FOOTBALL
CROWN
A LETTER FROM THE COACH While many things have changed over the 20 years that I have been at Crown, the mission of why our program exists has stayed the same. Helping kids in all aspects of their lives socially, spiritually, academically, and athletically will always be where the heart of our family is at. We believe that if we can get things right and/or heading in the right direction, it will make the next 50 years of their lives more joyful for each studentathlete and their future families. We use the game of football and the events surrounding it as real-life scenarios to teach life lessons. Our goal is to create a family atmosphere that each player feels cared for in a way that they can always come to a teammate or coach to enhance their lives. - John Auer, Head Coach
CHECK OUT CROWN‘S ATHLETIC WEBSITE Follow the team, contact a coach, and even watch live games!
WWW.ATHLETICS.CROWN.EDU
COACHING STAFF JOHN AUER
HEAD COACH OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR
auerj@crown.edu 952-446-4235 Crown College’s longest-tenured coach, Head Football Coach John Auer has spent a career not only building a program but building men. Serving Crown since the 2000 season, Auer has led the program to its most successful era, including a successful jump to the NCAA Division III level in 2008. Two years after the leap to DIII, Auer was recognized on a national scale, being named one of five finalists for the coveted Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year honor. During his playing days, Auer was a defensive lineman and competed collegiately for Winona State University. He then served St. Cloud State as a graduate assistant and as their Offensive Line coach. In addition to his coaching duties, Auer teaches several classes in Crown’s excellent Sport Management program.
ERIC SHOURDS
DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR
shourdse@crown.edu 952-446-4563
In 2018, Eric Shourds became Crown College’s Defensive Coordinator, his next position in a long history with the College. After playing for the Storm as a linebacker from 2008-10, an injury forced him to the sidelines where he became a Student Assistant. From there, he became the Assistant Linebackers Coach in 2011 and showing great promise, he was promptly promoted to Head Linebackers Coach in 2012, where he served until he earned another promotion to Defensive Coordinator in 2018. Shourds also serves as Crown’s Compliance Coordinator and as the institution’s first-ever Head Tennis Coach.
CROWN ATHLETICS • Proud members of NCAA Division III Athletics and the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference • 18 Varsity Sports: Volleyball, Football, Cross Country*, Soccer*, Basketball*, Baseball, Softball, Track & Field*, Golf* and Tennis* (*men’s and women’s teams) • Student-Athletes comprise over 40% of the student body
NCAA DIVISION III The emphasis of the NCAA DIII is on the holistic development of the student-athlete with the understanding that degree completion - not athletic success - should be the primary focus of the student-athlete. With over 400 member institutions, some of the most competitive athletics in the nation can be found at NCAA DIII contests. Since Crown College also strives to provide the holistic development of its students spiritually, academically, socially and physically, our membership in the NCAA DIII is a perfect fit.
UMAC FOOTBALL College of St. Scholastica, Duluth, MN
UM-Morris, Morris, MN
Crown College, St. Bonifacius, MN
University of Northwestern, Roseville, MN
Iowa Wesleyan, Mount Pleasant, IA
Westminster College, Fulton, MO
Greenville University, Greenvile, IL Martin Luther College, New Ulm, MN
COACHING STAFF John Auer (HC/OC) Recuriting Region: MN, WI, IL, MI, OH Coach Eric Shourds (DC) Recuriting Region: MN, CA, AZ, East Coast Coach Chris Strange (DB Coach) Recuriting Region: MN, East Texas to Florida Coach Robert Smartnick (DL Coach) Recuriting Region: MN, Rockies, Pacific Northwest Coach Matt Leathers (OL Coach) Recuriting Region: MN, Central/West Texas Additional Assistants: Coach Kevin Boozikee (RB Coach) Coach Ryan Synoground (QB Coach) Coach Joe Duffy (Asst. DL Coach)
LAST YEAR WE BROKE 18 SCHOOL RECORDS, HAD SEVEN ALL-CONFERENCE PLAYERS, & WON THE UMAC TEAM SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD IMAGINE WHAT WE COULD DO WITH YOU!
#WENOTME
STUDENT-ATHLETE CALENDAR IN-SEASON
SPRING SEASON
OFF-SEASON WORK OUTS
AUG
SEPT
OCT
NOV
DEC
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
Through accountability and some tough love, I want each man to grow spiritually, academically, socially, and athletically to make their life after college football immeasurably better. - Head Coach John Auer
MEET THE TEAM Jared Gilmore, Quarterback: Crown College football is more than just a college football program, it’s about winning life. It’s about toughness, commitment, unity, character, discipline, and resilience. It’s succeeding in football and growing in your faith.
Avory Caruthers, Running Back: Crown Football is a family-oriented team, with coaches that accept you with open arms no matter what demographic you are coming from. Not only caring about what you do on the field but also focused on how you handle yourself in life and academics. Quis Icon, Defensive Lineman: Crown Football equals family. Since I first stepped on campus my teammates welcomed me like they’d known me for years. It helped me become more comfortable being away from [home], and grow as a man in this world. I thank God every day for allowing me to be at Crown.
ACADEMIC SUPPORT Our expectation is that each player will earn a GPA of 3.0 or greater. For first year players and “at risk” students, each student will create a schedule for the semester. All of their grades are recorded onto this plan, and a copy of each class syllabus is turned in with the calendar. Academic meetings are scheduled weekly or as needed; academic help is provided in the form of tutors, the writing center, and workshops.
LEADERSHIP TRAINING Cohesiveness is developed when our leaders relate to their teammates and use their influence to shape decisions and strengthen commitment levels. Leadership training is open to anyone interested. It consists of ten weekly workshops where we meet to discuss The Team Captain’s Leadership Manual by Jeff Janssen.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT We have developed a four-year plan with the Crown College Career Services Department to help prepare our student-athletes for their professional lives. The basic outline is:
Year Year Year Year
1: Self-assessment and Resume Writing 2: Internships and Job Shadowing 3: Grad School Advising and Networking 4: Interview Preparation
COMMUNITY SERVICE Throughout the year we will perform at least ten hours of community service. Our community service events could
FACILITIES OLD NATIONAL BANK STADIUM
• Capacity of nearly 1,500 people • New weight room opened in 2015, all new equipment and size increase by 77% • Home to Crown football, men’s soccer, and women’s soccer teams • Partnership with Twin Cities Orthopedics for all Athletic Training needs • State-of-the-art field turf, stadium lights,
VISIT OPPORTUNITIES Visiting campus is the best way to see if Crown could become home for YOU! Our visit experiences allow you to interact with professors, hang out with current students, and discover the people and the community which sets Crown apart from other colleges! You can also set up an individual visit anytime throughout the year. To schedule your own visit, contact your recruiting coach, or reach out to Coach Shourds, Recruiting Coordinator. Recruiting Coordinator: Coach Eric Shourds, shourdse@crown.edu, 952-446-4563
OVER 35 ACCREDITED MAJORS TO CHOOSE Accounting (B.S.)
Discipleship Ministries (B.S.)
Nursing (B.S.N.)
Associate of Arts (A.A.)
Education Studies [non-licensed] (B.S.)
Pastoral Leadership Major (B.A.)
Bible (A.A.)
Elementary Education (B.S.)
Physical Education (B.S.)
Biblical & Theological Studies (B.A.)
English (B.A.)
Physical & Health Education (B.S.)
Biology (B.S.)
Exercise Science (B.S.)
Psychology (B.A.)
Business Administration (A.S.)
General Studies (B.S.)
Science Education (B.S.)
Business Administration (B.S.)
Health Sciences/Medical Biology (B.A.)
Social Studies Education (B.S.)
Child & Family Ministry (B.S.)
History (B.A.)
Sport Management (B.S.)
Communication (B.A.)
International Relations (B.S.)
Video & Film Production (B.A.)
Communication Arts &
Intercultural Youth Development (B.S.)
Worship Ministry (B.S.)
Literature Education (B.S.)
Law Enforcement (B.S.)
Youth & Family Ministry Major (B.S.)
Criminal/Social Justice (B.S.)
Liberal Arts (B.A.)
Youth/Social Ministry (B.S.)
Criminology (B.S.)
Marketing (B.S.)
CALL 800-68-CROWN SEND ADMISSIONS@CROWN.EDU VISIT/APPLY WWW.CROWN.EDU/ADMISSIONS FINANCIAL AID WWW.CROWN.EDU/FINANCIAL
8700 College View Drive, St. Bonifacius, MN 55375