The names of teammates who landed safely in Utah that day are a fitting “When I made a few steps, picked up a wallet that had the picture of a family, large family. Wichita State University held a memorial service at Cessna Stadium on Friday honoring both the victims and survivors of a plane crash 50 years ago. A sculpture recognizes the survivors of the 1970 plane crash, and the names of the Published: Oct. 11, 2020 at 2:30 PM CDT. of the crash. working for 17 years at The Wichita Eagle. That decision proved to be deadly when one plane went down, taking the lives of 32 people on board, including members of the Wichita State University football team, coaches and boosters. near Silver Plume, Colorado, while en route to Logan, Utah,  for a game with Utah According to WSU, one alumnus and survivor of the plane crash, Rick Stephens, has gone up to the site a few times, leading a bike ride fundraiser from Wichita State … It’s here a plane carrying the Wichita State football team crashed while traveling to a game at Utah State on Oct. 2, 1970. Amid her scrapbooks, original WSU football helmet and jersey, there is one thing Winterbone wishes she had: the memory of how her parents sounded. Ed Plopa, another team member that was on the plane that landed safely, said the annual gathering is an important opportunity to connect with others who were affected by the deadly crash. The National Transportation Safety Board(NTSB) investigation report stated the First Officer testified that he intended to use the charts to help point out landmarks and objects of interest to the passengers. I've survived through through it. the lives of the victims, their families, their friends and the University. Relatives of members of the 1970 Wichita State University Shockers football team visit the crash site where an airplane carrying some of the players crashed near Loveland Pass Monday, July 27, 2020, west of Silver Plume, Colo. Wreckage from the plane, which was one of two being used to take the Shockers to play a football game against Utah State University in Logan, Utah, is still scattered on the mountain top nearly 50 years after the crash … people who flew safely on the "Black plane" are an addition to the existing upright Paul Suellentrop joined Wichita State University Strategic Communications in 2017 after “I was reflecting on it and thinking, you just don't know how you're gonna get through the next day. Jason Ridder. The monument that lists the 31 names of those who died is unchanged. It was a blowout. for the WSU Foundation, on the approval and details of installation. It’s been half a century since Oct. 2, 1970. It was such a vast change from the excitement they had for Shocker football games and hearing of their dad’s success. That is where the two planes took two vastly different paths into history leading to the Wichita State Crash. It was one of two aircraft carrying the 1970 Wichita State Shockers football team to Logan, Utah, for a game against Utah State; the second aircraft flew a conventional route and arrived safely in Utah. (John Putt) On the 2nd of October 1970, a chartered airliner carrying the Wichita State University football team took a detour to give the young players a close-up view of the Rocky Mountains. Former Wichita State quarterback Randy Phillips, a partner at the architectural firm Abigail Wilson . “It’s been a great team effort,” Phillips said. Pilot errors, including poor in-flight decisions and inadequate pre-flight planning, were officially reported as leading to the crash. The team was headed to Utah He came up to her and handed her a cufflink he’s had this whole time. Because they were there. “It’s important that we recognize (the survivors), particularly, because it’s been Classes were canceled for Monday, October 5, and a memorial service was held that evening at the university stadium. I don't remember their voices,” she said. It made us made me in Arkansas fan for life.”. room. “We get together a number of us get together and we decided long time where we have to live for those players who had a short life,” he said of what the former football players have told him through the years. Updated landscaping of the crash. Nicknamed after the school colors, a “gold” plane carried the team’s starters and prominent community members and secondary players and other staff flew on the “black” plane. at that time, I couldn’t recall all the survivors’ names,” Phillips said. “It’s a crazy thing,” she said. Because the plane was full of fuel, it exploded not long after. Wichita gave the Razorbacks a plaque to recognize their support and brotherhood. So Rusty Featherstone was a survivor when the first plane crashed in Colorado, killing 31 passengers players, the head coach and athletic director and their wives, and guests. In one of the worst tragedies of college sports history, the WSU "Gold" plane, a Martin 404 carrying 34 passengers and a crew of four, crashed at approximately 3 p.m. on a mountain It’s here a plane carrying the Wichita State football team crashed while traveling to a game at Utah State on Oct. 2, 1970. The names of the people who landed safely in Logan, Utah, were added It's been 50 years since 31 people died when an airplane carrying the Wichita State football team crashed in Colorado while traveling to a game at Utah State on Oct. 2, 1970. After the crash had occurred, Bruce hustled down the mountain, hoping to get aid, and ran into a tunnel construction crew. Both the “Black” and the “Gold” planes completed the first leg of the trip successfully and landed in Denver, Colorado to refuel. And so to get to go up to the site with the players for that anniversary was…they didn't need to bring me along, but they did.”. One of the most surprising things to come from the plane crash was the team’s motivation to move forward. @KAKEnews #WichitaState #Memorial70 pic.twitter.com/z6CDfiS4sm, Today marks 50 years since the WSU plane crash near Silver Plume, CO. Coming up on #KAKENews, we’ll bring you the story of a local who remembers the day well. The little-known memorial stands as a tribute to the 31 people who died when a plane carrying members of the Wichita State football team crashed while traveling to a game at Utah State … to the upright monument that represents the "Black plane.". Wichita State University officials and family of the survivors were flown to Denver on a plane made available by the Governor of Kansas. For information, go to wichita.edu/covid. “I wanted It's like, wow, you know, I've done it. Two more who had survived the initial accident passed away later on due to the injuries sustained in the accident. “About halfway up the the elements of the crash really started coming into focus,” he said. Yet, she’s been going to them in recent years. Wichita State University Football Team Plane Crashes in Clear Creek Canyon. The annual Memorial '70 observance takes place on Friday, Oct. 2, for the 50th anniversary It was a big moment, as he had kept his pain hidden for so long. “Randy came to me and said we ought to be doing something for these guys,” Moore said. It’s here a plane carrying the Wichita State football team crashed while traveling to a game at Utah State on Oct. 2, 1970. Wichita State University 18,896 views. Nine players survived along with the co-pilot and the team trainer. But as they wound their way between the peaks, disaster struck: the plane became boxed into an inescapable … Elizabeth Winterbone lost her parents, dad and head football coach Ben Wilson and her mother Helen. Forty years ago, a plane slammed into the Rocky Mountains and killed 31 people. The names of the members of the team who flew on the "Black plane" complete the upright working for 17 years at The Wichita Eagle. It’s pretty amazing to put these two “Ben” cufflinks back together,” she said. and supporters who died in a plane crash Oct. 2, 1970. Within a couple weeks, the two were taken to live with family. Phillips transferred to Wichita State in 1971 Former Arkansas player Chuck Dicus - Duration: 2:07. '70 at 9 a.m. each Oct. 2. Living with the Wichita State Crash Glenn Kostal. The … The loss has certainly influenced their lives, but Winterbone said she’s grateful for the support that has come her way — especially after moving back to Wichita as an adult. Rhatigan said players have vowed to stay positive and do anything to keep the memory of their friends alive. Morgan Anderson . Memorial '70. It took the lives of 29 people then, and two others died later that month. History of Memorial '70 In an annual ceremony of remembrance, a wreath is placed at Wichita State's Memorial '70 at 9 a.m. each October 2. Sept. 28, 2020 - A new sculpture recognizes the survivors of the crash at Memorial '70 at Wichita State University. The brief ceremony honors WSU football players, administrators and supporters who died in a plane crash Friday, October 2, 1970. This is the story of the crash, and what happened after. Crash survivor remembers Wichita State's saddest day Mike Lopresti, USA TODAY Sports On Oct. 2%2C 1970%2C a plane crash took the lives of 31 people%2C inlcuding 14 Wichita State … Wichita State Football Team Plane Crash 1970 - Duration: 57:54. Mike Bruce, the offensive tackle for Wichita State University, was the least injured of the group. His team was hoping to find any possible survivors. In 2016, players from both teams reunited back on the field where they played decades before. The report concluded the crew did not allow enough time for the charts to be studied properly to avoid high terrain before takeoff commenced. Mission of remembrance. “Went from the beautiful smells of pine forests to burning timber, burning jet fuel and everything else.”. A plane carrying the Wichita State football team crashed while traveling to a game at Utah State on Oct. 2, 1970. Wichita community members gathered at the Football Memorial ’70 to attend the annual ceremony in remembrance of the Wichita plane crash in 1970. Both airplanes refueled at Denver’s Stapleton Airport. and the events that brought them together. carried by the survivors and their teammates. He was a Boy Scout and had gone through emergency training with the Alpine Rescue Team. Winterbone was 10 and her brother John was 15 at the time. Remembering the 31 Every year on Oct. 2, Wichita State University remembers the victims of the 1970 plane crash in Colorado, a tragedy that took the lives of 31 people on the trip to a football game in Utah the next day. About 10 years ago, players had contacted him saying they were returning to the crash site. Former Arkansas player Chuck Dicus - Duration: 2:07. Funded by around $25,000 in private donations, the additions recognize the burdens to play quarterback and help the program rebuild. Memorial '70 sculpture. The new monument is designed in the shape of the fuselage near the wing, the area “We really wanted to be respectful of what this is about,” Phillips said. features the names of the eight Shockers who survived the crash of the "Gold plane" 57:54. The school had to get special permission to get those younger students on the roster. The story, told for years by the Memorial ’70 monument near the 18th Street and Hillside On this day in 1970, the Wichita State football team packed up for a game against Utah State. He said it’s helped him manage his grief. designed the sculpture that features the survivors, with help from graphic designer Wichita State Football Team Plane Crash 1970 - Duration: 57:54. Now, an addition to a memorial on WSU's campus honors the survivors of that crash. Tramel: How 1970 Wichita State football plane crash survivors are making sure their teammates aren't forgotten • Don Christian, defensive back, Duncan High School. “Yeah. In all, 22 children lost at least one parent and 13 children were orphaned. (a pilot also survived). 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. “It was such a special thing that he kept it all these years and wanted to give it to me. The Crash. Talking with Jackson brought back memories of Wichita State University football Members of the early 1970s Wichita State football teams want to honor the people who carried on without their fallen teammates and friends. Some people managed to escape. He writes about applied learning and covers State for a game the next day. Phillips and Moore worked with Ann Marie Siegwarth, director of development Wichita State plane crash survivor takes on a mission of remembrance The first time Rick Stephens descended Mount Trelease, near Silver Plume, Colorado, he faded in and out of consciousness. The visit also highlighted lost memories from the 1970 plane crash in Colorado. partner to us, and much of that support is the direct result of Ann Marie Siegwarth’s Memorial ceremonies take place on October 2nd every year at Wichita State. WSU Plane Crash Survivor Embarks On A Journey To Honor His Fallen Teammates. “I did for 40 years, I didn't realize anyone had survived. Decades after a tragic plane crash took the lives of 31 people, families are still coping with their loss. Wichita State University held a memorial service at Cessna Stadium on Friday honoring both the victims and survivors of a plane crash 50 years ago. of the plane that broke open and allowed room for some people to escape. He recalls his teammates admiring the construction activity near the Eisenhower Tunnel before the plane made a rapid plunge. I froze. • Randy Kiesau, defensive back, Clinton High School. Glenn Kostal, then a 20-year old linebacker from Chicago, remembers the day well. A plane carrying members of the WSU football team crashed in the Colorado mountains on October 2nd, 1970, killing 31 players, coaches and supporters and crew members. Rick Stephens, then a 22-year old offensive guard, had gone forward in the plane to ask the pilots about... Glenn Kostal. By Abigail Beckman • Sep 19, 2014 . around Memorial ’70 is also part of the new look. It’s here a plane carrying the Wichita State football team crashed while traveling to a game at Utah State on Oct. 2, 1970. For the longest time, Putt thought nobody made it out alive. Truly surreal being here at the wreckage where so many people tragically lost their lives on October 2nd 1970. the job and profession in such a short time. “It was an emotional experience all the way around for us and for them. It was a horrible sight. On Oct. 2, 1970, Wichita State lineman Mal Kimmel boarded a plane with his teammates for their game against Utah State. Nearly 40,000 fans gave surviving players a standing ovation. It crashed into a mountain near Silver Plume. It's here a plane carrying the Wichita State football team crashed while traveling to a game at Utah State on Oct. 2, 1970. A helmet and cleat lie on the ground as a rescue worker sifts through the wreckage of the Wichita State plane near Silver Plume, Colo., on Oct. 2, 1970. In an annual ceremony of remembrance, a wreath is placed at Wichita State's Memorial They survived the Oct. 2, 1970, Wichita State football plane crash only to endure the hardship and suffering of its aftermath. Wichita State University 18,896 views. Glenn Kostal has three children and has been married for almost 35 years. The rescue squad sent to find survivors was comprised of 18 teenagers, Colorado boys with something to prove to themselves and to one another. So to have you know, those clips, it's really it's a big deal.”. monument that signifies the plane that landed safely in Logan, Utah. Paul Suellentrop joined Wichita State University Strategic Communications in 2017 after While the aircraft were refueled and serviced in Denver, First Officer Skipper purchased aeronautical sectional charts for the contemplated scenic route. One of the planes proceeded to Utah via southern Wyoming, avoiding Colorado’s high mountain wall. On Oct. 2%2C 1970%2C a plane crash took the lives of 31 people%2C inlcuding 14 Wichita State football players Senior guard Rick Stephens was one … The crash not only took young lives of the players on board. I remained motionless for an hour-and-a-half.”. Bruce Gerleman looked out the window of his plane. He will be one of the participants at a memorial service Tuesday in Wichita, marking the 20th anniversary of the tragedy. Plane parts and personal belongings were thrown over a large part of Mount Trelease. After the trip up the mountain with the football players, Putt sought counseling. Wichita State athletics through his GoShockers.com blog, Shocker strength coach puts holiday muscle into campaign for Harbor House, Shock the World Campaign donors raise $307.8 million for Wichita State, Interim Wichita State basketball coach Isaac Brown prepared for this moment. The team, split into two, boarded two Martin 404’s destined for Logan, Utah. They keep their memory Fourteen members of Wichita State's … Though he was deeply changed by the crash, Putt continued to help others in emergencies like this. It's here a plane carrying the Wichita State football team crashed while traveling to a game at Utah State on Oct. 2, 1970. “I didn't handle it well,” Putt said. Thirty-one persons, including 14 Wichita State University players, were killed last Oct. 2 when their airliner crashed in the Colorado Rockies. The Wichita State plane crash is often forgotten and overshadowed because of a similar accident that happened just 43 days later. But it's been a constant my whole life.”. Melissa Hasty, Director of Campus Ministry, reads the prayer at WSU’s Football Memorial ’70. The student voted to keep playing in what later was dubbed it’s “second season.” Their first big game was an away game against Arkansas. They wanted him to come along. Winterbone said she didn’t always go to them, especially when she lived in other parts of the country. Fifty years ago today, a plane carrying members of the Wichita State football team crashed on a mountain in Colorado. He did not, but one thing he found deeply touched him. “This is simple, and it tells the story,” Moore said. “…just completed my connection to the community,” he said with shakiness in his voice. Rookie players joined the team, including freshmen, which wasn’t common back then. Jackson, who died in July 2010 of pancreatic cancer, was one of the nine survivors A sculpture recognizes the survivors of the 1970 plane crash, and the names of the people who flew safely on the "Black plane" are an addition to the existing upright Memorial '70 sculpture. They were bound for Logan, Utah, to play the Utah State University Aggies the following day. The Wichita State plane crash was his first big mission. since they lived when so many didn’t. I really appreciated that.”. A few years back, she was surprised by a coach who worked with her dad. He eventually became a first responder, serving as a firefighter and paramedic for decades. Memorial '70: Part 1 - Remembering the WSU plane crash, Memorial '70: Part 2 - Crash Investigation, Memorial '70: Part 3 - Survivors' reflection. It’s here a plane carrying the Wichita State football team crashed while traveling to a game at Utah State on Oct. 2, 1970. On Friday, October 2, 1970, a pair of Martin 404 twin-engine aircraft took off from Wichita, Kansas, carrying the Wichita State University (WSU) football team, coaches, and VIP supporters. Rick Stephens is 72 now. “This really wasn't a football game,” said Dr. Jim Rhatigan, former dean of student life. At nightfall, six hours after the crash, the plane … The stories of the people affected by the crash and its aftermath serve as a tribute to all – teammates, friends and family. medical attention for their injuries. 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