9-11 hero makes mark at UCF

By WDBO's Amy Foist

When Welles R. Crowther was 8-years-old, his father gave him a red bandana.

No matter where he went, Crowther would always carry that red bandana.  He even wore it playing lacrosse for Boston College.

His father told him that the bandana would make him stand out and that he might need it one day.

On September 11, 2001 that day came.

9/11 victims in the south tower remember a brave, young man with a red bandana bringing them to safety.

Crowther worked in the South tower of the World Trade Center on the 104th floor.

When the second plane struck the south tower, Crowther and others were stranded trying to find a way out.

He helped many who were trapped get down to a lower floor where firefighters were able to assist them out of the building and out of harm’s way.

Instead of evacuating with everyone, Crowther traveled back up the smoke- filled stairs to help save more who were stranded.

The south tower would soon collapse, with 24-year-old Welles Crowther still inside.

Saturday night, UCF will play a football game vs. Boston College, Crowther's alma mater.

UCF Journalism student, Neal Surrena and friend Garrett Weiss started a Facebook event to get students to wear a red bandana to honor Crowthers during Saturday’s game.

“The Fraternities, SGA, and private parties are handing them [red bandanas] out by the dozens at tailgating on Saturday,” Surrena said.
The men were inspired after ESPN broadcasted a story about Crowther’s and the many lives he saved.

“I was actually in tears every single time I’ve watched it,” Surrena said. “I’ve watched it 10 times since Sunday, and every single time it breaks me down and inspires me. I just wanted to share it with UCF, and it just blew up.”

Surrena doesn’t know anybody who attends Boston College or anyone personally who has been affected by 9/11. Since starting the Facebook event though, many people have come forward to share their stories with him.

Currently, the Facebook event called Red Bandana at UCF vs. BC game has over 6,50o fans committed to wearing that memorable red bandana on Saturday

Welles Crowther’s sisters have contacted Surrena and are attending the game on Saturday. They’ve planned to meet up at the game and catch up.
Surrena said that Crowther’s parents will not be in attendance, but his sisters have relayed the message that his parents appreciate everything Surrena has done to commemorate their son.

Crowther’s parents will be at the 9/11 memorial on Sunday in New York.

“What Welles stands for, his courage, his heart, his bravery is what I stand for,” Surrena said. “I just wanted to share it with everybody else and now that I know everybody shares the same feelings as me, it makes me feel great about UCF and Boston College. It’s not about Boston College vs. UCF, I know we’re playing each other, but we’re all Americans and it’s going to be a great weekend.”

Surrena and fellow UCF student Luke Sarris posted a message to all fans on the event’s page.

No matter what jersey you have on, or what team you are rooting for, we will all U-Knight this Saturday for one great cause. Welles Crowther was a great man who left behind a significant legacy and it is a privilege to be able to honor him this weekend. At the same time, we need to let these red bandanas represent what he stood for and how his life ended. These bandanas will no doubt be in memory of Welles R. Crowther, but they will also be in memory of every single victim who lost their lives 10 years ago on September 11th, 2001. Never forget, always remember.