A man’s greatest accomplishments may occur when he is immortalized in a statue, for Craig Schurig this accomplishment is becoming a reality.
On Thursday November 16, a statue of Schurig will be placed on the north east corner of Whiting Field House as a reminder for his time as head football coach at Washburn University.
“Coach Shurig has implemented a lot of traditions that will be remembered forever here at Washburn,” said Jerry Farley, President of Washburn. “Having a statue of him is very important to Washburn athletics and to our community.”
Although Schurig felt like he was making a difference, he never thought a statue would be placed on campus in his honor.
“I am completely at a loss for words,” said Schurig. “I have loved coaching at Washburn, it has been a great honor and I cannot wait to take the future head on and see what our program can do.”
Schurig has been the head football coach for eight seasons. While under Schurig, the Ichabod football program has made improvements to Yager Stadium. There is now an artificial turf and there have been several equipment upgrades in the weight room.
“There have been several changes and renovations that have occurred under my coaching term,” said Schurig. “I feel like they have really brought our team and community together.”
In the summer of 2009, the Ichabods moved into a renovated football locker room and a state-of-the-art strength and conditioning center in a renovated Whiting Fieldhouse as part of a $7 million project.
“Having proper facilities is a huge to deal to any program,” said Schurig. “We love our new home in Whiting.”
Due to the importance of Whiting Fieldhouse’s involvement in particular with the football team, members of the football booster club thought it was the most sentimental location for his statue.
“So many changes have happened on campus under Schurig,” said Yo Yo Mann, president of Washburn’s football booster club. “We just felt as though it would be a great location that would help him be remembered even more.”
Donations were given for the statue from the members of the booster club as well as previous alum. The statue cost $73,000.
“If you have ever been to a game, Coach Schurig can get pretty into it,” said Ronald McDowellize, senior linebacker. “There is a specific look he gives and he always points his finger. To have that be the pose of the statue is perfect.”
There will be an unveiling ceremony Friday morning at 9 a.m. to the public.
“To have a statue was enough but a ceremony will really get to me,” said Schurig. “I am proud to be an Ichabod.”
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