COLUMBUS — The Columbus Crew announced today that it will hold a special dedication ceremony at 3:15 p.m. EDT on Sunday, October 7, to honor the memory of Kirk Urso. As part of the dedication, a plaque will be placed on a boulder and an oak tree will be planted in Founder’s Park, adjacent to the Lamar Hunt statue located on the south end of the Crew Stadium Plaza.
“Kirk was known and admired for his hard-working attitude and winning character both on and off the field,” said Crew President and General Manager Mark McCullers. “This memorial boulder and maple tree will honor his memory each and every day, and he will never be forgotten."
Urso passed away suddenly on August 5 of an Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy at the age of 22. He was originally selected by the Crew in the first round (No.10 overall) of the 2012 Supplemental Draft, and appeared in six games (five starts) with one assist. He was a graduate of the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, where he made four straight NCAA Men’s College Cup Final Four appearances and captained the team to the 2011 NCAA National Championship.
The Crew continues to honor Urso by wearing a number 15 patch (Urso’s jersey number) on its jerseys, as well as inscribing the number 15 on Crew Stadium’s field for every home game.
Urso was admired for his unwavering work ethic and steadfast character both on and off the field and will always be a member of the Crew family.
Urso’s family issued the following statement regarding Sunday’s dedication: “Kirk's life revolved around how he could inspire and build others up. Having this memorial comforts us knowing that he will not be forgotten. We thank everyone for their support during this most difficult time in our lives."
Additionally, the boulder commemorating the Crew’s second head coach, Tom Fitzgerald, who tragically passed away in 2004, will be moved to Founder’s Park.
