DUDLEY, Mass. (Oct. 6) – Nichols College Equipment Manager Bates Craver has been named a recipient of the All American Football Equipment Manager Award by the All-American Football Foundation. Craver will be honored at the 101st All-American Football Foundation New England Region Banquet of Champions, sponsored by the ECAC and the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce Sports Advisory Panel, on Tuesday evening at the Resort & Conference Center in Hyannis, Mass.
“It's an honor to be the recipient of the All American Football Equipment Manager Award from this well-regarded organization,” said Craver. “I am thankful for the recognition, not only for me, but also for Nichols College.”
Craver, who was recently honored with Nichols’ Honorary Alumnus Award, has been an integral part of the Nichols College community for 35 years, serving the College in a multitude of ways. He started his career on the Hill as the sole athletic trainer for all sports in 1974, as a member of the first group of athletic trainers to be certified in Massachusetts.
Throughout his tenure, Craver has served as swimming coach, intramural director, advisor to the varsity N-Club, coordinator of facilities and fields, and interim Athletic Director. He currently serves as the equipment manager for the athletic department, but remains involved in the sports medicine department as well.
The class of 1997 dedicated their yearbook to Craver, and in 2000 he was inducted into the Nichols Athletics Hall of Fame. In 2007, the Elliott “Bates” Craver Award for Dedication, Commitment and Rehabilitation was established and is awarded annually to a Nichols student-athlete.
Craver is a 1972 graduate of Springfield College where he earned a Bachelor of Science in health, physical education and recreation. He is a member of the Webster Sailing Association and is the charter organization representative for Cub Scout Pack 66 in Thompson.
A proud father of three and grandfather of two, he resides in North Grosvenordale, Conn., with his wife, Cheryl.