'No stars were to be seen'

My husband and I were seniors the year of the plane crash. We were out in his volkswagen at the service station down on 1st Street getting gas when we heard over the radio the news the Marshall's football team had crashed short of the runway. The attendants heard it at the same time, and it was so unreal to us all that something that tragic could happen in Huntington, WV. I remember, too, what a dark, cold and rainy night it was. No stars were to be seen. I discovered the next day my landlord, Murrill Ralsten, and his wife were also on the plane. It really bothered me they had two small children left behind. I often wonder whatever happened to them.
-Anonymous

'He knew them all'

I was newly married and visiting my parents the night of the plane crash. My brother, John Hurst, called to let us know he was not on the plane. My aunt and uncle did not know that he had called and came to the house at 7:00 a.m. the next morning because they thought "Johnnie" was on the plane. I will never forget the relief that his life was spared as well as the sorrow that so many others were lost. John can still tell so many wonderful stories of his fellow players. He had used the last of his eligibility and was finishing his education that year. He knew them all and still remembers so much. I wish that he had been contacted when the movie was made. He is a fountain of information having played the two previous years.
-Anonymous

'All I need are the memories of a great friend and teammate"

HI Mike,

Artie was a good friend and teammate and I was always treated like part of his family by his mom , dad and sisters. Mister Harris asked me to got the game with him that weekend, but I didn't go because of a previous committment.

I have some great memories and stories about Art and our "escapades" in high School. Art was a fun loving guy and his dad was his biggest fan. Art was destined for the NFL and could have also played pro baseball.

I'm glad you had your brief encounter with Artie because those of us who knew him have been blessed to have him touch our lives.

One day I'll get back to Marshall and take in the memorials. But all I need are the memories of a great friend and teammate.

Roy Slezak

Passaic, NJ/Chandler, AZ

From an ECU team member

I was the ECU right Defensive End who Art Harris pass blocked most of the game. I have prayed for Art, his Dad and the rest of the Team since the accident.

I made a goal of getting up to Huntington to pay my respects at the Memorials and finally accomplished it about 8 years ago at which time I placed my old ECU purple game helmet that was broken that night so long ago, near the memorial outside of the new stadium. I only wish I could have known Art in a more personal way.

- Mike McGuirk

'A hard time'

I was teaching at Cammack at the time and remember how sad it was to return on Monday with two children in the same class period who had lost one or both parents and several others within our school that shared the same fate. It was a hard time for all then and will be a hard again as the movie becomes reality. Yet, I am glad the story is being brought to life. It will be a time of sadness, a time when old wounds will re-open, and a time when we all will heal once again.

I have never attended one of the fountain memorial services but think of it often and have visited the fountain several times to remember. I taught 30 years and had several grandchildren of those who were taken that night. All that I have known through the years have made their parents proud. Just recalling those times brings a sadness to my heart and awakens feelings that appeared lost. Yet, another set of feelings move in that lets me know that we all can be proud that WE ARE...MARSHALL! It's good that this space is available for any who wish to share their feelings of then and now.

-Anonymous

'God bless all involved'

My wife and I were both Marshall Graduates. I served on student government SBVP, and Hodges Hall Dorm Director, and wife was on the Parthenon Staff. At the time of the crash, my wife taught at Cammack Elem, while I was teaching at Huntington High. She was teaching a number of kids whose parents were lost and some of the players were in the dorm when I served as Director of Hodges Hall. I had been close to the coaches and players and a friend of mine and I recommended that the new Director of Admissions get the "tickets" to the Big Game and fly with the dignitaries. Oh, what fate life brings to us all. We still love and support Marshall through number of ways and only hope we have "paid back" from sad difficult memories. God Bless all involved in this terrible tragedy, former and present engaged to the memory of a great University.

Fred and Donna Reeder

'The feel of the town was just sadness'

I was in High School attending Huntington High when this happened. Even though is was so long ago, I still get a lump in my throat and choke up when I speak of it or read this web page.

It was gray and raining that night we got the news and it seemed that in the weeks that followed the town itself cried and cried. The "feel" of the town was just sadness. I will never forget it.

Doris Greenlee

'I remember'

I remember exactly where I was when I heard the news that god awful night. All I wanted to do was go home and be with my parents.

I remember falling into my father's lap crying uncontrollably asking him "why". The man had no explanation. When I saw the memorial fountain on campus for the first time with my college-age children, I tried to explain to them but I couldn't speak as the emotions all came back.

I hope the movie will be a success and the nation will see how Huntington became one family on a dark, dreary rainy night in WV.

-Anonymous

In memory of Art Harris

Art Harris was a very good friend and teammate. I'll always cherish the times we had together at Passaic High School, our church basketball games etc.

Mr. Harris, Art's dad. would talk with me for hours about local sports and was Art's biggest fan. He was also lost on that November day.

When I heard the news of the crash my whole life changed. Art will always be part of my cherished memories. I was treated as part of his family by his mom , dad and sisters and will never forget that.

I mourned for his young son who never got to know his dad. I only hope that his son knows, today how special Art was to so many people.

Roy

'It still seems like yesterday'

So much time has passed since the crash in 1970, but it still seems like yesterday. I was a freshman at Marshall. It was very difficult to lose so many people at once.

I came very close to having my father Ed Starling on that plane, if my grandfather not died the week before he would have been on that flight.

I'm glad that the story is told. It would have been nice if every one involved could have had their story told. My daughter and mom are thankful though that we were told about the Memorial Ceremony and were able to be a part of it. I'm sure my father would have wanted us to be there.

Gina Starling Gunn
Brentwood, TN 37027

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

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

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

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

'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

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