By Quinn Lyons ‘25

Ever since I was a little kid, Brother Rice has been a driving force in my life. The colors maroon and orange were present in my life for as long as I can remember. I always wanted to be a Crusader.

The moment I walked into the doors of Brother Rice as a student, it felt like home. Not only did I already have three brothers in the building, I also had my dad who taught and coached at Brother Rice. I felt lucky to be so comfortable in the building and with the upperclassmen.

While I was excited to be stepping into this new chapter of my life, I was ecstatic to become a part of the brotherhood. Playing sports and joining new clubs was something that I could not wait for, but the thing I wanted to be a part of the most was the Crusader Crazies.

Growing up, I watched the football and basketball games every Friday night. It seemed as though the atmosphere and the tone of every game was always set by the student section. All the Crusader Crazies looked like they were having such an amazing time. I believed that to be a part of something that special and exciting, was the opportunity of a lifetime.

My years came and went as a Crusader. I made so many memories and friendships that will stay with me forever. Then about five months ago, reality hit me hard. I had been playing football my entire life, and in an instant, my athletic journey had come to an abrupt end. What was I supposed to do?

Then I realized I had one final run as a Crusader Crazy, the thing I longed for most of my childhood, and this was the time to make the best of it. Our basketball team looked to be very promising, and I could not wait to experience the last games in the crowd with my friends.

The team had a very successful season, making it the farthest in school history. Even getting to the final four was a shock to all. The games were to be played at the University of Illinois, about 90 minutes away from Brother Rice. Did that stop the Crusader Crazies? No way.

Walking into the stadium for the state championship, I felt nervous, the same way I used to feel before playing in a big game. I had no idea why I cared so much about this game. I soon realized that this was more than a game; it was a chance to be a part of something that will last a lifetime.

The atmosphere was unlike any other high school sporting event I had ever been at. Seeing the amount of people that went out of their way to show support for the team was amazing. I saw alumni of all ages, former basketball players, and so many people there just to be a part of this awesome event.

The Crazies showed up in fashion, dressed in togas on live television. The game went back and forth all night long. It was the perfect end to the almost perfect season. After a thrilling 4 quarters, the Crusaders were headed to overtime.

I have never been more excited watching a game from the sidelines. After an exhilarating first overtime, it was once again a tied game. The second overtime was upon us, and it was our final shot to ride off into the sunset as champions.

Unfortunately, the Crusaders fell short. Emotions filled my body, and while I was disappointed we lost, I was so proud of all the Crusader basketball players. Those guys played their absolute heart out. They will always be known for their amazing run to the state finals, not their loss. Whether they believe it or not, they are truly a part of history.

Fans bring energy and excitement to sports. Some believe the best fan sections are those of professional teams, like the Bills Mafia, or even the Green Bay Packers Cheeseheads. For me, the greatest section of all is the Crusader Crazies.

All the silly themes I dressed for, the chants I screamed, and the unforgettable memories I made, helped me come to one conclusion. I will forever be a Crusader Crazy.