The Spirit of Service: Welles Crowther '99
October 07, 2016 | Football, #ForBoston Files
"Men and Women for Others" is a mantra that rings loud in Chestnut Hill. From the moment freshmen arrive on campus they are introduced to the Ignatian way of life.
Welles Crowther, 1999 Boston College graduate, was no stranger to this message and would carry it for years to come. On paper he would eventually become an equity trader in New York City, but in the end his heart drew him to selflessly serves others.
Many lives were lost on September 11th but a single piece of cloth instantly made Crowther's unique. The former BC lacrosse player found his signature item through his father. A red bandanna, initially introduced to him as a handkerchief to blow his nose, would become the marker used to illustrate his impact. His story was made famous by ESPN's Tom Rinaldi and classmate Drew Gallagher.Â
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On September 13, 2014 a sea of red bandannas flooded the Alumni Stadium turf. Crowther's alma mater had secured a 37-31 victory over No. 9 Southern California. The Eagles' annual Service Day Game was played in his memory and for the first time BC broke out red bandanna accessories to wear with their tradition Maroon and Gold to honor the hero. It would have a lasting impact in Boston College football history.
The win was special, but the electric energy of the stadium is resonated the most.
On Friday night the Eagles will face No. 3 ranked Clemson on Service Day, again doning red bandanna cleats, gloves and helmet stripes to continue the legacy of the "Man in the Red Bandanna."
The tilt between the Eagles and Tigers will be nationally televised on ESPN at 7:30 p.m. and can be viewed on the WatchESPN app.
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