|
|
 With all that was going on yesterday, with the Mitchell Report and the Sampson post, an important anniversary slipped my mind. This anniversary may not be important to many people, but it still reverberates around at least the southern part of Indiana. Yesterday was the thirtieth anniversary of the plane crash that killed the 1977 University of Evansville's men's basketball team. Among those that were killed were 14 players, 4 school personnel, 3 student personnel, 2 boosters, the radio announcer and 5 crew members. For those of you that have never heard of this tragedy, this story at Rivals.com does a good job of telling the story.
UE had quite a successful run in Division II in the 1960's and 1970's, winning 5 national championships under Arad McCuthan. 1977 was the first year that the school moved up to Division I basketball and the school was looking to establish itself against stiffer competition. Sadly, they never had the chance.
Why am I interested in this story? Because I am an alumni of UE. This tragedy is among the first things you learn about once you visit the UE. You're made aware of the tragedy as there is a very nice memorial in the center of campus called Memorial Plaza. The main component of the memorial is a fountain, which is referred to as the Weeping Basketball and has a spoke commemorating each of the deceased. Each person's name is engraved on the memorial along with the following quote; "Out of the agony of this hour we will rise." The title picture above is a partial picture of the memorial. If you've never heard of the school here are a few links; Official UE Site, Athletics Site, UE College Rule.
Leave a comment
|
|
|
2 Comments
Leave a comment
|
|
|
2008 Cubs Preview
I too went to U of E, actually was a pom pom girl there. HA! But I am from Evansville and still remember like yesterday how that tragedy riveted that city. One of the ladies I later worked with had a son that was a manager for the Aces and was on that plane, First time he had ever flown. It still gives me goose bumps when I think about the tragedy and how everyone pulled together in Evansville. I had not returned to the University to see the memorial. What a nice tribute and story. Thanks for remembering and honoring those who so tragically gave their lives.
Good story, agreed; I'd heard of Marshall, but not of Evansville.