As a complete surprise was the announcement yesterday afternoon that Rao Crowther, head line coach of the football team, will leave the University for a similar position at the University of Pennsylvania.

Crowther, who has been in charge of the Crimson linemen for three years, came here in 1935, Dick Harlow's first year at Harvard. He was coached by Harlow on the 1921, '22 and '23 Colgate elevens.

In his new position, Crowther will be the head line coach under the new Quaker mentor and Director of athletics, George Munger, who was appointed two weeks ago.

Harlow To Appoint Successor

William J. Bingham '16, Director of Athletics, said he could not comment on Crowther's possible successor. "That is entirely in Dick Harlow's hands. Harlow yearly nominates the members of his coaching staff which in turn are referred to the Committee on the Regulation of Athletic Sports for approval."

Harlow, who is on his way back from Florida, where he has been vacationing during the past month, was not available for comment.

Accompanying the announcement of Crowther's acceptance of the Pennsylvania job, was Bingham's statement praising the line coach. "Pennsylvania is to be congratulated on the appointment of Raw Crowther as its football line coach. In the three years in which he has been in Cambridge we all came to have a high regard for him because of his excellent coaching ability and his personal qualities."

Voicing the sentiment of the team, Captain Russ Alien said yesterday in reference to Crowther, "one of the best guys I have ever known; a very good football coach."