2002 Greater Flint Afro-American Hall of Fame Inductee
Category: MULTIPLE SPORTS
Parent: Artie Metclafe (Mother)
Wife: Janet
Daughter: Tameka M.
Son: Craig C.
Craig grew up on 9th Street on Flint’s south side. He attended Clark Elementary School. After leaving Clark, Craig enrolled in St. Matthews, where he played in the Class D Parochial League. Most of Craig’s skill came from playing with his older brother and other neighborhood youngsters on Clark’s playground.
The skills Craig picked up from sandlot ball proved to be helpful when he began playing sports at St. Matthews. He made All State in football and basketball.
Craig led his team with brilliant floor play to a state championship in basketball, averaging 13.8 points per game. In 1961 Metcalfe was the first Flint area Parochial Conference representative on the Class D team since 1959.
In football Craig scored a season high of 10 touchdowns and carried the ball 109 times for 1,045 yards for a 9.6 yards average per carry. He completed seven passes in 14 attempts with one interception and averaged 34 yards per punt. He was a unanimous choice for the All Conference first team. Although he was more spectacular on offense, it was his defensive effort that was the deciding factor in choosing him for All Conference.
Craig was known as one of the greatest all around athletes during his four years at St. Matthews and was voted captain of the Detroit Free Press All State Class D Basketball Team.
In baseball Craig had a .338 batting average and stole 17 bases. He was a winner of the St. Matthews scholarship, citizenship and athletic Optimist Award.
In 1962 Craig was awarded a scholarship from the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. to attend Central State College at Wilberforce, Ohio.
Craig is a retired teacher and resides with his family in Laverock, Pennsylvania. At present he is the Director of the Arthur Ash Tennis Club.
