Michael Crown ’10 was a Raiders captain and All-Patriot League first team selection during his °IJʿ tenure.
Michael Crown ’10 was a Raiders captain and All-Patriot League first team selection during his °IJʿ tenure.
Michael Crown ’10 and his parents, Steve and Nancy, have shown ongoing support for and the ever since Michael first took the field as a defender back in 2007. They have attended games across the country and provided resources to bolster the university’s Division I athletics programs.
Saturday in a game against No. 1-ranked Loyola, °IJʿ is honoring Michael’s tenure on the field and his parents’ longstanding loyalty to the university by placing the Crown family name on the playing surface of Andy Kerr Stadium. Crown Field at Andy Kerr Stadium will continue to be home turf for Raider football and men’s lacrosse.
“The Crowns’ support has been transformational,” said Director of Athletics . “By naming the field in their honor, we are recognizing and expressing our thanks for their remarkable level of devotion.”
The Crowns began to reshape Andy Kerr Stadium almost immediately after Michael became a Raider. That year, they made it possible for °IJʿ to install FieldTurf in the facility, and in 2009, they brought lights to the stadium. Across Broad Street, the Crowns participated in the Trudy Fitness Center project, and they have made a commitment to the university’s overall fiscal health by giving to the annual fund. Nancy also serves on the Board of Trustees.
Before it was printed on the field, the Crown name ran across it — Michael was a four-year lacrosse letterman from 2007 through 2010. He helped the Raiders to a combined 34–27 record that included three Patriot League Tournament appearances and a 2008 trip to the NCAA playoffs. He was selected for the All-Patriot League first team after his senior season, when he picked up a career high 58 ground balls and led the team with 18 forced turnovers.
“The Crown family has meant so much to this university on and off the playing field,” °IJʿ men’s lacrosse head coach said. “Michael was a terrific lacrosse player for this program. Our program will continue to take great pride in representing °IJʿ, and now we will do it on Crown Field at Andy Kerr Stadium.”
Saturday’s game between the No. 17-ranked Raiders and top-ranked Loyola begins at noon.