Erik remains very much alive in the hearts of many – not just friends and family but also people who only met him once or simply know his story. Erik embodied the best of all of us: humor, intelligence, wit, perspective, friendship, and above all, love for life. The priority for many of us has been to keep all these qualities with us when we remember him and carry on his legacy.

While The Klassic is a way for his Gonzaga family to show our love for Erik, there are several other ways to get involved with his family and friend:

The Erik Kristensen Memorial Softball Game
Erik and his cousins, Steve, Jen, and Allison, were less cousins and more four siblings. To celebrate Erik’s life in a way they knew he would enjoy, they have held a memorial softball game in Bowie, MD, three years running at Whitemarsh Park. The game itself is less about who wins or loses and more about making sure the younger ones get their “fair ups” and everyone enjoys themselves! A crab feast worthy of any discerning Marylander follows the game. Held in late June/early July, the game is a come-one, come-all affair. For more information, go to www.erikkristensen.net.

The Little Puff
One of the most generous and regular contributors to Erik’s scholarship fund has been W. Curtis Draper Tobacconist, located at 640 14th Street, NW, in Washington, DC. Proprietor Matt Krimm, along with business partner John Anderson, has celebrated the world of cigars at their Little Puff event for a number of years. The past three Puffs have contributed generously to Erik’s fund. If you are a cigar aficionado, you need to attend The Puff! For more information on The Little Puff go to their website at http://drapertobacco.com or call them at 800-572-2382.

Memorial Crew Shells
Both Gonzaga College High School and The United States Naval Academy dedicated their varsity eight shells in Erik’s name. While Gonzaga did not have a crew team during Erik’s tenure, the crew community showed tremendous thoughtfulness in naming their shell after him. Erik’s parents christened his shell at Gonzaga in September 2007. Additionally, Erik’s shell at Navy is fully endowed thanks to an effort lead by his classmate and friend Brooks McFeely, USNA ’95.

Erik S. Kristensen Memorial Leadership Award
Former Navy SEAL Bill Brown knows first-hand the qualities needed to be a part of our nation’s Special Forces. As the parent of a Gonzaga alumnus, he also knows the tremendous bond that defines the Gonzaga community. Bill contacted The Naval Special Warfare Foundation, and with their assistance, he established the Erik S. Kristensen Memorial Leadership Award in 2006. Each year at the school’s Charter Day ceremony, the award goes to a senior who has proven himself outstanding among his peers in leadership, dedication, and devotion to his fellow students or teammates. The student receives a $1,000 scholarship, from the Naval Special Warfare Foundation, that goes toward his college tuition.