BY SCOTT
HADDOW
Sudbury Secondary senior boys' football running back Dustin
Crowder knows how to make an impression.
Playing on the worst team in the high school loop this past
season, Crowder was at his best. The North Stars went 0-5-1 to
finish last in the eight-team league.
 
Despite the poor overall record, Crowder was a one-man show for
Sudbury Secondary, routinely being the best player on the field
overall, regardless of the opposition.
His blazing acceleration, coupled with his burning inner desire
to be the very best, propelled the running back to new heights
in 2006.
Crowder was named the league MVP for his determined efforts all
year.
"I really wanted to go out in my final year with a big bang,"
said Crowder. "I've been going 100 percent each year and this
season I went out and gave 110 percent. I thought I had
accomplished a lot by the end of the year. Winning the MVP
means a lot. It's the biggest award I have ever won in my life.
It's just great. I really do appreciate it and glad I won.
There were a lot of great players in this league this
year."
Crowder was an excellent choice for MVP. Stu Moggy, Sudbury
Secondary head coach, was always amazed by the professional
attitude and approach Crowder brings to the field each and
every day.
"He's a very deserving winner," said Moggy. "He's a character
individual. He's been here on the team for the last four years
and been the team MVP each season. His hard work got him the
award. He's at every practice and listens well. He just has an
inner drive to succeed and do his best. He's also modest and
humble."
Crowder was a key element in the North Stars' program.
"He was our starting running back, but he also played defence
for us too," said Moggy. "In his first game of the season, he
hurt his shoulder, but came back and just chewed up the league.
In our final game in the playoffs, he had over 300 total yards.
He was our leader and the coaches and school are proud of him.
All his hard work paid off for him in the end."
The final game also stands out in Crowder's mind. He made a big
play that still makes him smile.
"We were in our own end zone and I ran a one-to-five-yard
touchdown," said the 17-year-old. "It was, by far, my biggest
play of the season and it felt amazing to do it. I had a good
season. I averaged about 180-yards rushing per game and I had
two games where I rushed for over 250-yards."
Crowder holds himself to a high standard, regardless of wins
and losses. He feels it's necessary to give your best at all
times.
"I play really hard," said Crowder. "I am at every practice and
expect others to do the same. I was the leader. I would get
everyone at practice and if they didn't, I would be sure to
give them heck if I saw them in the hallways at school."
Crowder is looking to his future already. He plans to attend
university but he just doesn't know which one yet.
Preferably, he hopes to land in a university with a football program so he can continue to showcase his talents.
"I'm interested in going to either Western, Windsor or
Laurentian," said the running back. "Unfortunately, Laurentian
doesn't have a football team, so Western is my No. 1 pick. I
know I don't have the size right now, but I do have the speed.
I am also in the gym getting stronger everyday. I use my speed
to my advantage and make good cuts and decisions. I also find
ways to the end zone. My motivation is my future. I want to
keep playing."
Crowder's award-winning season almost never came to be. In his
first game, he separated his shoulder, but missed only one
game.
"It was worth it...to play through the injury," said Crowder.
"It didn't affect me as much as I thought it would...I just had
to play. I am still going to rehab."
Now with football over, Crowder hasn't taken any time off to
catch his breath. He's now playing for the senior boys'
basketball team. He also competes in baseball, track-and-field
and soccer.
"The only sport I don't play is volleyball because I just don't
like it," said Crowder with a laugh. "You name any other sport,
and I've played it. For basketball, I just want to improve on
my game and help my team win."
