He calls it “God’s sense of humor.” Others contend it’s coincidence. It’s objectively known as The 47 Factor, and it somehow figured into each of Seattle Pacific University’s five NCAA Championships under coach Cliff McCrath.
McCrath adopted his lucky number upon joining the Wheaton College soccer team in 1955. He was issued an old football jersey bearing the number 47. He went on to become a three-time All- American and wore a 47 on his shirts throughout his 38 seasons as men’s coach.
In 1978, the Falcons won their first NCAA Championship, scoring a huge upset over No. 1 Alabama A&M. The time of the deciding goal: 126:47. In 1983, Seattle Pacific captured a second title by toppling top-ranked Tampa. At the time McCrath was 47 years of age. SPU took home its third trophy in ’85 by clipping Florida International, 3-2. It marked McCrath’s 470th game as coach.
The 1986 NCAA Championship game was played in Seattle, situated on the 47th latitude. In front of their hometown fans, the Falcons beat Oakland for their second straight title and fourth overall. No wonder McCrath and many SPU followers felt good about the Falcons’ ability to hold an early 1-0 lead against Southern Connecticut in 1993. The goal came 9 minutes, 47 seconds into the match.
McCrath is not alone in celebrating 47. The 47 Society on Facebook continually tracks the 15th prime number and its plentiful appearances in news and culture.