Holy Cross Crusaders Football: A Tradition of Excellence
The Holy Cross Crusaders football team represents the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts. As a member of the Patriot League, an NCAA Division I conference participating in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), the program boasts a rich history dating back to its inception in 1884, with inter-school games commencing in 1891.
Early History and Stadium Evolution
In the early years, the Crusaders played their home games at various off-campus locations in Worcester, including the Worcester College Grounds, Worcester Agricultural Fairgrounds, and the Worcester Oval. The first intercollegiate game on campus occurred on September 26, 1903, a 6-0 victory over Massachusetts Agricultural College on the site of the present-day Hanover Insurance Park at Fitton Field. By 1908, the football team had moved to its own field adjacent to the baseball field, both known as "Fitton Field." The original Fitton Field was constructed with wooden and concrete stands, which were later replaced with steel stands in 1924 and aluminum seating in 1986.
Rivalries and Memorable Games
The rivalry between Holy Cross and Boston College began in 1896, marking the start of a storied tradition. For much of the early to mid-20th century, the annual game between "The Cross" and BC attracted some of New England's largest sports crowds. To accommodate these crowds, the Holy Cross game was often held at a large venue in Boston, including the newly constructed Fenway Park in 1916. A record 54,000 fans attended the 1922 game at Braves Field.
One of the most famous games in the rivalry occurred on November 28, 1942, when Holy Cross upset BC 55-12, spoiling BC's undefeated season. The Eagles had booked their victory party that night at the Cocoanut Grove nightclub in Boston but canceled after the loss. After a hiatus, the series resumed in 2018 with Holy Cross traveling to Chestnut Hill to play Boston College.
Bowl Game Appearance and Historic Seasons
In 1945, Holy Cross had what is considered its best team in school history, earning a spot in the Orange Bowl on January 1, 1946. However, they lost to the University of Miami in a close contest. With the score tied 6-6 and seconds remaining, Miami's Al Hudson intercepted a pass and returned it 89 yards for a touchdown.
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In 1969, an unfortunate incident led to the cancellation of the final eight games of the season when a contaminated faucet on a practice field caused an outbreak of hepatitis.
Rise to Prominence in Division I-AA
In 1981, the NCAA moved Holy Cross from the upper tier of football competition to Division I-AA. The program experienced a resurgence under coaches Rick E. Carter and Mark Duffner. In 1983, the team was ranked No. 3 in the nation in I-AA under Carter. Under Duffner, Holy Cross became a dominant force in I-AA football, achieving 11-0 seasons in both 1987 and 1991. During this period, Holy Cross secured five Colonial League and Patriot League championships, four Lambert Cups, and four ECAC Team of the Year Awards. The team also earned the No. 1 ranking in the final 1987 NCAA Division I-AA poll.
Transition to the Patriot League
In 1986, Holy Cross joined the Colonial League, a football-only conference emphasizing need-based financial aid and grants. In 1990, the Colonial League became the Patriot League, an all-sports conference. While scholarships were eventually allowed in non-football sports, the Patriot League continued to prohibit football scholarships through the 2012 season.
Recent Successes
In 2009, led by quarterback Dominic Randolph, Holy Cross had one of its best teams since the founding of the Patriot League. Bob Chesney took over as head coach in 2018, followed by Dan Curran.
The fall 2021 season saw the Crusaders win their third consecutive Patriot League Championship with a 6-0 conference record and a 10-3 overall record. The season also included Holy Cross's first FCS playoff victory, a 13-10 win over Sacred Heart in the first round. Their season ended at the hands of Villanova. The 2022 season was even more remarkable, with the team achieving an undefeated 11-0 regular-season record, including a win against FBS opponent Buffalo and victories over Harvard and Yale. As a result, they received the #8 seed in the FCS playoffs, earning a first-round bye and a home game in the round of 16.
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Facilities and Fan Support
Holy Cross boasts world-class athletic facilities, including the Luth Athletic Complex. On game days, the passion of fans and alumni creates an electric atmosphere within the Patriot League. Holy Cross is a founding member of the Patriot League, emphasizing academic and leadership success alongside athletic achievement.
Current Status
Dan Curran is the current head coach of the Holy Cross Crusaders, entering his 2nd season with a 6-6 (.500) record. The team plays its home games at Fitton Field, which has a capacity of 23,500 and a grass field surface. The team's all-time record stands at 638-521-55 (.548). The Holy Cross Crusaders continue to build upon their legacy as a competitive force in FCS football.
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