2024 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb

2024 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb

On the afternoon of September 10, 2024, the Etowah Lacrosse High School and Middle School teams participated in a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb.

Coach Bajro “Buzz” Buzaljko started the event with an inspirational speech recounting the events of 9/11.  As none of our team had been born when the events of that tragic day unfolded, Coach Buzz spoke about the victims, the heroic actions of our first responders, and others affected by the attack.

Next, Coach spoke about Welles Crowther, a former Boston College lacrosse player, volunteer firefighter, and equities trader who didn’t survive the attacks. Crowther is known as the “man in the red bandana” who saved as many as 18 people who had been trapped on the World Trade Center South Tower’s 78th floor that morning. The 9/11 Memorial & Museum website states Crowther made three trips to the building’s sky lobby, appearing through the smoke and wreckage to guide people to the only safe stairwell until the building collapsed.  Each team member wore a red bandana to honor Welles Crowther’s heroic actions.

When Coach Buzz finished his passionate speech, everyone was left inspired and motivated.  The team then proceeded to run the stadium stairs while the coach periodically recounted more events from 9/11; pausing at each time point and having a moment of silence for those that lose their lives.

Drawing parallels to lacrosse throughout the entire event, Coach Buzz awarded our Middle School team an American flag for them to carry on the field of battle during each of their games this fall.  In the spring, the Middle School team will present the flag to our High School players for them to do the same as they battle for a championship this spring!

Coach Buzz stated several times that “championships are won in the pre-season!”  These men are off to a great start! Coach left us with a quote stating that “It is not what we do on the field that truly matters, but rather the character of our men off the field that will let us know if we actually won.”

Click here to view images from the event.