1970 Marshall Plane Crash: We Remember

"My heart goes out to all of you and your families"

2012-01-22T13:37:00.001-08:00

To everyone that was affected by this tragic accident, my heart goes out to all of you and your families. I don't know anyone that was involved in this tragedy, but I saw the movie " We Are Marshall" and I was completly touched by this story. I am 17 years old and never before has s story touched my heart so profoundly. This was a terrible tradegy that I will never forget, and a team that everyone will always remember. WE! ARE! MARSHALL!!

"This film is a legacy, and a tribute to you all"

2011-11-26T13:43:00.000-08:00

I am halfway across the world from Marshall University, however the film 'We are Marshall' has just screened on one of our TV networks.

I recorded it, and have watched it twice, crying buckets both times. How amazing to have a team, a town a tragedy remembered this way.

The actors did an amazing job, and by all accounts stayed true to the story. We cannot imagine losing so many loved ones in one horrific tragedy, and our hearts go out to you all, even so many years after this tragic events occurred. This film is a legacy, and a tribute to you all.

Our thoughts are with you.

Tracey Sherwin
New Plymouth
New Zealand

"The lessons of healing through grief are vital to surviving a tragedy like this"

2011-11-13T15:27:00.000-08:00

My dad, Brian O'Connor, died in the plane crash when I was 4.

We were in the fountain scene, along with many other family members, and were invited to the premier.

In the afternoon, before the evening gala "Green carpet" event, the movie was shown for just the family members and the '71 team. It ripped my guts out, but it was so good to remember, to know what happened, who the people were that surrounded the story that I lived.

There was a time of breathless silence when the movie ended with the fountain scene, then a standing ovation for McGee, the director.

It took me 4 years to take the shrink wrap off the DVD copy, but we watched it last Nov. 14 with my 14- and 11-year-old children. It is PG and is not overly graphic. It's emotional, but not sickening.

The lessons of healing through grief are vital to surviving a tragedy like this. Please watch it, and remember the lives of those it was created to honor.

-Ruth Ann O'Connor Lewis

"My prayers still go out"

2011-11-03T10:54:00.000-07:00

I'm 62 and was on my way to Viet Nam, when I heard the news.

Mary Poat, the Fight Attendant, was a cousin from my Father's family in Kentucky.

Of course, this terrible tragedy, is forever etched in my heart & my prayers still go out to those who lost their lives and all their families.

-Rand Noel

"They were a great bunch of guys"

2011-10-25T16:16:00.001-07:00

I signed a "Letter of Intent" to play football at Marshall in 1969. I chose not play for a variety of reasons, but I did spent my Freshman year at MU before transferring to a school closer to my home the next year. I do remember many great times with the other freshman recruits though. They were a great bunch of guys.

-anonymous

"Life was truly never the same"

2011-09-27T13:10:00.000-07:00

I too remember J.D. and John (Bonnie) Stainback. We were neighbors before high school. I visited their parents after the tragic accident. Life was truly never the same for the Stainbacks after that day. My prayers go out to all who lost a love one on that day.

-Anonymous

"What a tragic story"

2011-08-31T13:11:00.001-07:00

I saw "We are Marshall" last night on Netflix and had no idea that the plane had taken off from the town I have lived in since 1980- Kinston, North Carolina. What a tragic story and such a loss for the families of those young men. I also was Class of '73. The most touching for me was a rival team with a cross and M U on the back of the helmet -sometimes we just don't understand why....

-anonymous

"I've never been able to bring myself to watch "We Are Marshall" "

2011-07-31T15:05:00.000-07:00

I've never been able to bring myself to watch "We Are Marshall."

From reading the online news accounts I know that the movie is either too tragic to sit through or it pales by comparison to the real life moments captured in print in The Herald-Dispatch.

-Anonymous

"I never forgot those guys"

2011-03-20T15:55:00.000-07:00

I'm 62 years old and was graduated from Marshall in 1971.

I had 5 fraternity brothers in the crash and I remember that night there was news it wasn't the Marshall team or the Marshall team's plane was lost and turned back, but in the end they were all gone.

It was horrible to go to class and see the seats those guys sat in went unoccupied for the semester

We buried our friends and family and went on to graduate and work but I never forgot those guys.

I had to walk out of "We Are Marshall" several times. I was crying and I had an old Marshall University sweat shirt on and people began to ask me questions.

I just told them those guys were heroes, they're my heroes.

They'll forever be young and the Southern Airways Jet is getting ready to land and we'll all see other on Sunday in Huntington.

God bless you guys.

-Anonymous

"Thank you for your show of respect"

2010-11-14T14:14:00.000-08:00

On the 40th anniversary of the plane crash, I am still so sad about the loss of life that fateful day. Art Harris and his dad, Arthur Harris, Sr. were such great people and Art was a 3-sport star at Passaic High.

Thank you for your show of respect to the Marshall team so long ago.

-Ms. Cassutto(now Haden)

"Lest we ever forget, We Are Marshall"

2010-11-14T14:12:00.000-08:00

I was at a lodge dinner with my parents in Ceredo. We kept hearing one siren after another. There were no phones in the lodge hall. Jack Hardin, from the Herald-Dispatch, was there and we all walked outside together. The sirens just kept blaring. Jack said "Oh my God! The Marshall plane is due in about now". Unfortunately, he was correct. I am not sure if Jack ever told this story over the years. Lest we ever forget, We Are Marshall.

-Sam Perkey

" I'll see you guys when the final whistle blows."

2010-11-07T15:18:00.000-08:00

40 years seems so long ago yet it seems like yesterday too when Art Harris and I were playing football in the mud at our local park, playing baseball in high school and winning championships with our church basketball team. I fondly remember the hours of talking sports with Art's dad who was also lost in the tragedy. I remember pitching against Ted Shoebridge and learning quickly that you never get him out with the same pitch twice. Ted was a great athlete and one of the nicest guys you'd ever want to meet.

I'll see you guys when the final whistle blows.

We are All one Heart, We Are Marshall

Roy Slezak

"Forever a fan of the Thundering Herd"

2010-11-04T10:22:00.000-07:00

Several of the children who lost family in the crash were in Knoxville, TN that weekend. The Huntington youth football program had come to Knoxville to play the Baby Falcons and they stayed in our homes. My family hosted Steve Morehouse. Every Nov 14, I think of my parents breaking the news to us after the Huntington buses pulled away.

I will never forget the polite boy who spent the weekend with us, nor the crash. The Knoxville New Sentinel has run stories about the Marshall crash and its connection to Knoxville over the years. I found it difficult to see the movie when came out, I knew it would be hard to watch but I did finally build up the courage to see it after it was released on DVD. Just like the 6 o'clock news about the war in Vietnam, the Marshall crash is a never fading memory of my childhood.

I have prayed often not only for the Morehouse family but all of Marshall, and one year on Nov 14 I hope be in Huntington for the memorial service at the fountain.

A Tennessee Vol who is also and forever a fan of the Thundering Herd

-BA Strickland Rodgers

"I think everyone in West Virginia mourned for all who died."

2010-10-01T15:52:00.000-07:00

"I was only 3 years old when this happened but I can still remember this tragedy. I was born and raised in Parkersburg West Virginia. My father was born and raised there a well. My grandparents and father knew Jeff Nathan and were very sad about his death as well as everyone else who died that tragic night. I think everyone in West Virginia mourned for all who died. May they all rest in peace in the arms of God."

-LadyMolly1967

A memory

2010-08-18T13:23:00.000-07:00

Ed Carter,is a good friend of mine who missed the plane crash. He told me his story of how a few days or more before the game,his mother called Ed to come home to Texas...his dad was very ill. As Ed started to make plans to return to Huntington,to catch the plane to East Carolina,his mom warned him not to go...she had a very bad premonition about the plane. Ed listened to his mom's intuition and when he heard about the crash, he was devastated. He told me he always thought it was strange that he would always sit alone on the plane every game. Within a few hours, after the crash, Ed had to go on local tv to let people know he had missed the plane because they had already reported he too had perished. Ed and I attended church and college together at Tenn. Temple University where he graduated from seminary and has been very successful planting new African American churches all over the South. I hope he contacts me someday...I haven't seen him since 1977.I trully believe God has had a special work for Ed and his family!!

Joe Dierdorff

"I remember"

2010-08-02T12:54:00.001-07:00

I remember making many, many trips to the Wayne County Coroners Office to pick up death certificates for the plane crash victims. I filled insurance claims, visited many funeral homes, and continued to do other work with a large lump in my throat for months upon end.

Roger Hesson, former Payroll/Emploee Dir. 1963-1979

"I remember the night of the crash"

2010-06-06T20:14:00.001-07:00

I have watched the movie several times and I remember the night of the crash. I am certain that the memory of those boys and the people who were on plane will be remembered as long as there is a Marshall University.

I often think that the sheer tragedy of that night touched so many lives. I wish all the best and think that as long as we can be citizens of this country and sports fans, and family, We Are All Marshall!

-Anonymous

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2010-03-04T13:46:00.001-08:00

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"I have never forgotten those guys"

2010-02-23T06:36:00.000-08:00

David Griffith was a good friend and fellow classmate at Ferrum College.I had the pleasure of working out with Coach Tolley's team at Ferrum, many of whom transferred to Marshall with the coach. I have never forgotten those guys. Picking up the Richmond paper and seeing David's picture held by his wife with baby in hand is permanently etched in my mind.I miss you David-big time.

Joe Kellington

"Thank you for the kind and touching words about my father"

2009-08-20T12:25:00.001-07:00

Pat,

Thank you for the kind and touching words about my father. I'm very happy to hear you have good memories of knowing him and watching him play. While it is very true, life was never the same for the people and community affected by the tragedy. The individual and collective strength of pure love, compassion, and fortitude allow us to move forward.

Daniel Dodson Stainback

"My heart, too, goes out the everyone who lost a loved one that night"

2009-08-17T06:02:00.000-07:00

My name is Pat (Grey) Burton. For the first time, I watched We Are Marshall last night on TV... then I watched it again. What a horrible, tragic loss for so many. I graduated high school with John Stainback, the brother of Jerry Dotson (J.D.) Stainback who died in that crash. J.D. was a couple of years older than Johnny and I, and I remember watching J.D. play football while at Warwick. He has a terrific person, fun loving, good looking, down to earth nice guy and great ball player. After seeing the movie, I logged into Goggle and began reading all the stories and seeing all the pictures. It was as though time had stood still, so many years ago. J.D's. MU picture looked just like he did in high school. Just read a story written in a Roanoke newspaper, entitled 35 Years of Pain where it discussed the 7 Ferrum players who transferred over to MU, one of them J.D. Thought I remembered he'd married and sure enough the article mentioned his wife and child at the time. My heart, too, goes out the everyone who lost a loved one that night. I know for the Stainback family, life surely was never the same.

-Pat Burton

"My heart goes out to all the families and their tremendous losses."

2009-08-10T05:37:00.000-07:00

My best friend, Shirley Mealey and Ray Hagley, were my friends in Huntington schools many years ago.

I later lived in CA and heard of the crash and phoned quickly..finally reaching a distraught lady who answered Dr. Hagley's office phone and told me they were both in the plane. I felt so helpless!

Shirley and I had often talked and written of getting our families together while they were all young.

My heart goes out to all the families and their tremendous losses.

Barbara (Riggs) Taylor
taylor.barbara@gmail.com

"It really had a very powerful impact on me"

2009-03-25T13:56:00.000-07:00

I played football for 6 years total. 4 in high school, 2 in semi pro... and when I saw the movie "We are marshall" it really had a very powerful impact on me. It was probably the most powerful film i've ever seen... My heart and prayers go out to those who were close to the ones who were lost. GO HERD!

-Pete Gaines, Berkshire Mountaineers

"I remember that night so well"

2009-03-03T06:46:00.000-08:00

I remember that night so well. Dark and drizzly. My father was a Marshall English professor and a big sports fan. He rushed over to the university to see what he could do to help, and they put him on the most terrible job of all. He was one of the people who had to call parents of the football team and tell them their sons were gone.

He could never talk about it but said it was the worst thing he's ever had to do in his life.

Lucy Proctor, who lost both parents in the crash, was in my class at Huntington High School. I didn't know what to say to her and so I didn't say anything. I regret that so much now.

-Julie Sullivan

"We will always remember"

2009-02-12T06:56:00.000-08:00

I grew up in Huntington WV. There isn't a greater place to live or a more loving city. I was only 8 years old when this crash happened and remember well the fight back to be the awesome team that THE THUNDERING HERD has become. We will always remember those who lost their lives on that tragic night. The people of Huntington and MARSHALL will continue to be overcomers. Even though I live in Kentucky now I will always follow our HERD and keep them in my heart. LOVE YOU HUNTINGTON
-Visa

"My heart goes out...

2009-02-10T11:28:00.001-08:00

I'm Horace & I live in Augusta, ga.

I watched the movie Yesterday. My Heart goes out for the coaches,players, relatives & the town who suffered this tragady. I was about 10 when this happaned & never knew of it....Please Remember, They not ONLY live in your hearts...They now live in mine & millions of Other people who will watch the movie. Bless you all. Bless THE TEAM & GO MARSHALL!!

"I am so sorry you have suffered this loss"

2008-12-14T20:23:00.001-08:00

Hi. I have watched "We Are Marshall" and my heart goes out to the families and friends off all who were killed in the plane crash. I know that time doesn't really ease pain, you just learn to live with it. I have felt like crying for the people who went through all of this. I have suffered some losses in the past two years and I understand more than ever now how a loss like this can hurt. I will be praying for you and I want to tell you that I am so sorry for your pain. I know that people will wish that someone was there for some event in their life to share it with them. And I wanted to tell you that I am so sorry you have suffered this loss.

-Heidi Dietrich

"So sorry for the loss of all your loved ones"

2008-11-11T06:44:00.000-08:00

hi my name is kelly and im from australia ive watched the movie and i must say i couldnt stop crying it was so sad.

I just cant believe that there all gone, i keep watching the movie over and over, im so sorry for the loss of all your loved ones in the crash, one day i hope to come over and visit the place where they all stood and played.

"I get chills and can't help but tear up."

2008-11-02T14:03:00.001-08:00

I grew up listening to this story. It seems like just about everyone in my family attended Marshall (including myself). My uncle (by marriage), his brother was one of the team members that died in the crash. My uncle came to Marshall the following year and played for the Young Thundering Herd. Everytime I watch the movie, read an article about the crash, watch a documentary about the events of Nov. 14, 1970...I get chills and can't help but tear up. This tragedy will be in our hearts forever, but like they say, "out of the ashes we rose." We are...Marshall...forever!
-Anonymous

"A Healing Return"

2008-10-28T11:31:00.001-07:00

A story I wrote earlier this year as I remembered the events of 1970.

A HEALING RETURN

I’ve thought about the trip many times; gone over it again and again in my mind.

In November I’ll finally make the real trip that I’ve avoided making all these years. I guess I just didn’t want to be reminded of what happened on that West Virginia hillside so many years ago when 75 people including my good friend and teammate Art Harris and his dad lost their lives in a devastating plane crash that rocked the town of Huntington, West Virginia and changed so many lives in the blink of an eye. I guess I didn’t want to feel that survivor’s guilt again; as Mr. Harris, Art’s dad, had invited me to join him on the trip that weekend.

It was November, 1970 a day or so after the crash that for some reason I was drawn to the campus of Marshall. So I got in my car and drove the almost 600 miles to West Virginia. I had no idea what I would do when I got there or why I was going. I think I needed the confirmation that this wasn't just a nightmare.

As I arrived on campus, the atmosphere was gloomy along with the weather. There were no smiles, there was no laughter that I remembered from my previous visits. Everyone seemed to be walking around in a daze. As I have written before, time seemed to stand still.

I hitched a ride out to the crash site that was still smoldering with a few flames here or there. As I approached the site it was like a movie and everything taking place was in slow motion. My whole body became weak and my hands shook at the thought of what I might be about to witness. Not far down the hillside I saw the smoldering wreckage, what was once the a fuselage of a DC9. As I remember this, I think of the line in the movie ‘WE ARE MARSHALL’ when Nate Ruffin asks the firemen to check the front of the plane to identify the airline. The fireman replies, “Son, there is no front of the plane”.

That’s exactly how devastating the scene that unfolded in front of me appeared.

My heart sank and I was so weak that I dropped to my knees on the muddy road,with tears in my eyes. It was at this moment that I really understood that Art and his dad were not coming home. There would be no NFL, no more “partner in crime” and no more hours of talking about sports with Mr. Harris.

I got to my feet,turned from the wreckage and began to walk down the old logging road to collect my thoughts. I thought about Art’s two sisters and his mom and Art's 1year old son who would never get to know his dad and all the other people in Huntington and around the country who had their lives changed forever.

I attended a service that night which seemed, for the moment to make things better and I helped at the armory where they brought the bodies in for identification; something I will never talk about in any detail. I returned home when I could no longer take the heartbreak and grief,.

I attended my friends’ funeral, where we placed a football and a six pack with the casket. I took a rose from one of the wreaths and still have that rose to this day.

I occasionally return to my native NJ and when I do, one of my first stops is the cemetery to pay my respects to Art and his dad and now his little sister and mom; who always treated me as family.

Time passes quickly. But those memories are as fresh as if they happened yesterday.

So in November, that part of my life will have come full circle. Would I change anything? Of course I would. Art had so much promise as an athlete and as a person.

I’ll go over the trip in my mind over and over again until November, when I’ll retrace my steps from so many years ago. The sights, the sounds and the smells will re-emerge and as I take each step it will seem like slow motion. My knees will be weak and my hands will shake once again as I approach the crash site. This time however, will be a healing trip; unlike my previous trip in 1970.

I hope that those who have struggled and still struggle with what happened on that hillside in 1970 can find peace after 38 years in knowing that their friends and family are always remembered; not just at the Fountain Ceremony on November 14th every year, but everyday of the year by everyone and anyone who was connected to the event.

This one single event shaped our lives and are part of who we are and we all are forever connected. As someone once wrote,"WE ARE ALL ONE HEART", although we’ve probably never met.

Those of us who didn’t board that plane, for whatever reason, were given a second chance.

That second chance has given me two sons, my siblings, my friends and best of all, life itself. I've tried to make the best of that gift and give back whenever I can.

I’ll remember the football games in the mud, the church basketball championships and Art’s winning hits in the baseball games. Most of all I’ll remember Art’s devilish smile when his practical jokes gave everyone a good laugh. These things I would never trade for anything.

Roy 2008

"That night remains frozen in my mind"

2008-10-22T10:29:00.000-07:00

I grew up in Lyndhurst N.J. , home of QB Ted Shoebridge. I was about 14 at the time and that night remains frozen in my mind to this day. My friends and I heard the news while attending a dance that Saturday night. We rushed home only to find that it really was true. We all went to the memorial service for Ted ; it seemed the whole town was there. I knew his 2 brothers . We were all devastated. God bless the 1970 Herd.

-Anonymous

"I hope someday to make this story even more known"

2008-07-24T13:40:00.001-07:00

I wasn't around during 1970. I didnt have any family there that i know of. i wasnt even born until about 20 years later. but i have seen the movie and i have done much research since I've seen We Are Marshall. I cant even begin to imagine what the people that were there fathers mothers siblings family and people that lived there went through. i continue to find new facts about the crash all the time. i hope someday to make this story even more known.

-Anonymous

"I feel for those who suffered in this tragedy"

2008-06-22T12:25:00.001-07:00

I just watched the movie "We Are Marshall" I could not take my eyes of this movie, my husband and my 4 year old set by my side at times we smiled, other times we were silent on others we were teary up. I believe the actors did a great job on honoring the coaches,players and relatives who suffered this tragady. Thru them I felt the pain, the love for the game,and to remember the amazing Marshall team. I feel for those who suffered in this tragedy, the ones who lost their kids, partners, parents, relatives and friends. My heart goes out, and may God always Bless You.

Susan Chavez

California

"My heart drops"

2008-06-22T12:24:00.001-07:00

Family and friends on the Marshall University football team,

I came across this site after watching the movie, "We are Marshall", and was curious about the incidents that happened many years ago. As I learn about the tragic accident, my heart drops in ache as of what your family, friends, school and community had to go through. Everyday you read about high school teams working together as a brotherhood, inseperable in the lives and the spirit a team brings upon fellow students, community and each other. For this to happen, it tears your spirit apart, your hopes and your joys. The strength and power that you all have had to grow was probably the new spirit and the new strength that makes Marshall the school what it is today. Go Marshall! For never giving up and having the drive to grow and become Marshall once again! God Bless.

-Anonymous

"My heart goes out to all."

2008-06-16T13:45:00.000-07:00

I fell asleep watching a movie on HBO. When I woke up "We are Marshalls" was just starting. A movie about a football team. I am female, never liked any sports and this was NOT my kind of movie. I started to clean up my room and didn't bother to shut off the tv or change the channel. I looked up though as the coach was saying "we are gonna be landing shortly guys" and he sat in his seat on the plane and then there was a flash and the screen turned black. I sat on the edge of my bed and I couldn't turn away from watching the rest of the movie. My heart was breaking. I am so sorry for everyones loss. As you can see, the movie inspired me to research the tragedy further. Which I did immediately after watching the movie. I hope all is going well for those survived by the victims of this enigma. It is not for us to know or even understand these kinds of things I guess. My heart goes out to all. My cousin died only a few weeks ago in a tragic CRAZY FREAK accident involving a semi truck. He too, was burned and unrecognizable. He had to be positively ID'ed by his dental records. He was only 38 and so so tall and handsome. So I can relate to the reaction we have at this kind of end for the ones we love.

-Spokane WA Resident

"The Marshall story is one of loss, perserverance and hope ..."

2008-06-01T12:00:00.000-07:00

I stumbled upon the Marshall Story while researching some Rutgers football info. just before the movie came out in 2006.

Coincidentally, a local NJ paper (The Star Ledger) published a powerful piece about the young Teddy Shoebridge (QB)from Lyndhurst NJ, of the fateful team that perished in the crash and the grief that the Shoebridge family experiences to this day. This story affected me profoundly. The Marshall story is one of loss, perserverance and hope and it truly mirrors our own challenges on a different level. I will never drive through the town of Lyndhurst NJ without thinking of the young Quarterback and all of the 'Sons of Marshall'. May they find peace......

-BigAl

"It was really touching"

2008-05-20T06:36:00.000-07:00

I just saw the movie dedicated for the Marshall Football Team entitled "We Are Marshall". I could say that it was really touching and deeply emotional knowing that it happened in the real. Years have passed but the people who died on that crash would always be remembered by everyone.
-Anonymous

"I can't believe what this town has endured."

2008-04-14T18:04:00.001-07:00

Incredible. I can't believe what this town has endured. The actors have done a great service and honor to those who remained after the crash. Tragic story/moving emotional movie.

-Diane

'Compelled to journey to Huntington'

2008-03-23T14:03:00.000-07:00

This story & movie touched me so that I was compelled to journey to Huntington West Virginia in late August, 2007 on my way to an event in Indiana. It was the first week of classes and as I breathed the air and anonymously walked down some of the halls of the University, visited the fountain, walked through the stadium and by the steel mill, I knew that it would be an experience I would never forget.

Dave N.
Kitchener, Ontario

'God bless you'

2007-12-05T06:33:00.000-08:00

God bless you and all of those whose lives this terrible tragedy affected.

I can't even begin to imagine the pain you have endured.I just watched the movie and was brought to tears many times during it. How beautifully the town has pulled together, helping one another get back on their feet.

They did a wonderful job with the movie. When I put it on, I wasn't sure what to expect.

Again, God bless you.

-Sue From MA

"You Are Marshall"

2007-11-28T05:34:00.000-08:00

I know the movie has been out for a while now, but me & my husband just had the pleasure of seeing it. We are both big football fans, but being from TX and only born in 83 & 84 had never really heard this tragic story. I have to say I have not cried so much or been so touched by a story in a long time! The movie was very well done & I thought paid very good tribute to all the lives that were lost. We are also from a small town & know how much of a tragedy loosing home town people can be. Loosing one person is bad enough much less 75 young to old. I have looked over the web site & read numerous blogs on how much those people are missed.

I just wanted to say that YOU ARE MARSHALL & you can continue to make it through with all 75 in your hearts! Good luck to the future Thundering Herds!-

Staci RetzlaffLexington TX

Online site about the 1970 Marshall plane crash available again

2007-11-08T06:32:00.000-08:00

During the transition to new content management software, we had to temporarily take down our "1970 Marshall Plane Crash: The Real Story" site in order to move it to the new platform.

I am pleased to announce the site has returned.

The site features:

* original game stories and rosters of the 1970 and ’71 teams.
* photo galleries of the teams, Fairfield Stadium and more.
* biographical information about the victims.
* stories about Jack Lengyel, Nate Ruffin and Red Dawson.
* a history of Marshall football.
* coverage of the filming of the movie.

Explore the site by clicking here.

If you should find any technical glitches, please e-mail to me at acopley@herald-dispatch.com.

Thanks,
Andrea Copley-Smith
online editor
The Herald-Dispatch

"God Bless both those who are gone and and those living"

2007-10-01T06:20:00.001-07:00

I grew up in Huntington and we had just moved to Welch when the crash happened. I was young, about 12 however I still remember the gut wrenching feeling I had when I heard the news. The reporters talking about the shortage of funeral home space. My sister who still lives near the airport heard the explosion but didn't know what it was at the time, and never dreaming it was a plane until she turned on the news. Marshall has fought a long battle back and God Bless both those who are gone and and those living who played a part.

-Anonymous

"We are all Marshall"

2007-09-24T12:50:00.000-07:00

I have heard the phrase "We are Marshall" many times for years and have dismissed it as simple college pride. After seeing the film I will dismiss it no more. "We are all Marshall"
Danny Milner- Buford, Ga.

Young memory of the crash

2007-09-24T11:35:00.001-07:00

Young memory of the crash:I was 8 years old and living in a suburb of Charleston when the news of the crash that evening came across the tv set,a plane had crash at tri-state airport. It was'nt until the next morning I awoke to find my mother reading the morning paper and weepingthat I learned it was the Marshall football team. Although we had no connection to Marshall, It was a sad time for us and I could'nt put the connection of our personal greif into perspective at that young age and even to this day the tragedy seems forever etched in my memory. Someone once spoke of the 1970 football team "THEY WILL ALWAYS BE SON'S OF MARSHALL" perhaps that explains the greif I saw in my mother the morning after the crash and yes of course that explains why... "We Are Marshall"

-Anonymous

"My heart goes out to those who lost a loved one"

2007-09-23T19:05:00.001-07:00

I just watched We Are Marshall last night, and I will forever remember this movie, and the tragedy. My heart goes out to those who lost a loved one that day.
-Ashley

"Not just about football"

2007-09-23T13:32:00.001-07:00

First off I'm a big Texas Longhorn fan. I never heard about the Marshall tragedy until recently mostly due in part because it happened before I was born. After watching the movie, I was just blown away. I've seen so many football movies, Rudy, The Program, Remember the Titans, the list goes on. But, I have to say, this movie tops the list. It had to have been the best football movie that I've ever seen. This movie was not just about football, it was about overcoming tragedy together as a "family", which is what We are Marshall entails, and overcoming that tragedy head on with strength, love, and compassion for all. I know that it had to be devastating to lose an entire football team, but most importantly to lose loved ones. After watching this movie, I was truly moved. This movie will always be one of my favorites of all time. The heart can be a big place if you have one, for me there will always be a place in my heart for Marshall. WE ARE MARSHALL!!!!!GOD BLESS

Jerry

"One of the most emotional movies that we have seen this year"

2007-09-23T13:31:00.001-07:00

I was watching the Marshall vs WVU game on opening day of ncaa football when the commentater was talking about the movie. Me and my wife saw the movie last night,it was one of the most emotional movies that we have seen this year,the annoucer was right when he said if this film dosent bring tears to your eyes you better check to see if you have a heart beat..GO MARSHALL.

-Anonymous

'The best football movie'

2007-09-19T05:24:00.002-07:00

This was an amazing movie!! Has to be the best football movie I have ever seen. I am from Kentucky when I was a kid I can remember visiting Huntington when I visited family in Ashland. We drove bye the college and my uncle told me of the tragedy that happened there. I can still remember the day we was going out to eat at Jim's I think it was called it served spaghetti I think it was a restaurant in town in Huntington. After seeing the movie I really wanna visit the memorial and pay my respects. Thanks for sharing your story with us younger generations.

Jeff Sexton- Whitesburg, Ky

In memory of Joe Hood

2007-09-19T05:24:00.001-07:00

Hi my name is Monica Hood my uncle was #33 Joe Lee Hood he was a great player and a teriffic person and i love and miss him very much.

" it truely shows the strength and compassion of the human spirit"

2007-08-19T13:41:00.000-07:00

My girls and i have just watched the movie WE ARE MARSHALL i had no knowledge of this dreadful tragedy until watching this movie.

I went through so many emotions in this movie that took me by surprise the movie was great it really took you to the place and time of these events. I can only imagine the utter grief saddness loss disbelief this community would have felt but it is truely amazing the way these tragedies tend to bring a community together under such difficult circumstances you all should be so proud of yourselves for what you have had to endure it truely shows the strength and compassion of the human spirit. God bless you all xoxo

-Catherine

'Never forget'

2007-08-05T16:28:00.000-07:00

I grew up near Huntington. I was 12 when the plane crashed. For years, the crash haunted the town, the school and the area. When I attended Marshall from 1976 to 1980, there was always a hushed reverence for those who died so young, so needlessly. Over the years, the Crash still reveberates in my mind. In fact, I still wonder why the pain never really fades away. I live hundreds of miles away from Huntington and when I visit every year, the campus still reminds me of that terrible, foggy, fateful Saturday night in November 1970. We must never forget where we've been so that we know where we can go. Go Herd!

-Anonymous

"I remember"

2007-03-14T05:52:00.000-07:00

I am a native of the state of West Virginia. Although I have lived 20+ years of my life in an larger Eastern city. I was only 7 when the Marshall accident happened but, I remember that night well. I remember mainly the SADNESS my parents felt. I remember the look on their faces to this day. I remember the news reports and people talking about this horrible accident. I still remember those who passed each year on the date. God bless those we lost and the families and friends they left behind. May your memory NEVER be forgotten. For WE ARE.....MARSHALL!!!

-Anonymous

'We are all Marshall'

2007-02-19T05:25:00.000-08:00

I saw “We are MARSHALL” last night it was a toss up between it and “Norbit” I had seen the trailers but being from Jamaica, living in Jamaica American Football is not that important. We are a nation of Football (Soccer), Track and Field and Cricket. I saw the movie mainly for the two Matthew’s but I came away with so, so much more.

I felt every pain and heartache every joy and triumph of this film in fact it is more than a film it’s a blueprint of overcoming adversity and carving out a successful future, this could have turned out so different had it not been for the people who were willing to fight, cry and stand up. In playing that first season they honoured those who loved the game and died still loving it. Marshall football had a future after the accident maybe it didn’t before. I know that if you love something you want it to live on, all the persons on that flight that night opened a door of togetherness of the fighting spirit in their loved ones and friends left behind to go on. and go on they did. I now feel like... we are all Marshall.

One love

Natalie Campbell,

Kingston, Jamaica W.I

Where is Frank Loria buried?

2007-01-21T11:34:00.001-08:00

I live near Virginia Tech where Frank Loria is a hero. I was wondering if anyone could tel me where he is buried, the town and the cemetery? I would like to visit and pay my repects this summer. I saw the Marshall movie and it was very touching. I am now a Hokie/Thundering Herd Fan. You can email me at godrulz@valink.com

-thanks, Dylan

'Tradition and persistence'

2007-01-18T05:40:00.000-08:00

I grew up outside Chapmanville W.Va on a farm, born in 1947 and I am a MU graduate of 1973 with a major in Physics.

In the summer of 1970 I went back to MU after getting out of the U.S. Army Special Forces at Fort Bragg and getting married to the young Mindi Ingram of Raleigh, N.C. I had previously attended MU before the Army, and being somewhat of a B-Ball Gym Rat I played basketball that summer in Gullickson Hall with some of the 1970 Football team members.

I remember Ted Shoebridge, the 1970 Football team QB as a nice guy. B-Ball can be pretty competitive but Ted was always good to everyone. We later attended the MU Branch at Logan because my mother was sick that fall and we lived at home.

After listening to the game that Saturday on a crackly radio, I remember going outside that night and noting that it was overcast, foggy and very still, telling my wife that something felt odd that night. We later learned that night of the plane crash.

I remember the memorial services and thinking of the players I had played basketball with and how hard that was for their families. It also made many of us realize our mortality and what a great gift that life was to all of us.

We later attended MU that Spring in Huntington and I remember playing b-ball at lunch with Red Dawson and some of the faculty members, one of the main characters in the movie. I remember watching the MU football players that spring running up and down the stairs in Gullickson Hall and I knew some of them from living off campus and playing b-ball.

I was tempted to play and Red brought it up a couple of times but never pushed. I was always impressed with Red and his friendliness. I remember how unassuming he was and his telling us of his football career at Florida State as a wide reciever, most likely the Bobby Bowden connection and why Red knew him.

There was always a sadness there though and it did not surprise many of us that he did not come back after the 71 season, but I was always impressed with the kind person he was, he never lost control in B-Ball, even though he was a competitor.

My wife remembers me talking about playing football but I passed on that, I graduated in less than 3 years after coming back and with a wife and a child one feels a responsibility to get a job.

I always went to the home games and I remember the Xavier game so well and what a "miracle" that seemed, Bill James and the James Gang (his family) and Reggie Oliver and his dogged determination, the team leader and Nate Ruffin. MU football in 1971 was more than football, it taught a lot of us what people, coaches and players could accomplish.

Although only winning 2 games that season MU football showed over the years how valuable persistence really is. If the school had not put a team on the field I really believe that a lot of us might not be the people we are today, at least in not having heros and realizing that tradition does affect our lives.

I am also a WVU grad with a major in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics or Mechanical Engineering. I was pleased to see the connection brought out in the movie between MU and WVU, I hope the fans of both schools realize the two universities are more friends than foe, it's always tough when they play each other, especially when you bleed Green and White and Blue and Gold.

When Mindi and I were married she remembers my nightmares of a plane crashing in the mountains of W. Va., dreams that I had ever since a kid. They stopped after the 1970 football team crash. I had reservations about seeing the movie but after going with my wife I remember all the good times at MU. I have seen it 4-5 times and I have not gotten tired of it. Yes, the film may be a bit hammy in places but it truly is inspirational, especially having known many of the people in it. Tradition and persistence. Those guys and coaches are still my heroes.

-Dr. Scott Lucas, Class of 73

'I would be proud for my kids to go to Marshall'

2007-01-16T08:44:00.000-08:00

In 1970 I was only 7. I was and still am a big football being raised about 30 from Tuscaloosa, Alabama. I remebering wondering just who the "Thundering Herd" was. Some years ago I remeber reading and article on the Plane Crash in Time magazine. I thought then this was such touching story of tragedy and overcoming adversity that I would have thought they would have made a movie about this. I am a big Crimson Tide fan but I would be proud for my kids to go to Marshll. God bless you all.

-Don - Atlanta GA

'God bless you, ma'am'

2007-01-16T05:22:00.000-08:00

Mrs. Beiter, The AP story featuring you and your reaction to the "We Are Marshall" movie was featured in our Clarksburg, W.Va., Sunday paper yesterday.

Since your husband's face is the only one I personally can associate with the Marshall plane crash, I wanted to say hello and found this way to do just that.

My name is Drew Crislip, and the year your husband died I was a sophomore at Bridgeport High School, in the county where I now again live. Early that fall, all students were required to attend a college fair held one day at our school, and to select three colleges to "visit."

As a child of non-college parents who had never thought about going anywhere but WVU, I of course selected WVU and also Fairmont State, because it was close to home, and Marshall, because it was the 2nd largest school in W.Va.

Your husband was the M.U. representative that day. I don't recall much of what he said but I do remember, at least generally, what he looked like and that he was wearing a suit! My next memory is of seeing a small card posted on the bulletin board outside the school's main office in December, in memoriam to Dr. O'Connor.

After I graduated high school in 1973, I did go on to WVU, and earned a B.A. and then a law degree. While in high school, I became a Christian and started involvement that continues today with the W.Va. Baptist Camp at Cowen. Friends I met there, mostly from 5th Ave. Baptist Church, encouraged me to move to Huntington and I did and loved living and working there 1979-1991.

While there, I served for three years as an adjunct instructor at Marshall. Not surprisingly, I also met and became close with many people who were touched by the Marshall crash, although none as directly as you were. Still, the only face I personally could put on the tragedy was that of your husband, since his was the only one I had actually seen and had some memory of.

Since I left Huntington, I have lived in different places all in W.Va. and finally about 12 years ago returned to my home county, where I now serve as Family Court Judge. I keep close ties with my Huntington friends and even though I bleed blue and gold (WVU), was thrilled for them and our State when I heard about the planned "We Are Marshall" movie.

My wife and I had the chance to see it recently and it was as wonderful and moving as I hoped it would be. There is no way, of course, that I can understand what you went through that terrible night, or since. There is no way I can comprehend the range of emotions that the movie must have produced in you and your children.

Please know how terribly sorry I am for your ordeal but also how glad I am for you that you, like me, have come to know and find solace in the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. I don't claim to have known your husband. Frankly, I probably wouldn't recall him at all, or what he looked like, if it weren't for that memory being reinforced and burned into my brain by the tragedy itself and by that "in memoriam" card on my high school's bulletin board. But, whenever I think of the tragedy, I think of him, and I wanted you to know.

God bless you, ma'am.

-M.D. CRISLIP

In memory of Stuart Cottrell

2007-01-15T16:18:00.000-08:00

I knew Stuart very well. I lived on the 7TH floor of South Hall in 1970.

Stuart was a roommate of Rick Braudigan. I lived two doors down accross the hall from Stuart.

Stu ( Gator) had a great personality and to this day I can still see his smiling face. I have a few pictures of Stuart and of the other guys who lived on the 7Th floor. He is still 19 to me also. Always remember never forget.

-Charlie Gerry Woburn, Massachusetts
cgerry@comcast.net

'Let the healing continue'

2007-01-14T17:21:00.001-08:00

Saw the movie finally this past weekend. Had to work up to it. I was a 13 year old Logan County resident at the time. Both my older brother and sister attended Marshall. I moved out west in the late 70s. I would mention the tragedy to people in conversation and they wouldn't know what I was talking about. This movie relays the devastating impact the tragedy had on the community. Let the healing continue...

-Tina C. Phx, AZ

'I will be following Marshall sports a lot closer'

2007-01-14T11:10:00.001-08:00

My wife and I just watched this wonderful and haunting movie here in Salt Lake City. Needless to say, we did not sleep well last night. I knew of Marshall football, but little of the community. We are recommending this movie to all of our friends and family. Additionally, I will be following Marshall sports a lot closer with pride and excitement.

-Daveb

'It makes me consider my life'

2007-01-14T11:09:00.001-08:00

We just returned from seeing this movie. We live in the southern US, and I'm 35 now, so before this movie came out, I had never heard of the tragedy. I experience feelings that I have never experienced in a movie theater before - grief for those who lost loved ones that horrible night, joy at the courage Nate showed in his commitment to uphold the honor of the team, and sadness for youth lost and dreams and hopes dashed. This movie and the story it tells will be with me forever. It makes me consider my life and the paths that each of us make for ourselves. It makes me want to continue to make my parents proud. It makes me want to live a good life for those who never had the chance to live theirs.

-Anonymous

'Sadness never goes away'

2007-01-14T11:08:00.000-08:00

My husband and I saw the movie "We Are Marshall" this afternoon. This movie brought back painful memories that our community suffered almost 30 years ago when two of our local heroes, who were members of the University of Evansville Purple Aces were killed along with all their team members, coaches and other community members on a flight while enroute to a basketball game. This occurred on December 13, 1977 almost 7 years after the Marshall tragedy. The sadness never goes away and does affect a community forever. Time has passed and some of the pain has healed but this movie definitely depicted the feelings we who have lost those special to us will always feel. This movie will stay close to my heart for a long time. God bless all the families and friends of those lost in this tragedy.

-Anonymous

'A sad time'

2007-01-11T05:07:00.000-08:00

Marshall Remembered: I was born and raised in Huntington and I was a sophmore at HHS on the night of the crash. Several of my high school classmates and friends of my family lost their parents plus my childhood doctor...Dr. Joseph Chambers. I currently live in northern California and when I went to see the movie I proudly wore my Marshall Alumni shirt. People who never attended Marshall or lived in Huntington were laughing and crying during the movie and afterwards several people wanted to talk to me about Huntington and Marshall...it was a sad time but I was proud to be an alumni of Marshall University.

-Anonymous

In memory of Dr. Joseph and Peggy Chambers

2007-01-07T11:15:00.001-08:00

I have just come from seeing "We Are Marshall" for the second time. I have lived in Huntington all my life, and I feel that we are all one big family because of the size of our town and our love for Marshall University. The only two that I personally knew on the doomed flight Nov. 14, 1970, was Dr. Joseph Chambers and his wife, Peggy. We were all church friends, as well as doctor patient relationships. I also grew up with Debbie Chambers, and thought she was just the sweetest girl ever. She was also a Marshall cheerleader. My heart goes out to everyone who had someone close to them die that terrible night, and for the people that have a great love for this town and Marshall University. This movie deserves an academy award, as far as I'm concerned because I have never felt the same feelings about any other movie in my 58 years of life. May God be with you all, and keep this small town safe from any other tradegy, and may it keep growing by coming from ashes to glory. Rest in Peace, my beloved Marshall family.
-Anonymous

Keep Ruffin's number on the field

2007-01-07T11:13:00.000-08:00

I wasn't fortunate enough to know Nate Ruffin, all I know about him is what I've read and what I saw in "We Are Marshall." He should be in Marshall's Hall of Fame post haste. I'm unsure about retiring his number, though. Maybe in a way, keeping his number in circulation is a tribute to the man who fought to keep Marshall football alive. He never tired of telling the story of 1970's team and why that story should never be forgotten. If his number is retired, this part of Marshall University's amazing story and history is discontinued and not passed on to further generations. Instead of making his number part of a display, let the tradition continue and may someone take the time to tell each young man who wears that number the story of the man who refused to allow Marshall football to die. Of course, the film tells the story, but let the younger generations proudly wear Nate's number on the playing field.

-Anonymous

'God bless everyone'

2007-01-04T05:11:00.000-08:00

I just saw the movie today with more than 300 middle school students from WGMS. The school principal is a Marshall alumni and arranged to take the school to view this piece of history. Needless to say, the students were moved, as were the attending staff. As a parent, I enjoyed the underlying messages.

After returning home, I spoke with my grandmother who is approaching 80 years of age. She told me of her childhood friend who was married to the team physician and had died that November night. She also told me of a local boy who was pulled off of the plane due to a death in his family. I'm sure there are many, many stories yet to be told.

God bless everyone involved for telling this story and reminding all of us the importance of small towns, teamwork and football.

-Anonymouse

'Pay our respects'

2007-01-03T11:54:00.000-08:00

I AM FROM FAUQUIER COUNTY, VA. HOME OF JOHN MARSHALL FOR WHOM MARSHALL UNIVERSITY IS NAMED. I HAVE FAMILY IN WEST VIRGINIA AND CONSIDER THAT STATE TO BE MY SECOND HOME. ALTHOUGH I AM A DEVOUT WVU FAN...I NOW HAVE THE UTMOST RESPECT FOR THE PEOPLE OF HUNTINGTON, WV AND FOR ALL OF THOSE AFFILIATED WITH MARSHALL UNIVERSITY, PRESENT AND PAST. ON MY NEXT TRIP TO PRINCETON TO VISIT MY FAMILY, MY HUSBAND AND I PLAN ON MAKING THE TRIP TO YOUR FINE TOWN AND MAKE OUR WAY TO SPRING HILL CEMETARY TO PAY OUR RESPECTS TO THOSE LOST ON THE 14TH DAY OF NOVEMBER 1970. GOD BLESS

-Anonymous

In memory of Nate Ruffin

2007-01-02T06:11:00.000-08:00

I saw the movie yesterday, enjoyed it greatly and I was particularly pleased to learn more about Nate Ruffin, who I knew professionally, mostly in the 1980s. I was a mid-level editor, and he was HR director at a newspaper in Jackson, Miss. On more than one occasion, Nate proved to be a man of sterling character. He knew that HR work was about more than filling jobs and shuffling paperwork. He cared about the "human" part of the equation ... and now I know a bit more why.

-Bill Sutley

'God bless the people of Huntington'

2007-01-02T05:49:00.000-08:00

I just saw the movie yesterday with my husband. I laughed with you and I cried with you. I can only get a glimpse into the depth of your pain and your loss but my heart goes out to all those lost and all those left behind to carry on without those they loved. God Bless the people of Huntington and the people at Marshall. May they all rest in peace.

-Anonymous

In memory of Barry Nash

2007-01-02T05:03:00.000-08:00

IN LOVING MEMORY OF BARRY WINSTON NASH #35 FROM SHEILA NASH FOSTER SISTER OF BARRY WINSTON NASH

'A good glimpse into grief'

2007-01-01T12:04:00.000-08:00

I have lived in Sacramento, CA on and off for over 40 years, but because of my aunt and uncle, who had a farm on Spring Valley Drive, I considered Huntington to be my 2nd home.

I used to go back there summers for years. Later as a student at UVA I made many a long (8 hours on Rt 60) weekend trip to be with my aunt,uncle & cousin.

I remember my uncle taking me to a Marshall game just weeks before the accident - I think they were playing Kent State but cannot find a 1970 playing schedule.

I thought how eerie and empty to realize that virtually everyone I saw on that field from Marshall that day was now gone.

I saw the movie yesterday and felt it captured the time rather accurately - although I called my cousin and said that in all the years I'd been to Huntington I never heard of a "Boones" restaurant and she said it was really Wiggins.

I don't think any director could really capture the full sense of loss and grief Huntington had but the movie gave a good glimpse into that grief.

-Bill Brandt

'Sports does have a place in our society'

2007-01-01T11:48:00.000-08:00

I was a student at ECU in 1970 working for the sports department under the Sport Info Director. I attended the memorial service led by head coach Mike McGee.

The movie was great, a story that needed telling. Without the Internet back then, it was difficult to keep up with the happenings at Marshall after the crash. Thanks to the persistence of those who made this movie possible. It shows how sports does have a place in our society. For celebration and remembering.

-Rich Rainey, Sports Editor, 1970 ECU yearbook.

In memory of Frank Loria

2007-01-01T11:47:00.000-08:00

I remember when I heard about the crash and saw a list of the casualties I thought of Frank Loria.

In 1964 I played high school football at Phillip Barbour High School and I had the opportunity to play against him. He was one of the best backs I ever played against (on both sides of the ball). No surprise he became an all-american. After all these years, I still remember. May he eternally rest in peace!

-Gary L.

In memory of Charlie E. Kautz

2006-12-31T11:07:00.000-08:00

in memory of Charlie E. Kautz, AD of Marshall University may his love of football and the lives he touched be in their hearts forever.

God rest his soul.

-Anonymous

In memory of Tommy Howard

2006-12-31T11:06:00.000-08:00

My brother died on the crash. His name was Tommy Howard, and he was #60. I was 15 when it happened, my sister was 17, and my little brother was 10. My little brother was the first to see the news of the crash come across the TV. My sister and I were on dates. My parents were at home. My brother was coming home that night. We only lived about 45 minutes from the University. Our home town was Milton, WV. We were very proud of him. He was a wonderful person. He is deeply missed and will forever be in our hearts.
-Anonymous

In memory of Nate Ruffin

2006-12-31T11:05:00.000-08:00

Here is hoping Nate Ruffin's number 25 is retired and he is enrished in the Marshall Hall of Fame. He is and always will be a true hero and role model.

The ground you're walking on was paved by many black men and many white men," "I was left behind so I could tell the story for those men who are not around now. As long as I live, I shall tell the story. As long as we tell the story, they shall live."

-Anonymous

'Marshall is part of our family'

2006-12-28T08:58:00.000-08:00

I was born in Arkansas and am naturally a Razorbacks football fan although living in Texas for the last 40 years. My mom's family is from Wheeling, W. VA. When you get right down to it, all football fans are bonded. We are all one big family. Marshall is part of our family. We all felt pain over the loss of the Marshall football team, coaches, and others on that fateful night. It is encouraging to see Marshall's football success recently. I also have a soft spot in my heart for Marshall. Here's hoping that someday soon the Thundering Herd will win Division 1-A's BCS national championship.

- DNewsom

'God bless you all'

2006-12-28T08:35:00.000-08:00

I am a life long resident of Huntington and was only 14 when the crash happened. My only connection with any of the victims at the time is that Dr. Hagely was our family physician. I can remember watching the news and being shocked when his name was announced. Since the crash through work and school I have become aquainted with some of the victims children and have heard first hand of some things they went through and are still going through. God Bless you all.
-Anonymous

'Thanks, McG'

2006-12-25T19:24:00.000-08:00

My husband (Al Rinehart #43 fullback, 1961 -63) and I have seen the movie twice this week.

We've always been so grateful for the years we spent at Marshall. Our Marshall degrees have helped us in our professional lives, but the friendships and experiences we had there shaped our lives more that the academics.

We love Huntington, Marshall and the movie. Thanks, McG, for finally getting this unbelieveable story out to the nation.

- Linda Thurston Rinehart-64

In memory of Crow Patterson

2006-12-24T08:55:00.000-08:00

i remember well crow patterson from louisburg,nc. I was around him many times before he was off to ferrum and then to Marshall. I will never forget that young man's smile he had beautiful teeth. His brother was my best friend and went on to be a minor league baseball player and after that an arthodonist. In louisburg he was known as Crow patterson. His mother still lives there. He was loved by his family and they suffered a lot by this tragedy.

-Anonymous

'God bless the people of Huntington'

2006-12-24T08:54:00.000-08:00

I work for SAMS CLUB in Cedar Rapids, IA and for nearly a month heard "We are Marshall" several times a day when a special preview was being offered to SAMS members. Little by little as my days went by, I learned "who" Marshall was and what the movie was about. God Bless the people of Huntington and the families and friends of the people aboard. I will see this movie, and I will be moved. I already have been.

-Anonymous

In memory of Joe Hood and Robert VanHorn

2006-12-20T05:04:00.000-08:00

It was one of those times committed to memory just as the day President Kennedy was shot or 9/11.

I was in my first year at Marshall and at home that Saturday evening. My mother had a police band radio as her constant companion. We heard the radio broadcast asking for "every available ambulance to go to the airport because of a plane crash." It was not long before the news came over that it was the Marshall football team.

At school I just happened to be in a Phys Ed class with Joe Hood and Robert VanHorn who were two of the largest class clowns you would ever want to know. I remember them constantly joking with each other and everyone else in the class. Whenever you would see them either in uniform or in a team picture they looked intimidating and menacing but I knew them as fun loving classmates who always made me laugh.

Bob Shain

In memory of Jack Repasy

2006-12-19T14:11:00.000-08:00

mary and john repasy were dear friends of ours,i had lost a daughter in june of 1970 then jack repasy there son in november of 1970 then my dear cousin in vietnam in 1970,the pain and grief still continues to haunt me. do the tears ever stop? jack was a wonderful young man, loved by anyone who knew him,had a smile you could never forget.what a great, great young man.he came from a wonderful family, that loved him dearly. jack and the team will be in our hearts forever, and the familys that lost so much, bless them all

-Anonymous

'Unimaginable'

2006-12-19T05:24:00.000-08:00

I Was There....

It was a dreary, foggy, drizzly cold, typical November evening in the Ohio Vally. I was a sophomore at Marshall. My high school sweetheart and love of my life had entered the football program in the fall of 1968. In the spring of 1970 he contracted a severe case of "mono" and had to quit playing. My brother also attended Marshall on a football scholarship, graduating in 1969, so I was very familiar with the challenges the team was facing. I lived in the Twin Towers dorm and was in my room that evening when the news came over the TV. At first there was optimism about potential survivors, but the optimism quickly turned to the cold reality that no one could have possibly survived this horrific event. It was not only unbelievable, but unimaginable. How could these young, beautiful men and coaches and these loyal and supportive boosters from this close knit community just vanish? I immediately went to the pay phone and called my boyfrind at his weekend job in a local upscale restaurant. In shock at the news, he immediately left to come and be with me to do whatever we could to console each other and help however we could. I remember that we carried the mattresses from our beds in the dorm to the athletic center, anticipating the establishment of a shelter for families. In the days to come, we cried, we hugged our friends, we sat and listened to music, we attended memorial services, trying to find some refuge and make sense of what had just happened. Even though the names of all the passengers were known, the identities trickled in. The process of identifying everyone prolonged the pain; we knew we would not see them again, but how could all evidence of their physical existence have vanished? Wasn't it just yesterday that I saw this guy in the cafeteria line or that one practicing right outside my dorm window on the practice field? I loved this school and I loved this team....full of hope and optimism in the face of competitive challenges. In January of 1971 I left Huntington and went home. My boyfriend wanted to play football again, but his offer to play must have been too premature and he eventually left as well. Marshall was, and always will be a very important part of my life. The people that gave their lives that cold, foggy, drizzly evening and the city of Huntington deserve the honor of this film, which, is long overdue. WE ARE MARSHALL!

In memory of Frank Loria

2006-12-17T17:53:00.000-08:00

I was a student at Marshall in November 1970. Vietnam conflict and the military draft were still evident in those times. The first draft lottery in a while was held earlier in the year. The terms were one could volunteer for the draft on a one year period and make it thru the one year; and the student deferments and the headaches that trying to keep them current would not be an issue again. One year at risk. If the local selective service board passed you by that year then the draft board took that person out of the eligible pool of candidates forever. My birthdate drew a relatively high number. They ranged from number 1 to either 365 or 366 --I don't recall exactly what being born on Feb 29th meant. I drew a relatively high number in the 190's and volunteered for the draft. Selective service and my neighbors at Local Board #2 called my number and I was slated for basic training in uncle Sam's Army at Fort Knox. Saturday November 14 1970 found me and some of my friends in the married student campus housing where the host couple's anniversary and my 'going away' were being celebrated. That is till the events of the day put a damper on those celebrations.

Marshall's assistant coach Frank Loria was a kid from my hometown and had quite a reputation as an athelete and a great talent there even before his recognition as an All American during his college days. Frank or Frankie was a good guy and a role model from even his early days. This was true from the ones he faced in competition as well as his team-mates.

-Wayne W

'I thank God for his life'

2006-12-17T11:30:00.000-08:00

I am a retired Lutheran pastor now living in Northern Ohio. My first parish was in Centerburg, Ohio where two brothers, twins, were members of the church youth group. Both brothers went to Marshall. Richard (Rick) had been red shirted and was killed in the crash. At the time I was serving a parish in Medina, OH, but since the little church in Centerburg had no pastor, I was asked to officiate at Rick's funeral. He was a tough football player but had the heart for God, people and writing poetry. I read one of his poems in the message that day. I often think of his life and legacy. I thank God for his life.
- Rev. Bill Lucht

'How precious our lives are'

2006-12-16T17:44:00.000-08:00

I was 14 years old when this tragedy happened. I remember it well because my uncle Norman Weichman was the team's photographer. We were at my grandmother's home when it came across the television.My father and other family members left for the crash scene. It was the longest night of my life...waiting for the phone to ring to hear if there was any survivors. And there were none!The following weeks were filled with one funeral after another. This event in my life has taught me how precious our lives are.

-djarrett88_25260

A 'soft spot' for the Herd

2006-12-16T17:43:00.000-08:00

I am from a small town in southern Ohio (Wellston), was ten years old at the time, and remember watching the WSAZ news bringing this sad and tragic incident to so many around southern Ohio and West Virginia.

Even though I am an Ohio State Buckeye fan I still have a soft spot in my heart for the Thundering Herd.

I have been to Buckeye football games before wearing a Marshall T-shirt, one I wear with much pride.

For the most tragic story in sports history the whole nation shall see why the town of Huntington, and Marshall University can boldly say with pride "We Are Marshall".

I am extremely excited about the opportunity to see this movie.

Darren Swingle, Chillicothe (Wellston), Ohio

'We were a family'

2006-12-16T17:42:00.000-08:00

I remember well the night the plane crashed. It may seem odd to people who have never lived on a small university campus but we were a family. I could not tell you the names of our players as I was busy working in the library but I saw them on campus. Before the game, I walked behind some players who were talking about going to the game in style because they were flying there and not taking a bus. I laught at their childish enthusiasm and they turned and smile. That was Marshall. Warm, friendly and than we grieved together. I may not talk about it often as it can still bring tears to my eyes, but they live on in my memories.

-Patty

'It was a struggle'

2006-12-12T13:15:00.000-08:00

It was my 16th birthday and I was in a youth service at Kenova Baptist because Dave Huffman had a crush on a girl there - great way to turn 16. When I heard the sirens start, I didn't realize that it would be the most memorable birthday of my life. Like most natives, we went to or listened to all the games. Dad was invited Friday morning to take Shirley Hageley's seat when she came to his dental office, but he had something to do. He spent Monday and Tuesday using dental records to make identifications of the victims, many of whom were good friends of ours. I know it was a struggle, but he held up. We're in Florida now, and on 12/22, I will take him and my family to the theater and from all I've read and seen about the film, the rest of the family will start to understand what our "little" town went through and why every year on my birthday, I stop and reflect and then I tell people about that day and what it's meant to my life. God Bless MU.

-Curtis McKenzie

'I will never forget'

2006-12-11T05:25:00.000-08:00

I am not from Huntington, but I am a West Virginian. I will never forget the news of the crash that November night in 1970. At that time I was married and living in Connecticut. With my husband and two small children we were returning home to Norfolk, Conn. from a visit with relatives in Torrington, Conn. when the news of the crash came over the radio. I will never forget the shock and sadness I felt at the terrible news of the crash. Much later in my life I met and became a friend of a dear person, Jim Proctor, whose parents were lost in the crash. May God bless and comfort Jim, his family and all who suffered the great loss of that night.

-Mary Lee Scalf, Falling Waters, WV

'A long and difficult night'

2006-12-10T10:47:00.000-08:00

I had just returned home from work that night, and upon entering the house realized my Husband and 3 small children were glued to the TV watching the incoming news reports of the plane crash. I told my family I would see them later, as I needed to return to work. Being a Long Distance Telephone Operator for C&P Telephone Company. I knew our local Switchboard would be jammed with calls. Like myself, 150 Long Distance Operators returned to work, as we tried to keep the lines of communication open, for our University, our Community, Our Friends, our City......It became a Long and Difficult Night.

Joyce Bostic

'A beautifully made movie'

2006-12-09T21:01:00.000-08:00

I am in Clearwater, FL. I also was not born at the time of the crash, but growing up in Huntington with a family originating in Huntington, I learned about it during childhood. There is an alumni group here in Clearwater that meets every week to watch the football games. They managed to get a special screening of the film, which I just returned from tonight. It is a beautifully made movie. From the details and facts I know about the actual events, it is true to it all. I am proud to recommend this movie to anyone who may just be wondering "where is Marshall", and of course to those that might have grown up in Huntington, but have hidden their emotions too long for fear of what they might see and what emotions might get brought back to the surface. As a Huntington native, I too am proud. We Are Marshall...I AM MARSHALL.

-Anonymous

'May God bless the families'

2006-12-09T20:59:00.000-08:00

My Brother Ernest Levy, Jr was Defensive Back on this team. He was attending Marshall on a football scholarship. He was actually late catching this flight and missed it. He is presently living in Jacksonville, Florida. We have been talking about this incident lately and the film that is coming up in December. He stated he doesn't want to see it because it brings back too many memories. May God bless the families that lost their loved ones.

-Barbara Levy

'Changed the lives of many'

2006-12-09T20:58:00.000-08:00

My family lived on Coal Branch Road, about 300 yards from where the MU plane went down. I was eight years old. That evening changed the lives of many. In many different ways. My memories are of the crowds, the media, and the tears of my mother and father. The Marshall movie offers a long-standing action of respect and remembrance for a tragedy felt by many.

-Anonymous

'We Are Marshall'

2006-12-09T20:57:00.000-08:00

We Are Marshall..... Through the loss , the pain, the tears. We have held on and worked through it Please do not forget our lost brothers and fans and stand with pride and some tears in your eye and from the depths of your hearts always remember WE ARE MARSHALL
-Jim Slone

'Scope of the tragedy'

2006-12-09T20:55:00.000-08:00

I will never forget seeing those six hearses traveling up Fifth Avenue to the memorial service at the field house. That really brought home to me the scope of the tragedy.

Steve Hanrahan, M.U. faculty member

'Remember the horrible feeling'

2006-12-09T20:54:00.000-08:00

I remember the night all to well. We lived on Rt. 180 and as mother was locking the doors for the night she noticed the sky was unusually bright. She called my dad in and they walked out on the porch talking in hushed tones that it had to either be a big fire at the Ashland refinery or a plane down.

They decided to take us on a drive to see what it was and we learned that the Marshall football team was aboard the flight that had crashed.

I was 13 at the time and remember the horrible feeling that I had that night and I have never forgotten it.

I went to the Huntington Vinson High School prom a few years later and have pictures of myself and my date taken in front of the memorial.

-Anonymous

'Hope the upcoming movie does justice'

2006-11-27T05:27:00.000-08:00

I was not even born when the plane crashed, but I attended Ferrum College while Hank Norton was still the head coach there. I saw, even twenty years later, the scar that this crash left on the Ferrum Community. I can not even imagine the scars in the Marshall Community. I hope this upcoming movie does justice to all of the people and communities involed. God bless.

-Will