Maryrose Croddick Archives - Tony Ward Studio

Posted on April 13, 2015 by MaryRose Croddick

Franklin Field is one of the most historic athletic arenas in all of college sports. The field dates back all the way to 1895 when it was built for the viewing of the Penn Relays. The relays are still held there to this day and it is one of the only times that the entire stadium is filled. Franklin field was also formerly the home of the NFL team the Philadelphia Eagles, and is now used by the university for varsity track, football, and lacrosse competitions and practices, and also the site of Penn’s Spring Fling concert and Commencement ceremonies.

Formally, Franklin Field is an intimidating structure. It’s colossal walls tower over the everyday passerby. On the inside the stands stretch up endlessly into the sky reducing the players down on the turf into mere ants. From the top of the stands there are beautiful views of the entire city creating an interesting juxtaposition of modern skyscrapers to this old brick amphitheater.

The stadium’s daunting composition parallels the fierce competitors that take its field. Personally, I have had the unique privilege of competing in this legendary arena. For the first two years of my Penn career I played in Franklin Field as a member of the Penn Field Hockey team. I can distinctly remember the feeling of stepping out onto that turf for the first time– in a colossal stadium, under the lights, wearing my Penn uniform: it was an atmosphere like no other. I have left my blood, sweat, and tears out on that field like all those athletes that came before me, and all those yet to come.

This historic athletic site has seen both triumphant wins and devastating losses throughout its time. Franklin Field has been a home for the competitive spirit of all different types and levels of athletes for over a century. Throughout the stadium there are plaques and statues commemorating the truly excellent athletes that once played in this arena. Chuck Bednarik, ED’49, was one of the all time greats in football history. After playing for Penn and earning All American recognition three times over he went on to play in NFL for the Eagles. Sadly he passed away recently at 89 and his statue that stands in the western pavilion of the stadium has been honored with flowers and a Penn scarf.

Franklin Field has an incredibly rich athletic history. Having hosted some of the world’s greatest athletes during the Penn Relays, to professional football players, to collegiate competitors, to some of the cutest second grade soccer players for summer camp– it’s walls have really seen it all. But at the end of the day, when contestants have all gone home and there is not a spectator left in the stands, this historic building remains waiting for the next event to fill its seats and its atmosphere with the spirit of competition once again.

About the Author: About The Author: MaryRose Croddick is a senior enrolled in the College of the University of Pennsylvania, Class of 2015.

Posted on March 14, 2015 by Maryrose Croddick

Over the past few years I’ve watched my sister Bridget transform from a shy little girl into an engaging young woman. Not only did she grow about a foot taller and have her braces taken off just this past year, but she has also matured emotionally, becoming a more confident and outgoing individual.

This fall Bridget and her field hockey team won a gold medal in a national showcase tournament. In a just a short time she has developed into an exceptional athlete who impresses everyone watching from the sidelines with her speed and agility on the field. She is a force to be reckoned with when there is a stick in her hand, a tough and determined competitor.

Nevertheless, while she excels in sports she unfortunately suffers through school. A few years ago Bridget was diagnosed with ADD. She struggles significantly with her academics and school is a constant source of stress in her life. Despite this set back however, she is learning ways to better handle her studies in order to succeed in the classroom.

These photographs capture not only who Bridget is as both a student and an athlete, but also as an adolescent. The teenage years can take such an emotional toll on a young woman. Her battle to fit in but also be herself is very painful and confusing at times.

Life is propelling her forward on this journey to adulthood, yet Bridget still clings to her childish innocence. She possesses such youthful virtue and spritely energy and her happiest moments come when she is being her silly immature self. However, there is simultaneously a curiosity in her that compels her to explore her new maturity, her forming figure, and her developing sexuality.

And although Bridget has matured quite a bit recently, she is still only thirteen and has a lot more growing up to do. Very soon she will be graduating from middle school and going off to high school as a freshman in the fall, an exciting but also daunting thought for any eighth grader. She is thinking about pursuing a career in fashion, potentially as a model. It is definitely hard for me to see her growing up so fast because in my eyes she will always be my baby sister, but I’m excited to see what an exceptional young woman she will become in the future.

About The Author: Maryrose Croddick is a senior enrolled in the College of the University of Pennsylvania, Class of 2015.

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MaryRose Croddick: Franklin Field

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