Boston College Athletics
Welles Crowther Named Third Recipient of Varsity Club Medal
September 14, 2026 | Boston College Athletics
CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. - The Boston College Varsity Club has recognized the distinguished legacy and service of Welles Crowther '99 by naming him the third recipient of the Varsity Club Medal. The medal was presented by Boston College Varsity Club President Jack Carter '23, the 59th president of the Varsity Club, and Varsity Club Vice President Walker Davey '23, the first vice president in Varsity Club history.
Crowther, a 1999 Boston College graduate and former men's lacrosse student-athlete, has become one of the most enduring symbols of Boston College's Jesuit ideal of being "men and women for others."
On Sept. 11, 2001, Crowther was working as an equities trader for Sandler O'Neill on the 104th floor of the South Tower of the World Trade Center when the building was struck during the terrorist attacks. A volunteer firefighter in his hometown of Nyack, New York, Crowther used his training and courage to help others escape the building.
Wearing his trademark red bandanna over his face to protect himself from smoke and debris, Crowther guided survivors through the South Tower's stairwells and returned to the upper floors to help others reach safety. He ultimately lost his life when the South Tower collapsed. Survivors later recalled being helped by a man wearing a red bandanna, giving rise to the name "The Man in the Red Bandanna." Crowther is credited with saving more than a dozen lives.
Crowther's legacy has continued to inspire generations of Boston College students, student-athletes, alumni and members of the broader community. His story has become deeply woven into the fabric of Boston College Athletics through the annual Red Bandanna Game, the Red Bandanna Run and numerous initiatives designed to carry forward his example of courage, selflessness and service.
A native of Nyack, New York, Crowther played men's lacrosse at Boston College from 1995-99. He carried a red bandanna with him throughout his life, including during his time on The Heights, where he wore one beneath his lacrosse helmet.
Boston College has continued to honor Crowther's memory through its athletics programs. The first Red Bandanna Game was held in 2014, when the Eagles defeated No. 9 USC, 37-31. The annual tradition celebrates Crowther's life and legacy and the University's mission of service to others.
The Varsity Club Medal recognizes individuals who have served Boston College with distinction, fostered its athletic traditions and promoted sportsmanship while contributing to the Varsity Club and Boston College Athletics.
The first recipient of the distinguished BC Varsity Club honor was former Assistant Athletic Director for Communications Richard Kelley in November 2012. Kelley, a 1987 Boston College graduate, worked in athletics for more than 18 years. A highly skilled writer, editor and media relations professional, Kelley saw far beyond the statistics of sports competition, spending countless hours mentoring, counseling, encouraging and, occasionally, chastising Boston College student-athletes on aspects of life well beyond the playing field or arena. Kelley passed away in 2014.
The second recipient was Peter Frates in 2018. Frates was diagnosed with ALS at 27 years old. Alongside his family and friends, he worked tirelessly to raise awareness and funds to find a cure for the disease. In the summer of 2014, Frates championed the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge through social media. More than $220 million was raised to help find a cure for ALS. In November 2016, Frates was named the recipient of the NCAA Inspiration Award.
The Varsity Club's recognition of Crowther with its Medal serves as another enduring tribute to a Boston College Eagle whose life continues to remind the University community of the power of courage, compassion and selfless service.
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Crowther, a 1999 Boston College graduate and former men's lacrosse student-athlete, has become one of the most enduring symbols of Boston College's Jesuit ideal of being "men and women for others."
On Sept. 11, 2001, Crowther was working as an equities trader for Sandler O'Neill on the 104th floor of the South Tower of the World Trade Center when the building was struck during the terrorist attacks. A volunteer firefighter in his hometown of Nyack, New York, Crowther used his training and courage to help others escape the building.
Wearing his trademark red bandanna over his face to protect himself from smoke and debris, Crowther guided survivors through the South Tower's stairwells and returned to the upper floors to help others reach safety. He ultimately lost his life when the South Tower collapsed. Survivors later recalled being helped by a man wearing a red bandanna, giving rise to the name "The Man in the Red Bandanna." Crowther is credited with saving more than a dozen lives.
Crowther's legacy has continued to inspire generations of Boston College students, student-athletes, alumni and members of the broader community. His story has become deeply woven into the fabric of Boston College Athletics through the annual Red Bandanna Game, the Red Bandanna Run and numerous initiatives designed to carry forward his example of courage, selflessness and service.
A native of Nyack, New York, Crowther played men's lacrosse at Boston College from 1995-99. He carried a red bandanna with him throughout his life, including during his time on The Heights, where he wore one beneath his lacrosse helmet.
Boston College has continued to honor Crowther's memory through its athletics programs. The first Red Bandanna Game was held in 2014, when the Eagles defeated No. 9 USC, 37-31. The annual tradition celebrates Crowther's life and legacy and the University's mission of service to others.
The Varsity Club Medal recognizes individuals who have served Boston College with distinction, fostered its athletic traditions and promoted sportsmanship while contributing to the Varsity Club and Boston College Athletics.
The first recipient of the distinguished BC Varsity Club honor was former Assistant Athletic Director for Communications Richard Kelley in November 2012. Kelley, a 1987 Boston College graduate, worked in athletics for more than 18 years. A highly skilled writer, editor and media relations professional, Kelley saw far beyond the statistics of sports competition, spending countless hours mentoring, counseling, encouraging and, occasionally, chastising Boston College student-athletes on aspects of life well beyond the playing field or arena. Kelley passed away in 2014.
The second recipient was Peter Frates in 2018. Frates was diagnosed with ALS at 27 years old. Alongside his family and friends, he worked tirelessly to raise awareness and funds to find a cure for the disease. In the summer of 2014, Frates championed the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge through social media. More than $220 million was raised to help find a cure for ALS. In November 2016, Frates was named the recipient of the NCAA Inspiration Award.
The Varsity Club's recognition of Crowther with its Medal serves as another enduring tribute to a Boston College Eagle whose life continues to remind the University community of the power of courage, compassion and selfless service.
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