Flag hangs at half staff on Marshall University campus by bust of John Marshall, for whom school named, in tribute to the 75 people, including most of football squad, who were killed in a plane crash on Saturday, Nov. 16, 1970 in Huntington. Steam floated off their sweat-drenched heads, and a holler could be heard for the water boy. The unfortunate loss of 31 fine individuals deserves to be remembered.. Hey, theyre cheering for us, commented a Wichita footballer as the red wave of Razorback fans cheered the Wheatshockers onto the field. Facing an Arkansas team ranked No. 1970-71 Wichita State Roster and Stats | College Basketball at Sports According to several newspaper accounts, the. AP. A rescue worker probes though the wreckage of a plane crash in Silver Plume, Colo. on Oct. 2, 1970. of the survivors to Denver. Wichita State was playing its first game since head coach Ben Wilson, athletic director Bert Katzenmeyer, 14 players and 15 other people died in a plane crash on Oct. 2, 1970 en route to a. The game with Utah State was cancelled. Gallery: Marshall University 1970 football team action The 2006 movie, We Are Marshall, depicted the aftermath of the crash. (AP Photo/Chris Schneider) service was held Monday evening at Cessna Stadium. [41], On October 31, the Shockers lost by at 355 score to Cincinnati before a homecoming crowd of 27,210. The Shockers fielded a team from 1897 to 1986. The Shockers fielded a team from 1897 to 1986. The Utah State football team held a brief memorial service at the stadium where the Find out the latest on your favorite NCAAB players on . Or write about sports? No plans have been made for the construction of a new multi-purpose athletic facility to replace the decrepit stadium. And when I heard that airplane, I knew there was something different. But I dont feel badly about anything I did. co-pilot Ronald Skipper. The team's statistical leaders included Rick Baehr with 513 passing yards, Don Gilley with 290 rushing yards and 12 points scored, Bill Moore with 175 receiving yards. KPTS will show its 2009 documentary Black & Gold: Remembering the WSU Plane Crash at 8 p.m. Friday. The two planes traveled to Denver, Colo., to refuel. They fielded a football team every year from 1895-1942 and 1944-1986. Wichita State was playing its first game since head coach Ben Wilson, athletic director Bert Katzenmeyer, 14 players and 15 other people died in a plane crash on Oct. 2, 1970 en route to a game at Utah State. We present them here for purely educational purposes. [13] On May 16, 2009 the Wichita State University alumni association held an all football players reunion at Cessna Stadium. Richard Taylor Minister at University United Methodist Church, he knew many of the players, coaches and administrators on the plane. 'I don't want it to be forgotten': TC man avoided fatal 1970 Wichita A longtime P.E. Naputano was one of four players who led the team onto the field in the spring of 1971 the others were Felix Jordan, Ed Carter and Nate Ruffin. players, athletic staff members and team boosters crashed at approximately 3 p.m. Mike Kennedy remembers when the paper bearing the Associated Press bulletin came over the wire in the KMUW radio newsroom on that October day in 1970. 1990 Roster # Player Position Birthday Hometown High School Height Weight; 1: . teacher and coach at Robinson Middle School, he died in 2010 from pancreatic cancer. Utah State placed a memorial wreath at the 50-yard line at its football stadium. Learn more. Forgotten tragedy: Survivors' quest to keep memoires of 1970 Wichita But, the DC-6 was damaged so the aviation company opted to use two Martin 4-0-4 aircraft. 1970 Wichita State Shockers football team - Wikipedia We were even joking about being so close to the ground, saying things like, Look, you can see the rabbits down there. Wichita State player Glenn Kostal, When we climbed out of the plane, I could tell with one quick look that I was in about the best condition. The Shockers only points were scored in the first quarter on a 14-yard touchdown pass from Tom Owen to Eddie Plopa. ON THE MORNING of Oct. 2, 1970, 21-year-old Malory W. Kimmel drove away from Wichita State University's Jardine Hall, heading for the Field House nearby. Wichita State Shockers football - Wikipedia Radio voice Gus Grebe was supposed to ride on the Gold plane, but was late arriving and flew on the Black plane. Wichita State University It is also available at watch.kpts.org. The football players decided to continue the season, which was later designated as Physical Details: 5 x 7 inches . 1986 Football Roster; Search for: 1990 Roster. [9], On November 14, Wichita lost to Memphis State by a 516 score. The 1970 Wichita Shockers football team was an American football team that represented Wichita State University as a member of the Missouri Valley Conference during the 1970 NCAA University Division football season. Trainer Tom Reeves and athlete John Taylor died later in hospitals after suffering burns. Fairmount defeated Wichita High School, now known as Wichita East, by a score of 124 in the only game played that year. The records below only includes games while a member of the conference and does not include games against teams listed below considered non-conference games. "I honor their memory every day," Lewis said. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. The first year of Wichita State Shockers football was in 1895. They met Wichita coming the other way. 1970 Wichita State Shockers Roster | College Football at Sports A sardine dinner proved irresistible, Drunken pyros unite! [2][3] They played their home games at Cessna Stadium and were members of the Missouri Valley Conference until the program was discontinued. "[39] Assistant coach Bob Seaman took over as the team's head coach after the crash. and returned to Wichita by commercial plane Saturday. In one of the worst tragedies of college sports history, a plane carrying WSU football Skipper. Lettermen from the 1970 FSU Football Handbook, page 41. . The Shockers voted 76-1 to continue the season against Arkansas in Little Rock. He earned All-MVC honors as a senior and played three seasons in the NFL. I feel badly that it happened, of course. Another 14 were university staff members and football boosters. Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. Once there, the senior parked his car and . The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. [15], In 1997, the cost was cited at $11 million to restart the football program and three other women's sports. [36] At the end of the season, a nationally televised fundraising program hosted by Monty Hall was aired to raise money for the victims of the two crashes. The two schools shared in the proceeds from the A Night of Stars benefit at Levitt Arena. it with us, please let us know. Join our linker program. [38] The remaining portion of the schedule was designated the "second season. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. Wichita State Shockers Roster | ESPN Learn more and register, College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com Blog and Articles. Wichita State Shockers football - American Football Database The team was known as Fairmount from its first season in 1897 to 1925 and Wichita from 1926 through 1963. Current Team: Lurleen B. Wallace CC Birthplace/Hometown: Freeport, Florida Nationality: United States Height: 6-1 (185cm) Weight: 160 (73kg) Current NBA Status: Draft Eligible in 2026 Draft Entry: 2026 NBA Draft Pre-Draft Team: Lurleen B. Wallace CC (Fr) Change player? 9-ranked football team the Arkansas Razorbacks. Date Original: Circa 1970. The 1970 Wichita Shockers football teamwas an American footballteam that represented Wichita State Universityas a member of the Missouri Valley Conferenceduring the 1970 NCAA University Division football season. Three generations later, the secrets of Wichita State's devastating The SPORTS REFERENCE and STATHEAD trademarks are owned exclusively by Sports Reference LLC. Maybe they should leave it just the way it is.. The Shockers were a common opponent for the Razorbacks in those days; they played five times between 1964 and 1980. It gave us a real release and a real outlet and a real focus, safety Bruce Gerleman said. This is a weekly feature at Hawgs247. Randy Jackson, fullback, Atlanta, Texas - escaped through a hole in the fuselage; hospitalized in serious condition after the crash with deep lacerations on his face and multiple bruises; Glenn Kostal, linebacker, Chicago - dug his way out from under a pile of debris, dirt and tree limbs and crawled through a rip in the fuselage; sustained a broken leg, Dave Lewis, lineman, Duncan, Oklahoma - listed in satisfactory condition after the crash, Rick Baehr, led the team with 513 passing yards, Don Gilley, led the team with 290 rushing yards and 12 points scored, Bill Moore, led the team with 12 receptions and 175 receiving yards, This page was last edited on 19 January 2023, at 23:20. And thats only because I had to. Randy Jackson, You get used to sounds in the valley. 1970 Wichita State Shockers football team, 1970 NCAA University Division football season, 1970 Missouri Valley Conference football standings, Wichita State University football team plane crash. This week, we take a look back at Arkansas' game against Wichita State in 1970. That meant the Arkansas game was the beginning of what the Shockers were calling their "Second Season," in which they obtained special permission from the NCAA and Missouri Valley Conference to play freshmen, who were ineligible for varsity play back then. Do you have a sports website? On May 16, 2009 the Wichita State University alumni association held an all football players reunion at Cessna Stadium. 1970-71 Wichita State Roster and Stats Previous Season Next Season Record: 10-16 (0-0, in MVC ) Coach: Gary Thompson PS/G: 80.0 (82nd of 206) PA/G: 80.0 (136th of 206) SRS: 1.65 (81st of 203) SOS: 1.61 (80th of 203) Wichita State School History Roster & Stats Polls, Schedule & Results On this page: Roster Per Game Team and Opponent Stats Per Game The Wichita State Shockers football team was the college football program of Wichita State University in Wichita, Kansas. The "Gold" plane, a Martin 404, carried 36 passengers and a crew of four. The main thing is that people take a few minutes to remember. This article uses material from the Wikipedia article 1970 Wichita State Shockers football team, and is written by contributors. Hugh McElroy, who that week became the . Wichita State University 1970 Football Team Airplane Crash Tragedy. Could have been on Rusty Featherstone's list. Fewer people are familiar with another football tragedy that happened the month before the crash of an airplane carrying Wichita State University football players. All-Conference Center Is Among Dead in Football Plane Crash", "Former Buster Gene Robinson: Fund Established For Crash Victim", ESPN Classic Wichita State suffers tragic plane crash, "Remembering the 1970 Wichita State football plane crash", "Plane Crash Survivor Calls It 'A Miracle', "Survivor recalls horror of crash that killed team", "Fresh Start at Wichita: Rarely Mention 'Crash', "Surviving Oct 2nd: Remembering the Fallen with Rick Stephens", "Wichita, Marshall Aircraft Disasters Not Similar", "Wichita State Will Open 'Second Season' Saturday", "Competition Best Therapy For Saddened Shockers", "61 Hogs Play: Arkansas Fans Cheer Wichita", "Black & Gold: Remembering The WSU Plane Carsh", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=1970_Wichita_State_Shockers_football_team&oldid=1134674669, Marvin Brown, sophomore, running back, Solomon, Kansas - age 18, John Dunren, sophomore, quarterback, Oklahoma City - age 19, Ron Johnson, senior, defensive back, Kansas City, Missouri - age 21, Randy Kieusau, junior, running back, Clinton, Oklahoma - age 20, Carl Krueger, sophomore, tackle, Chicago - age 19, Steve Moore, senior, linebacker, Derby, Kansas - age 21, Tom Shedden, junior, tackle, Oklahoma City - age 20, Rick Stines, guard, Kansas City, Kansas - age 19, John Taylor, back, Sherman, Texas - died later in the month from injuries sustained in the crash, Jack Vetter Jr., senior, lineman, McPherson, Kansas - age 22, Mike Bruce, tight end/offensive tackle, Sherman, Texas - He later recalled: "When we climbed out of the plane, I could tell I was in about the best condition. On October 2, 1970, airplane carrying Wichita State University football team crashed in Colorado Rocky Mountains killing 31 team members, supporters, coaches and airline personnel. The 1970 matchup was the most lopsided of a lopsided series, as Arkansas cruised to a 62-0 win. A plane carrying the Wichita State University football team had crashed. [17], In 2006, Wichita Mayor Carlos Mayans proposed to use public funds to restart the football program at Wichita State. Summarize this article for a 10 years old. Members of the 1970 Wichita State and Arkansas teams will have a reunion at War Memorial Stadium this weekend for the Alcorn State game. A: Nine days after the crash, the players voted 76-1 to start what became known as the Second Season. The players said returning to practice gave them a sense of comfort and allowed them to honor their teammates. Trainer Tom Reeves and player John Taylor died later after receiving The 1970 Wichita Shockers football team was an American football team that represented Wichita State University as a member of the Missouri Valley Conference during the 1970 NCAA University Division football season. We acknowledge you as a real and important part of both. Senior center Hayden Gillum became the first to make the leap, announcing Friday on social media that he will be back for the . The 1970 Wichita Shockers football team was an American football team that represented Wichita State University as a member of the Missouri Valley Conference during the 1970 NCAA University Division football season. On December 25, 1905, Fairmount played a game against the Washburn Ichabods using a set of experimental rules. We have tools and resources that can help you use sports data. at the scene. All Rights Reserved. Utah. [13] Hoheisel, who was described by coach Wilson in the preseason as "the heart and soul of our defense",[13] was selected as the team captain. [40], On October 24, 1970, the team played the first game after the crash. 10/04/1970: Wichita, KS: Southeast: 6'5" 240: 99: Alonzo Spellman: DE: 9/27/1971: Mt. Trailing 216 in the fourth quarter, Wichita's freshman quarterback Tom Owen threw a 21-yard touchdown pass to wingback Tim Thissen to narrow the score to 2112. Arkansas' fans refrained from calling the Hogs as they supported the Shockers. . According to Orville Henry's story in the following day's Arkansas Gazette, a crowd of 40,000 at War Memorial Stadium gave Wichita State's team - a 46-man roster with 19 freshmen and 20 sophomores - a minute-long standing ovation. Homecomings are exciting times, Father, whether it be a homecoming with you when the game of life is over or whether it be a grand homecoming with this tremendous crowd today at Wichita State University. Q: Why did Wichita State resume its season? Thirty-one people died as a result of the crash: 14 players, 14 WSU staff and boosters, and three crew members. . A memorial to Wichita State University football player John Taylor lies among the remains of the tragic plane clash Oct. 2, 1970, near the Loveland Ski Area that killed 31 people. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. The Shockers went 6-5 in 1972 and didnt post another winning season until going 8-3 in 1983. But it was a team that hung together. John Yeros, The friendships and bonds forged have been a very important of all our lives. . Sure enough, Arkansas led 14-0 just three minutes in and head coach Frank Broyles quickly got his reserves into the game. The Shockers started seven freshmen and 10 sophomores and scored five points on a 37-yard field goal by John Potts and a safety when Cincinnati quarterback Bill Carter was tackled in the end zone. Its almost like another memorial to them, with all of that still up there, teammate Ed Plopa said. Kostal, Dave Lewis, Keith Morrison, Bob Renner, Rick Stephens and co-pilot Ronald The Shockers took 46 players to the game, 39 of them freshmen and sophomores. In 1986, president Warren Armstrong said the football program lost $839,000. Former college football team in Kansas, USA, Breaking the color barrier in college football coaching, 1897 Fairmount Wheatshockers football team, 1905 Washburn vs. Fairmount football game, Wichita State University football team plane crash, "Wichita State suspends football program", "MEMORIAL '70 - Memorial '70 Home - Wichita State University", "Wichita State gives up football, too expensive", "Shocker football players return to Cessna Stadium", "Stadium Fix-up Costs Throw WSU Football Hopes For Loss", "PRICE FOR WSU TO START FOOTBALL AGAIN: $11 MILLION * REPORT CALCULATES COST OF ADDING 1-AA FOOTBALL AND THREE WOMEN'S SPORTS", "Not so fast: Football's return to campus no done deal - The Sunflower: Campus Life", "WSU gets the OK to tear down Cessna Stadium", "How and why Wichita State? Understanding the 1970 Wichita State football plane crash. [12], On December 2, 1986, Wichita State President Warren Armstrong announced that the university would no longer sponsor football due to the financial strain the program placed on the university. Bert Katzenmeyer, 52, Wichita, athletic director, Marian Katzenmeyer, 52, Wichita, wife of athletic director, Marty Harrison, 19, Argonia, team manager, Carl Fahrbach, 50, Wichita, dean of admissions, Floyd Farmer, 35, Wichita, ticket manager, Ray Coleman, 45, Wichita, chairman of Shocker Club, Maxine Coleman, 43, Wichita, wife of chairman, John Grooms, 42, Wichita, won membership drive, Etta Mae Grooms, 38, Wichita, won membership drive, Yvonne King, 41, Hesston, wife of state representative. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. We have tools and resources that can help you use sports data. According to history.com, on the plane were 37 football players, head coach Rick Tolley, team doctors, the university athletic director and 25 football boosters from the Huntington, W.Va. community. 1970 yearbook from West High School from Wichita, Kansas