staff.

“Having been born and raised in Delaware County, I know how special the award is,” said Delco native Mark Lindsay, an NBA official. “I couldn't be happier for Joe and his family to receive such a well-deserved recognition.

“While some know Joe Crawford, the referee, from watching him on TV or from a distance in the arena, it's been a privilege for me to watch and learn from Joe Crawford, the man. We are all better referees and people because of Joe Crawford.”

Crawford, the Havertown native and Newtown Square resident joins this list:

 

1996: Kate Fonshell, Penncrest High, Villanova, track

1997: John Mobley, Chichester High, football

1998: Bo Ryan, Chester High, basketball

1999: Pat Croce, Lansdowne-Aldan High, basketball

1999: Leroy Burrell, Penn Wood High, Sports Figure of the Millennium, track

2000: Emily deRiel, Haverford High, pentathlon

2001: Brendan Hansen, Haverford High, swimming

2002: Mike Scioscia, Springfield High, baseball

2003: Harry Perretta, Monsignor Bonner High, Villanova, basketball

2004: Brendan Hansen, Haverford High, swimming

2005: Kevin Clancy, Strath Haven High, football

2006: Vince Papale, Interboro High, football

2007: Dan Connor, Strath Haven High, football

2008: Fred Pickett, Chester High, basketball

2009: Andy Talley, Haverford High, Villanova, football

2010: Matt Szczur, Villanova, football, baseball

2011: Philadelphia Union, Chester, soccer

2012: Larry Yarbray, Chester High, basketball

2013: Merion Golf Club, Haverford, golf

2014: John Robertson, Villanova, football

2015: Joe Crawford, Havertown, basketball

 

- Jack McCaffery