On the evening of November 14, 1970, 75 Marshall University football team members, coaches and community members lost their lives in a plane crash. The pilot also remarked that the autopilot seemed sluggish. These people, these big, strong young men, were shrunken to the size of dolls, Ruffin told me. At 7:36 p.m. Nov. 14, 1970, Southern Airways Flight 932 crashed into a hill just short of the Tri-State Airport, killing all 75 people on board. The Nov. 14, 1970 crash was the worst sports disaster in U.S. history. Jack Lengyel was hired as the new coach in 1971. On Nov. 14, 1970, a plane carrying 75 people including Marshall's football team, coaches, staff, community members and flight crew crashed near the Huntington Tri-State Airport on a return trip following the Thundering Herd's game against East Carolina. These are the. A press conference is conducted Nov. 15, 1970, at the Holiday Inn. Thirty-six years later on a clear 60-degree day, Stephens joined many others in the community near the same site to dedicate a historical marker along the road. Scenes for "We Are Marshall" are filmed April 21, 2006, on the campus of Marshall University. Keith-Albee green carpet premiere tickets went on sale Nov. 13, 2006. Southern Airways Flight 932 was a chartered Southern Airways Douglas DC-9 domestic United States commercial jet flight from Stallings Field (ISO) in Kinston, North Carolina, to Huntington Tri-State Airport/Milton J. Ferguson Field (HTS) near Kenova and Ceredo, West Virginia.At 7:36 pm on November 14, 1970, the aircraft crashed into a hill just short of the Tri-State Airport, killing all 75 . Local firefighter and Belington resident flown from fire scene. Our stories may appear on pages with ads, but not ads specifically sold against our stories. Strangely, he felt guilty. Marshall held its annual Memorial Fountain Ceremony in Huntington Monday afternoon to mark the anniversary. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Coach Lengyel actually took all his Marshall teams to Spring Hill cemetery every year before the first game to explain to them what exactly happened. A ceremony celebrating the turing on of the Memorial Fountain is held on Saturday, April 23, 2011, at the Marshall University Memorial Student Center Plaza. The NTSB investigators reported that the use of radio altimeters on approach to the airport was possible, but not probable. Marshall University hosts a ceremony to celebrate the turning on of the Memorial Fountain on Saturday, April 28, 2012, at the Marshall University Memorial Student Center Plaza in Huntington. Marshall University Plane Crash Site Historical Marker Introduction Text-to-speech Audio After a tough loss in Greenville, North Carolina, Marshall University fans, football team, and staff boarded a flight departing for Huntington, WV on November 14, 1970. The scene incorporates the "We Are Marshall" chant. We just spent some time there and tried to get a sense of what Brad remembers as a child having seen living in Kenova, Spears said on Mondays 580 Live heard on MetroNews flagship station 580-WCHS in Charleston. Jack Burnett/The Herald-Dispatch, Capt. Plymale said his mother was a professor at Marshall. What brought tears to my eyes was the fact that this tragedy really did happen and the tragedy was about real people with real emotions I know people signed off on this movie, but I feel this movie could have been so much more than it turned out to be. "We Are Marshall" used several Marshall students as extras. We'll look at what happened to the Marshall University football program as a result next. Team captain was Nate Ruffin. Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. In this Nov. 15, 1970 file photo, Dr. Donald Dedmon, acting president of Marshall University, stands at podium in Huntington, West Virginia as he speaks with friends and relatives of those killed. Twenty-one years after the Marshall tragedy, I was speaking with Nate Ruffin, who was then of the human resources director of The Clarion Ledger, where I worked at the time. No way he ever knew he got on that plane or got off.. For example, it appears that the pilot attempted to level off only after he reached minimum descent altitude. Coach Charles Shira gathered the team and explained the situation to them while Southern Airways searched for another plane. FILE - Officials at the site of the Nov. 14, 1970, Marshall University plane crash at Tri-State Airport in Kenova, W.Va., secure a charred engine for removal to an airport hangar. Did this really happen?No, and it is so far from reality that it shouldnt have made the script either. Defensive back. verizon wireless pay my bill highway traffic unblocked yandex. Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Why them? August 24, 1971: The Young Thundering Herd's first day of practice in pads -- three weeks before its season opener at Morehead State. Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. 1. Marshall basketball player Mark Patton portrays a 1971 Marshall player asked to join the football team following the 1970 plane crash that claimed the lives of 75 community members including the football team. During the last seven months Spears has been in his current position, he said hes learned a lot about the impact the plane crash has had on college sports as a whole. Actor Matthew McConaughey attends Marshall's spring football practice on Tuesday, April 18, 2006, at the Joan C. Edwards Stadium in Huntington. Among them were Dr. Ray Hagley, who was a Marshall team physician, and his wife. Bobby Pruett coached Marshall University football from 1996-2005. Marshall University Athletic Director Christian Spears said he, Marshall President Brad Smith and Marshall head football coach Charles Huff visited the Nov. 14, 1970 crash site before the Thundering Herd played Appalachian State on Saturday. Choose wisely! Published: Nov. 14, 2022 at 12:54 PM PST. Jack had a deep voice that he very seldom raised, but when he did, you knewto listen. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. It was coincidental that it got delayed and the movie premiere was going to be set a day afterward. Marshall and East Carolina will play their opener on Aug. 29 after the NCAA granted a waiver to move the game to "Week Zero" to honor the 50th anniversary of the Marshall plane crash tragedy . The first officer's callouts as recorded in the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) were consistently higher than the measurements recorded in the plane's FDR. The "We Are Marshall" premiere was Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2006, in Huntington. NBA Grizzlies vs Nuggets: Odds, Tips and predictions 03/03/23, Top 11 Big Ten Basketball Teams, since 1960, Top 12 Guards in Big Ten Basketball history, NBA Pacers vs Spurs: Odds, Tips and predictions 03/02/23, NCAA Basketball Purdue vs Wisconsin: Odds, Tips and Predictions 03/02/23, NCAA Basketball Xavier vs Providence: Odds, Tips and Predictions 03/01/23, Top 20 Big Ten Basketball players of all time, The Hypocrisy of Major League Baseball, Gambling, Steroids, and Why it's Time to Put Pete Rose in the Hall. If you share our stories on social media, please tag us in your posts using. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, He spent most of the rest of his life helping other people. You can only publish select stories individually not as a collection. A ceremony celebrating the turing on of the Memorial Fountain is held on Saturday, April 23, 2011, at the Marshall University Memorial Student Center Plaza. Click here to stay informed and subscribe to Herald-Dispatch. The crash took the lives of everyone on board -- the pilot, the first officer, two flight attendants, the charter coordinator, 24 Marshall University football fans, nine coaches and 37 players. Founded in 2016 as the states first nonprofit, nonpartisan newsroom, Mississippi Todays roots in Capitol coverage have grown to encompass a myriad of beats beyond politics and policy, including education, public health, justice, environment, equity, and, yes, sports. Among those who were not on the Marshall plane were Red Dawson, an assistant coach who was driving on a recruiting trip and was heading home when he learned about the crash. An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the e-mail address listed on your account. A look back in the archives of past Marshall University women's soccer photos. Smith spilled into view in Huntington, W.Va., just as James "Jimo . Members of the Young Thundering Herd attend practices in August and September 1971. News Star World, Jackson Daily News and Clarion Ledger. Have the latest local news delivered every afternoon so you don't miss out on updates. We'll look at what happened to the Marshall University football program as a result next. After the Nov. 14, 1970, Marshall plane crash, several memorials and funerals were conducted. He is buried in Huntington beside six of his teammates six who could not be identified. Team captain was Dave Griffith. February 22, 2023, 10:04 AM. Nearly fifty years later, Foley granted us his first. Imagine coming back to a university to try to lead as an athletic director without a football team without your administrative team and kind of hold it all together, he said. All 75 people on board died, including most of Marshall's football team. That was simply not true! The other was Annie Cantrell, played by Kate Mara, who was a cheerleader and engaged to Griffens son. West. They do visit the site and they do explain why its so significant to wear the Marshall jersey, he said. This list isnt based solely on performances from the 2020 NFL season. On Saturday, Nov. 14, 1970, a plane carrying members of the Marshall University Thundering Herd football team and coaching staff crashed in West Virginia killing all 75 people on board and. or anything. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? With the football season fast approach you may be keen to get back into the sport. Herald Dispatch Marshall Plane Crash Collection, This Day in History (History Channel) page on crash, WV Department of Culture and History Archive Page, Herald Dispatch Images from the Crash Gallery 2, Gallery: Scenes on Marshall's campus after 1970 plane crash, Gallery: Historical marker placed at crash site, Dec. 11, 2006, The Tragedy--Ernie Salvatore of the Herald Dispatch (1970 article), Tragedy of the highest degree--Jack Hardin (1970 article), Marshall Team, Coaches, Fans Die In Plane Crash (Nov. 15, 1970). So I think this is another step along in that healing process., 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. The plane was down for around 30 minutes before the media was ever notified. Final preparations are made for the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center premiere of "We Are Marshall" Monday, Dec. 11, 2006, in Huntington. The NTSB found a few points at which the pilot or first officer did not strictly adhere to landing procedures on approach to Tri-State Airport. Memorial of the 1970 Marshall University Football Team Plane Crash - November 14, 1970 Remembered - Homepage. 2006. They had been on a recruiting trip in Virginia late that week and drove themselves to the game in Greenville. Team captain was Nate Ruffin. Cast members visited Huntington in September and October for ongoing promotion of "We Are Marshall.". It makes no sense but you tell yourself: I should have been on that plane.. Click #isupportlocal for more information on supporting our local journalists. Marshall athletic director reflects on time spent at 1970 plane crash site By MetroNews Staff November 14, 2022 - 12:00 pm Marshall University President Brad Smith, Marshall Athletic. Investigators did not believe that the pilot was using the autopilot incorrectly or that the autopilot caused the crash. The 900 block of Huntington's Fourth Avenue was featured in a few scenes in "We Are Marshall.". They seemed to report that the airplane was 300 feet (91.4 meters) higher than it really was. A press conference is conducted Nov. 18, 1970, at the Holiday Inn. The symbolic victory transcended athletic competition and initiated a tradition where the Marshall football team began to represent something greater than sport. Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another The following offseason, Dawson went to a national coaching convention. Credit: MU. Plane Crash Memorial - Accident Report November 14, 1970 Remembered Click here for official NTSB Accident Report. "But I began to turn it into a positive thing when I started to think of all the good memories that happened that day. Among those who attended were family members of victims, Marshall University students and faculty and community members. The flight coordinator's duties required him to talk to the pilot, so he was allowed to be in the cockpit. Officials conducted extensive tests on the planes' barometric altimeters. Rescuers gather at the site of a plane crash in Pokhara, Nepal on January 15, 2023. Larry Templeton, who was a sports information assistant who would go on to become the schools athletic director, was on the flight as well. The annual memorial service honoring the 75 victims of the 1970 Marshall plane crash takes place on Monday, Nov. 14, 2011, at the Memorial Student Center Plaza on the campus of Marshall University. Berkshire Hathaway breaks ground for Jackson County project; additional manufacturer announced. Be Truthful. On November 14th, 1970, thirty-seven players, nine coaches, twenty-five boosters, and a flight crew of four boarded a McDonnell Douglas DC-9 operated by Southern Airways followinga tough road loss to East Carolina University. Bet with your head, not over it. Marshall University hosts a ceremony to celebrate the turning on of the Memorial Fountain on Saturday, April 28, 2012, at the Marshall University Memorial Student Center Plaza in Huntington. Much of "We Are Marshall" was filmed in Huntington. Capt. They left behind six children who were being babysat by Dan D'Antoni, a 23-year-old assistant with the Marshall basketball program in 1970. Any amount helps us keep producing quality journalism for Mississippi. Top 10 Boxers of the 1990s: Was Roy Jones Jr. the best? Rick has been recognized 13 times as Mississippi Sports Writer of the Year, and is recipient of multiple awards and honors for his reporting and writing. . "I was coming up on the hill (on old U.S. 52/Route 75), and then a piece of the plane hit my car," she said, recalling the cold, rainy night. . Top 13 Cincinnati Reds Starting Pitchers of all time. T&Cs apply. On Nov. 14, 1970, a plane carrying 75 people including Marshall's football team, coaches, staff, community members and flight crew crashed near the Huntington Tri-State Airport on a return trip. Be Nice. Choose wisely! We adapted Google's Privacy Guidelines to keep your data safe at all times. During the course of conversation, Ruffin, since deceased, told me that he was a captain of that 1970 Marshall team. Copyright 2023 West Virginia MetroNews Network. a proud member of the Zero margin for failure: With vaccination approval expected soon for high-risk Mississippians, the state doesnt have enough money to distribute it, Gov. person will not be tolerated. "It was an outpouring of the community that gave a compelling message on how important this was," he said. If youre not able to add the byline, please include a line at the top of the story that reads: This story was originally published by Mississippi Today and include our website, You cannot republish our editorial cartoons, photographs, illustrations or graphics without specific permission (contact our managing editor. No one survived this horrific disaster. J.D. Please reload the page and try again. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism Jack Burnett/The Herald-Dispatch. Obviously, the crash changed the lives of the families forever. Baisden of the W.Va. State Police speaks to the media during a news conference at the armory on Nov. 15, 1970, following a plane crash the night before that claimed the lives of 75 people including Marshall's football team. Jack Lengyel wasnt at all like he was portrayed. With your help, we've gotten a lot done but we're not finished yet! Winds light and variable. Due to poor visibility, however, the plane went below the minimum descent altitude in hopes of seeing the approaching runway more clearly. A radio altimeter works essentially the same way as radar. They Are Marshall: 50 years after the plane crash, those closest to the tragedy are still healing There were no survivors when Southern Airways Flight 932 crashed on Nov. 14, 1970. The story of the Marshall football teams plane crash is one of the most tragic stories in sports history, and over a decade later I cant help but think the filmmakers missed a chance for this film to leave a lasting impression. The 1970 team had a 3-6 record under coach Rick Tolley. Lets face it, the way Lengyel was portrayed was how you would portray a head football coach in an Adam Sandler movie. Not the way the movie showed you. During the investigation, the NTSB analyzed the airplane's instruments as well as the crew's behavior. By clicking submit, you agree to share your email address with Mississippi Today. accounts, the history behind an article. Southern Airlines Flight 932 left Kinston, North Carolina, at 6:38 p.m., carrying the Marshall University football team, coaching staff and fans to Huntington, West Virginia. We believe that an informed Mississippi is a better Mississippi. HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - It's a somber day in the city of Huntington, as Marshall University pauses to honor the 75 lives lost in the biggest sports . Call 1-800-522-4700. thegruelingtruth.com is available in the following countries: We are Marshall: What Was True and What Was Not? We'd love to hear eyewitness Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. The team won only two games that year, but the team's first home game following the crash ended with a 15-13 victory over Xavier University. Marshall decided to continue the football program. "We Are Marshall" used several Marshall students as extras. FILE - Officials at the site of the Nov. 14, 1970, Marshall University plane crash at Tri-State Airport in Kenova, W.Va., secure a charred engine for removal to an airport hangar. All perished in the crash. It was 50 years ago last week the college football world took a long timeout to grieve. Ruffin died in 2001 at the age of 51 and he is buried with his teammates. Im glad that were going to honor them for each year in this way from here on out.". Marshall University (dark jerseys) beat Morehead State (white jerseys) 17-7 in the season opener Sept. 19, 1970, at Fairfield Stadium. This forever changed the small university community of Huntington, the Marshall football program, and the families of those who lost loved ones on that fateful day. A large crowd gathers at the Pullman Square Marquee Cinemas to watch the student premiere of "We Are Marshall" on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2006, in Huntington. Why not me? Marshall brings The Herd together to turn the Memorial Fountain back on during Green and White Day on Saturday, April 28, 2018, in Huntington. Actor Matthew Fox speaks about his portrayal of former Marshall assistant coach Red Dawson in the movie "We Are Marshall" during a news conference Friday, April 7, 2006, at Joan C. Edwards Stadium in Huntington. Copyright20062023,Somerightsreserved. Gallery: Wreckage of 1970 Marshall plane crash. It wasnt said exactly the way it was in the movie but it is probably about 80-90 per cent accurate. Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. Investigators believed that he noticed that the plane was approaching MDA but had not made visual contact with the airport. Jack Burnett/The Herald-Dispatch. Create a password that only you will remember. How to Win While Sports Betting? A graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi with a bachelors in journalism, Rick has worked for the Monroe (La.) Much of "We Are Marshall" was filmed in Huntington. Ed Starling stepped in as interim athletic director after the tragedy. Tri-State airport installed a glide slope using federal funds in 1972. Jack Lengyel took over as the new coach for the Young Thundering Herd on March 17, 1971. Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Employment | Affiliates Intranet The victims included 36 Marshall University football players, 9 coaches and administrators, 25 fans and crew of 5. D'Antoni is now Marshall's basketball coach. In the scene, actor Anthony Mackie attempts to convince the university's board to keep the football program. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- A bill has won final legislative approval in West Virginia that would establish an annual day of recognition for the worst sports disaster in U.S. history, a plane crash that killed most of Marshall University's football team. Final preparations are made for the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center premiere of "We Are Marshall" Monday, Dec. 11, 2006, in Huntington. On Nov. 14, 1970, the chartered jet crashed in fog and rain into a hillside upon approach to an airport near Huntington as the team was returning from a game at East Carolina, killing all 75 on board. It appeared to capture a glide slope signal even though the airport had no glide slope. Six weeks before the Marshall tragedy, a plane carrying members of the Wichita State football team crashed in Colorado, killing 31 people. Spears said its been an honor to hear stories from family members of those who died 52 years ago. accounts, the history behind an article. CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- West Virginia Gov. Among those who were not on the Marshall plane were Red Dawson, an assistant coach who was driving on a recruiting trip and was heading home when he learned about the crash. A large crowd gathers to watch the stars of "We Are Marshall" walk the green carpet for the premiere of the film on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2006, in Huntington. Low around 35F. Click #isupportlocal for more information on supporting our local journalists. The Thundering Herd were traveling home after a 17-14 loss at East Carolina. I still think about it every time I see a Marshall score.. The initial 21.25 percent income tax cut now in HB 2526 is a bit more than one backed by senators a few weeks ago and a bit less than one previously supported by the governor and delegates. Rescue workers comb through the site of where China Eastern flight MU5375 crashed on March 21, near Wuzhou in southwestern Chinas Guangxi province on. Whoever gets to play Marshall in that game, they feel what we feel when theyre apart of that, he said. Marshall University (dark jerseys) beat Morehead State (white jerseys) 17-7 in the season opener Sept. 19, 1970, at Fairfield Stadium. Marshall coach Red Dawson coached for Marshall from 1968-1971. But in very hilly or uneven terrain, like the area of West Virginia where the plane crashed, radio altimeters could give inaccurate readings. A Wichita State University flag hangs from a tree Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2020, above the crash site of the Martin 404 twin-engine plane that crashed into the side Mt. Ruffin told me he spent a dozen years numbing himself with alcohol and drugs before coming out of that dark period while making a speech at a memorial to his fallen teammates. The Marshall crash was more deadly and is the one more remembered. We center readers in everything we do, informingand engagingMississippians through reporting, podcasts, events and online communities. Regardless of exactly why the plane was flying too low, the pilot and first officer were probably completely unaware that it was doing so. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Gallery: Historical marker placed at crash site, Dec. 11, 2006, On the set: Where scenes were filmed locally, Gallery: Readers' "We Are Marshall" premiere photos, Dec. 12, 2006, Gallery: Post-premiere events, Dec. 12, 2006, Gallery: Morning/afternoon of the "We Are Marshall" premiere, Dec. 12, 2006, Gallery: Green carpet premiere of "We Are Marshall," Dec. 12, 2006, Gallery: "We Are Marshall" pre-premiere party, Dec. 12, 2006, Gallery: "We Are Marshall" premiere at Marquee Cinemas, Dec. 12, 2006, Gallery: Fans enjoy "We Are Marshall" premiere arrivals, Dec. 12, 2006, Gallery: "We Are Marshall" photos from the movie, Gallery: "We Are Marshall" opens nationwide Dec. 22, 2006, Gallery: Movie prop auction, Dec. 17, 2006, Gallery: "We Are Marshall" Hollywood premiere, Dec. 14, 2006, Gallery: Huntington "We Are Marshall" premiere setup, Dec. 11, 2006, Gallery: "We Are Marshall" events November 2006, Gallery: "We Are Marshall" promotion September-October 2006, Gallery: Readers' celebrity sightings, spring-summer 2006, Gallery: Filming in Atlanta, June 9-10 and 14, 2006, Gallery: Filming at the Green and White Game, April 22, 2006, Gallery: Filming of campus scenes, April 17 and 21, 2006, Gallery: Filming on Merrill Avenue, April 19, 2006, Gallery: Filming of downtown scenes, April 12, 18 and 19, 2006, Gallery: McConaughey attends spring football practice, April 18, 2006, Gallery: Filming the Memorial Fountain scene, April 11, 2006, Gallery: Filming the chant scene, April 10, 2006, Gallery: Filming of the board scene, April 7, 2006, Gallery: Matthew Fox press conference, April 7, 2006, Gallery: Filming Mark Patton's "We Are Marshall" scenes, April 4, 2006, Gallery: "We Are Marshall" Kickoff Party, April 1, 2006, Gallery: "We Are Marshall" movie press conference, April 1, 2006, Video: "We Are Marshall" kickoff party (4/1/2006), Video: Anthony Mackie discusses role (4/10/2006), Video: Movie crew shows clip at 2006 UCF game (10/4/2006), Video: McConaughey discusses his role (10/4/2006), Video: McConaughey & McG given award (10/4/2006), Video: McConaughey on Huntington (10/4/2006), Video: McConaughey & McG discuss the movie (10/4/2006), Video: MU announces Marquee movie premiere (10/18/2006), Video: Former Herald-Dispatch reporter Jack Hardin on the movie (12/7/2006), Video: Ernie Salvatore on the MU movie (12/8/2006), Video: Kate Mara talks about meeting with MU cheerleaders (12/12/2006), Video: McG on We Are Marshall (12/12/2006), Video: McConaughey calls We Are Marshall his most gratifying project (12/12/2006), Video: Anthony Mackie talks about portraying Nate Ruffin (12/12/2006), Video: Basil describes movie as 'passion project' (12/12/2006), Video: Fox, Dawson discuss role in "We Are Marshall" (12/12/2006), Video: Writer Jamie Linden discusses the film's inception (12/12/2006), Video: Arlen Escarpeta talks about portraying Reggie Oliver (12/12/2006), Video: Arlen Escarpeta and Reggie Oliver at Chilifest (9/15/2007), Video: MU students react to "We Are Marshall" DVD release (9/19/2007), Video: Arlen Escarpeta signs autographs (9/19/2007), Video: Coach Andy Nameth on "We Are Marshall" (11/21/2006), Gallery: Scenes on Marshall's campus after 1970 plane crash, Gallery: Wreckage of 1970 Marshall plane crash, Gallery: 1970 memorial services for the plane crash victims, Photos: Marshall women's soccer photos from 2012-2013, Photos: Marshall men's soccer photos from 2011-2012, Gallery: Victims of the 1970 Marshall Plane Crash, Gallery: Marshall vs. Morehead State, Sept. 19, 1970, Photos: Marshall Football Memorial Rededication Ceremony 2020, Gallery: Marshall University scenes from 1969, Gallery: Spring 2012 Memorial Fountain Service, Photos: Marshall Spring Fountain Celebration 2016, Photos: Spring Memorial Fountain ceremony 2021, Photos: Marshall hosts 49th annual Memorial Fountain Ceremony 2019, Gallery: Spring 2011 Memorial Fountain Service, Gallery: Coach Bobby Pruett through the years, Gallery: Young Thundering Herd practice, Aug. 24, 1971, Gallery: Chad Pennington through the years, Photos: Marshall Spring Fountain Ceremony 2018, Gallery: Young Thundering Herd practices, August-September 1971, Gallery: Architecture of Marshalls campus, Photos: Marshall men's soccer photos from 2010, Photos: Marshall men's soccer photos from 2013, Gallery: Marshall vs. Morehead, Sept. 18, 1971. Jim Justice on Wednesday signed a bill establishing Nov. 14 as an annual memorial day for the worst sports disaster in U.S . The Rush to Green Could Leave Us in the Dark. Actor Matthew Fox speaks about his portrayal of former Marshall assistant coach Red Dawson in the movie "We Are Marshall" during a news conference Friday, April 7, 2006, at Joan C. Edwards Stadium in Huntington. They did not know that the crashed plane was supposed to be their plane until well into their airport wait. The victims included 36 football players and 39 school administrators, coaches, fans, spouses and flight crew. We Are Marshall, What was True and What was False? To republish online, simply click the button, copy the html code and paste into your Content Management System (CMS). KENOVA-- Sue Stephens said she can remember driving to Kenova to get a soft drink on the night of the tragic 1970 Marshall plane crash. The memorial fountain in the center of campus in 1972. that is degrading to another person. Among the losses were nearly the entire Marshall University football team, coaches, flight crew, numerous fans, and supporters.