Growing has been a challenge for Warren senior Charlie Crowson.
Twice during high school, the 6-foot-1 midfielder has been diagnosed with osteochondroma, a noncancerous tumor on growing bones. It was first found in Crowson’s left leg during the summer before his sophomore season. Surgery was followed by a four-month rehab.
“The first was extremely uncomfortable, more than just straight pain,” he said.
Another tumor was found in Crowson’s left leg during his junior season. It was less severe, but he had surgery again.
“I think it’s unlucky that I got it because it’s usually something genetic, but no one in my family has it,” Crowson said. “The first time, it made me realize how much I miss being on the field.”
But as Crowson begins his third varsity season, he’s healthy and motivated. Through two games, he has sparked the Blue Devils (2-0) with a goal and an assist.
“I’m ready to go this year,” he said. “I’m back to full strength and can reach my full potential.”
Crowson had five goals and two assists last season.
“I don’t think people have seen the best side of Charlie in the last couple of years,” Warren coach Jason Ahonen said. “Hopefully all of his leg issues are behind him and he’s going to have a stellar year for us.
“Charlie is a gifted athlete. He has all the physical tools, like height, is fast, and he could play any sport and be successful. Now healthy after dealing with nagging injuries, he can finally showcase what he can do.”
Ahonen said he has known Crowson for more than 10 years. Crowson’s older sister, Katelyn, and older brother, Chris, also played soccer at Warren. Katelyn Crowson graduated in 2022, and Chris Crowson graduated in 2024. The brothers played together in 2023.
“I don’t feel any pressure following them, but it’s not out of the picture,” Charlie Crowson said. “The goal is to be better than them. I would like to leave the program with a good name.”
Warren senior defender Jordan DuFour said Crowson is in a good position to do that.
“Charlie’s very composed and is able to slow down the game to his own tempo and find the right pass at the right time,” DuFour said. “He’s also a great aerial player on both sides of the ball, winning just about every header in the midfield or in the box.”
Warren senior defender Gunnar Zajac certainly appreciates Crowson’s contributions.
“Playing with Charlie makes my job easier,” Zajac said.
Crowson sees an opportunity to make an even wider impact on the team.
“I think I need to help lead this team because we’re very young with very little experience,” he said. “We have a lot of sophomores with no varsity experience at all.”
But Crowson said he thinks the Blue Devils, who outscored their first two opponents 8-1, have a lot of potential.
“We’re off to a great start for the team,” he said. “I’m happy with the way we have performed, and our depth is great. I expect good things to come for the rest of the season.
“We have to stay on our game and be locked in as a team, and we have a good chance to beat anybody.”
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.
