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The Marian University M-Club and the department of athletics are proud to sponsor the third annual Clayton Family Circle of Honor Induction Dinner presented by Phil and Brigitt Caito and Family on Friday, June 15, 2012 at 5:30 p.m., at the Physical Education Center on the Marian University campus. A reception will kick off the event at 5:30 p.m., before the dinner and program commence at 7 p.m.

Marian University is recognizing Bob Knight, legendary college basketball coach, and Ray Crowe, legendary Crispus Attucks High School coach, as the 2012 inductees into the Clayton Family Circle of Honor for their exemplary contributions to the intellectual, physical, and spiritual well-being of youth in Indiana and beyond.

"I cannot think of two better people that exemplify all of the qualities that embody the Clayton award," said director of athletics Steve Downing. "Growing up all I wanted to do was have the opportunity to play for coach Crowe. My parents followed his teams and would take me along. Coach Crowe always had a good heart and was about helping others who were less fortunate. Coach Knight has done things in Indianapolis that many do not know about beyond the game of basketball. His focus on the youth in the community and his ability to help those in need are his most endearing qualities. I believe both coach Crowe and coach Knight embody all that we expect from a Clayton Family Circle of Honor inductee."

Those that have played for Bob Knight declare simply that he raised the bar of excellence in the lives of all that surrounded him. Coach Knight not only ran championship level programs of complete integrity that steered clear of NCAA violations, but he also consistently graduated players and insisted that preparation was the key to success in life, as well as on the court. He coached three NCAA championship teams, won 902 career games, was a four-time national coach of the year and is just one of three coaches to win an NCAA title, a NIT title and an Olympic gold medal.

Coach Ray Crowe's enormous impact on the character, pride, and integrity of young people makes his story historic. During this racially troubled time in our nation, Crowe skillfully taught and demanded sportsmanship, discipline, self-esteem, and teamwork. He coached Crispus Attucks for seven years and brought the city of Indianapolis its first state championship in 1955 and won a second state title as the state's first undefeated team a year later. Additionally, he served as the school's director of athletics for 11 years. He also served four-and-a-half terms in the Indiana House of Representatives after his coaching career. Crowe was relentless in his use of the basketball court as his classroom to mold a culture of champions. Crowe's widow, Betty Crowe, and their family will accept the award for him.

"I am honored to be inducted into the Clayton Family Circle of Honor," said Knight. "What makes it special is that I am being inducted with a man like Ray Crowe. He is one of the best people I have ever known in my life and it makes me proud to be inducted alongside him."

To celebrate the contributions of Bob Knight and Ray Crowe to the youth of the Indianapolis community and beyond, Marian University plans to create an endowed scholarship in each of their names to benefit student-athletes. The scholarships will be awarded to student-athletes annually who will be pursuing careers in teaching and coaching.

The Clayton Family Circle of Honor was created in part to honor, but also to inspire. Joe Clayton and his wife, Jan, agreed to lend their names to these awards because they believe in the character-building qualities associated with athletics in a university community. At Marian University, the faith tradition and values are activated in many ways, including athletics. On the fields and courts of competition, student-athletes learn respect, fair play, and teamwork. These values carry over into all areas of their lives: personal relationships, careers, parenthood, and community service.

For information regarding the Clayton Family Circle of Honor Induction Dinner, please contact Joe Polizzi at 317.955.6265 or at jpolizzi@marian.edu .

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For more information on the event, please contact Joe Polizzi at 317.955.6265 or jpolizzi@marian.edu.

  includes:

**All-Game Sponsorship**
includes: Banner during football season in stadium or M-Club Hospitality Tent and distribution space at all home games/pre-game promotional mentions in all advertising

(newspaper, radio, Internet, direct mail, e-mail), advertising flyer placed in all game day programs, two public address announcements, two 30-second football radio commercials during each broadcast.

**One Game Sponsor**
includes: Banner during football season in stadium or M-Club Hospitality Tent and distribution space at all home games/pre-game promotional mentions in all advertising

(newspaper, radio, Internet, direct mail, e-mail), advertising flyer placed in all game day programs, two public address announcements, two 30-second football radio commercials during each broadcast.

 

Those that have played for Bob Knight declare simply that he raised the bar of excellence in the lives of all that surrounded him. Coach Knight not only ran championship level programs of complete integrity that steered clear of NCAA violations, but he also consistently graduated players and insisted that preparation was the key to success in life, as well as on the court. He coached three NCAA championship teams, won 902 career games, was a four-time national coach of the year and is just one of three coaches to win an NCAA title, a NIT title and an Olympic gold medal.

Coach Ray Crowe's enormous impact on the character, pride, and integrity of young people makes his story historic. During this racially troubled time in our nation, Crowe skillfully taught and demanded sportsmanship, discipline, self-esteem, and teamwork. He coached Crispus Attucks for seven years and brought the city of Indianapolis its first state championship in 1955 and won a second state title as the state's first undefeated team a year later. Additionally, he served as the school's director of athletics for 11 years. He also served four-and-a-half terms in the Indiana House of Representatives after his coaching career. Crowe was relentless in his use of the basketball court as his classroom to mold a culture of champions. Crowe's widow, Betty Crowe, and their family will accept the award for him.