Eli Drinkwitz honors sacrifice made by Welles Crowther on 9/11 leading up to game vs. Boston College

Early September takes on special significance in the United States, as the nation remembers the attack on the World Trade Center and Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2011. And in at least one athletic department — Boston College — takes on special significance.

The Eagles famously honor former lacrosse player Welles Crowther, who became known for his heroic actions saving people from 2 World Trade Center that fateful morning. Crowther died when the tower collapsed. Annually, Boston College plays the Red Bandana Game, honoring Crowther and the red bandana he was known to sport.

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So as the Eagles travel to play Missouri in football this Saturday, Tigers head coach Eli Drinkwitz is well aware of all that this week means for his opponent. He has the utmost respect for the courage and sacrifice that was put on display by Crowther.

“Absolutely aware of the Red Bandana game and the courage displayed,” Drinkwitz said on the SEC coaches teleconference. “And have a lot of respect and admiration for what that Red Bandana game means.”

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With this being his first year as coach, Boston College’s Bill O’Brien got a chance at ACC Media Days to speak on his first impressions of the event and what it means to the program.

“That is something that I have not experienced as a coach, obviously, but have heard a lot about and have seen the game on TV,” O’Brien said. “What it means, let’s just start with the Crowther family. Welles Crowther. What he did on 9/11 was something you can’t even put words to it. He’s a hero. He’s a hero in the sense that he saved so many lives. He did it while wearing a red bandana that he wore as a lacrosse player at Boston College.”

Even though O’Brien will be an active participant in his very first Red Bandana Game, he knows his players understand the meaning behind it.

“Means a lot to alums, but also people around the world. We’ll play Michigan State this year. Our guys understand the meaning of the game. These guys have played in the game before, so they really understand it,” O’Brien said. “It will be my first experience coaching in the game. But it’s a very special game and a very special memory of Welles Crowther that we memorialize for that game.”

The Eagles will welcome Michigan State on Sept. 21 for the 2024 Red Bandana Game to honor Crowther and what his effort symbolizes.