Erwin was a standout in football and track at Parma Senior. A school record holder in several track events at PSH, Erwin continued his athletic career at Case Western Reserve University.

While at Case, he earned 9 Varsity Letters; 3 in football, 3 in indoor track and field, and 3 in outdoor track and field. He was a 3 time Div III All-American in Track and Field, and 1 time All-American in football earning team MVP honors in 1988. He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders and played in the World Football League and Arena Football League for numerous teams. He was selected to the North Coast Athletic Conference All-Decade team in football and is a member of the Case Western Reserve Athletic Hall of Fame.  

Grabisna is a charter member of the Parma Senior High School Athletic Hall of Fame, inducted in 2007.