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1970 Marshall Plane Crash: We Remember

What are your memories of Nov. 14, 1970? Share them here.

Tuesday, July 25, 2006

Your new page(s) and related links to the 1970 and 1971 Marshall football story are very well done and much appreciated. I have most of those early articles, but the paper's subsequent follow-up stories are priceless. Congratulations on a great effort!

In many ways, the media is a great part of the story. Mike Brown, Lowell Cade, Ernie, Harry, Bud and others all were there, working, trying to tell the story with heavy or buoyant hearts. I can hear and see each, the years no fog to there friendly demeanor and respectful questions and comments.

Again, thank you...especially for the praise for and remembrances of Nate Ruffin. "We Are Marshall" will be the greatest tribute to his desire that the story of The Herd and Young Herd be told over and over again, as inspiration, as a testament, and as a path to mutual respect and love.

Jack Yager
Sports Information Director
Marshall University
1971-72

In memory of Art Harris (#22) and his father, Arthur Harris Sr.

In memory of Art Harris (#22) and his father, Arthur Harris Sr.
From a fellow alum of his high school, Passaic HS, Passaic, NJ.

Artie was a multi-talented, two-sport athlete who shined like a star. He was a personable young man who showed so much promise. His dad sat in the stands with us, gave us rides home when it rained, and supported his boy in all that he did.

When I heard the news that awful November day, that Artie and his father were gone, I was stunned. I mourned for his mom, his sister, his fiancee and his young son. That boy is 37 years old now. A whole lifetime has gone by without knowing what a fine young man his father was, and never knowing his grandfather.

This was a tragedy in so many ways. I wept for the loss of everyone on that plane that day, and the town of Passaic, our home town, that lost one of its heroes.

-H Cassutto

Monday, July 24, 2006

In memory of Frank Loria

I was 13 years old when the Marshall tragedy happened. My cousin, assistant coach Frank Loria was on that plane. He and his wife were expecting their third child.

This child is now a very fine young man, who only knows his dad through other people's knowledge of him. I personally feel that this upcoming movie will give his son and his other two children a sense of pride that their father died that horrible night but is not forgotten.

My mom is now 91 years old and remembers that day as if it was yesterday because Frank Loria was her older brother's son. Frank was always a great son, nephew, cousin, husband and most of all a great human being. Even though I have moved from WV, 28 years ago, I am so proud that this movie is being made. This state doesn't always get the best of recognition so I am anxiously awaiting for the viewing of this most couragious story of "We are Marshall".

Donna Donnellon
Port Jefferson, NY

In memory of Mike Blake

"The Pain We Fill When Someone Leaves Our Lives, is in direct proportion thet bring while a part of our lives."

They often say when a beloved sports figure passes away that "heaven need a champion."

Well, on 11-14-1970, heaven got 75 champions. Mike Blake was the 1969 heavyweight state champion (18-0) wrestling champion -- the first ever state wrestling champion from Huntington East. His picture hangs the wall at the new Huntington High School.

-Randy

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

In memory of Dr. Brian R. O'Connor

IN MEMORY OF DR. BRIAN R. O'CONNOR, DEAN OF ADMISSIONS.

I HAD TUCKED OUR TWO LITLE ONES INTO BED AND TURNED ON THE TV. I KEPT ON HEARING, "THERE ARE NO SURVIVORS... THERE ARE NO SURVIVORS." FRIENDS STARTED COMING TO MY HOME..THEY WON'T LET ME GO TO THE AIRPORT. SOMEONE LIT A FIRE IN THE FIREPLACE. THEN I WAS ALONE. IN THE WEE HOURS OF THE MORNING, I AWOKE AND WAS OVERWHEMED WITH THE LOSS. AND I WEPT IN THE QUIETNESS OF OUR BEDROOM.

--Katherine O'Connor/Beiter

Monday, July 17, 2006

In memory of Stuart Cottrell

7/17/51--11/14/70

My brother Stuart Cottrell, a sophomore in 1970, was one of the youngest who died in the plane crash. Today, July 17th, is his birthday--he would have been 55. Instead, because of that horrible accident so many years ago, he will always be 19.

Sally Cottrell

Atlanta, Ga.

'Close to my heart'

I grew up in Kenova and remember hearing the noise from the crash on that horrible evening. Marshall is and always will be very close to my heart.
-Anonymous

Sunday, July 16, 2006

'Huntington holds a special place in my heart'

I agree! Huntington holds a special place in my heart. I am a Princeton WV native and went to Marshall from 1971-1975. I now live in Alabama. I met my husband who played on the Young Thundering Herd after the crash. Marshall University and Huntington mean so much to us. Our 3 children feel a part of the community and come back with us at least once a year to see a football game and renew old friendships. Coach Lengyel has been a strong influence on my husband over the years and we still keep in touch. The movie has been so exciting and we can hardly wait for the premier in October. My 3 yr. old grandson can now say "Go Herd" and he loves Marco! Go Herd!

-Anonymous

Thursday, July 13, 2006

In memory of Barry Winston Nash

I LIVE EVERY DAY WITH THE MEMORY OF MY DEAR BELOVED BROTHER...BARRY WINSTON NASH #35

SPRING HILL CEMETERY

MOST SINCERELY,SHEILA NASH FOSTER, SISTER OF BARRY WINSTON NASH #35

'No place compares to Huntington'

Since graduating from Marshall University, I have been all over the country. But no place compares to Huntington, WV. Good luck herd in 06. Emmons HAy
-mikehay44