Harry Crider is getting noticed for his work both on and off the football field.
This summer, the Indiana University senior from Columbus East was nominated for both the Wuerffel Trophy and Campbell Trophy. The Wuerffel Trophy exists “to honor college football players who serve others, celebrate their positive impact on society, and inspire greater service in the world.” The Campbell Trophy is awarded by the National Football Foundation to the college football player with the best combination of academics, community service and on-field performance.
Then in October, Crider was named to the Rimington Trophy Watch List. The Rimington Trophy is presented to the nation’s top center.
This week, Crider has landed another major honor. He has been named a semifinalist for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award, which honors a player’s leadershop both on and off the field.
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“It’s a huge honor,” Crider said. “I’m super thankful to even be considered for an award like that. I have to give credit to (retiring East) coach (Bob) Gaddis for that because all the mantras of going about your business, I see that connection there. Credit to the IU family for allowing me to be that kind of person, as well. My parents raised me to be a certain way, and I’m proud of who I am because of that.”
Crider, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 10, raised $16,000 through his senior project at East, a fundraising event for the Riley Children’s Foundation. He continues to volunteer at Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health, reads to local elementary school children and has bagged food for Blessings in a Backpack.
On the field, meanwhile, Crider has been a leader on the offensive line for a team that is off to a 4-0 start and is ranked No. 9 in the country going into Saturday’s top-10 showdown at No. 3 Ohio State.
The Hoosiers beat Michigan for the first time since 1987 and have beaten Penn State, Michigan and Michigan State in the same season for the first time ever. Indiana’s top-10 ranking is its first since 1969.
“It’s been a special season, but I can’t say that anybody on our team is surprised,” Crider said. “We’ve been preparing for opportunities like this, and we’re taking advantage of it. Credit goes to coach (Tom) Allen for putting us in this position. We’re excited about where we are, and we want to keep this train rolling.”
