The562’s coverage of Long Beach Poly Athletics for the 2025-26 school year is sponsored by Former Jackrabbits Wendell “WoWo” Moe, Jr. & Tyson Ruffins.
Longtime Long Beach Poly girls’ athletic director Crystal Irving confirmed to the 562 that she has stepped down as AD at the school as of last month, following a historic 24-year run in the role. Irving will remain the school’s track coach as well as an on-campus PE teacher.
“Over the years I’ve worked to balance my roles as a full-time teacher, track coach, and girls’ athletic director while also prioritizing my role as a mother to my daughter,” she said. “This work required a deep commitment of time and sacrifices to support and sustain the success of our athletic programs.”
Irving said that she felt it was time to step back from the AD role as the demands of the position continue to increase.
“(It) requires an increasing level of time, attention, and year-round dedication,” she said.
Stepping back from the administrative role will allow her to continue coaching and teaching at Poly at the level she wants to continue at.
“I remain fully committed to the Home of Scholars and Champions and the Long Beach community,” she said.
Irving is a trailblazer as a Black woman in both coaching and in sports administration, and has been recognized by the CIF State office as well as the Long Beach Century Club for her accomplishments as a female coach. The Jackrabbits won 24 girls’ CIF Southern Section team titles and 15 CIF State titles under her tenure as AD, including several girls’ track and field titles that she coached or assisted under Don Norford.
Poly’s other longtime athletic director, boys’ AD Rob Shock, will remain in his role for the Jackrabbits, who will have to replace his longtime co-AD.
