Keep the ‘Crusader’

The Holy Cross Varsity Club has an innate interest, and in this instance concern, regarding the proposal to terminate the moniker/mascot “Crusader” from the school’s athletic teams (“Holy Cross eyes a mascot crusade,” Nov. 28).

The varsity club has heard from a number of its Hall of Fame inductees, who have strongly expressed their opposition to the proposal. Accordingly, the club’s board of directors voted unanimously at its November meeting that Holy Cross should “continue to use the name Crusaders for our athletic teams and for all others who wish to serve God and humankind under the standard of the cross.”

To be sure, it is clear that history indicates a certain negative connotation to the term “Crusader,” as in the context of killing and pillaging, which took place during the Crusades.

Literally, however, the “Crusader” is one who follows the example of Jesus Christ on the cross. This is reflected in the mission of our alma mater as being “men and women for others.” It is within this context that we dare to call ourselves “Crusaders.”

Thus the varsity club’s board concluded that it is entirely appropriate that Crusader continue to describe our college.