Ernie was an all-stater in high school basketball and track, and an outstanding player in football and baseball. He also added a basketball letter at Idaho, before starting his work experiences as a teacher-coach in Burley.
Ernie followed with five years as a professor and coach at Albion, coaching baseball and track. 1951 had Craner taking the job as Superintendent of Parks and Recreation at Twin Falls. After 12 years at Twin Falls, Ernie was named Director of Parks and Recreation at Idaho Falls, a position he held until retirement in 1986. His list of accomplishments as a president, chairman, commissioner and director of so many national and state-wide organizations is endless. He has been honored for his service by the Twin Falls and the Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce, Amateur Softball Assn. of the United States, Idaho High School Activities Assn., National Federation of High Schools Association, Idaho Parks and Recreation Commission, Idaho State Softball Association and the State of Idaho Governor's Certificate of Recognition, just to name a few.
Ernie served 55 years as a high school football and basketball official; 20 years as a Big Sky Conference, WAC conference, and Skyline Conference official. His accomplishments as a coach, teacher, official, and commissioner in the field of athletics along with his great devotion to his community and state are endless. His legacy in athletics and community service leave a high mark that the youth of Idaho may attain by following in his footsteps. Welcome to the North Idaho Athletic Hall of Fame, Ernie Craner.