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A day we should never forget.
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3 of my best friends from that time were Keith Morrison, Ron Johnson, and Randy Jackson.
Randy Jackson (running back) was basically uninjured, but cancer got him a year ago.
Keith Morrison (lineman) was horribly injured and disfigured. He lost all but a few strands of thigh muscle. One hand was pretty much fused and nearly useless.
Ron Johnson (QB) was an all-state basketball player in Missouri in addition to being all-state as a QB. I remember a pickup basketball game where I lit him up and shut him down - probably the best basketball I ever played. His sister, Vicki, was a good friend of mine. Ron didn't make it off the mountain alive.
I was driving a tractor on my dad's farm. I remember the field I was in. I remember where in that field I was, the direction I was going, and every detail, when I heard on the radio that the plane had crashed.
I mentioned three of my good friends, but I was frieeds of most of the football team back then.The future's so bright - I gotta wear shades.
We like to cut down nets and get sized for championship rings. -
My Dad was a student when the plane went down. Today he and my Mother will be celebrating their 40th wedding aniversary.Livin the dreamComment
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I found myself re-watching the KPTS Black and Gold video at the stroke of midnight...still a very moving piece the second time around. I have a strong desire to visit the crash site soon.Comment
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We dont!I have come here to chew bubblegum and kickass ... and I'm all out of bubblegum.Comment
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For us out-of-town shocker fans, any way to locate the Black and Gold documentary?Comment
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Sure, DVD & bluray:
May God bless everyone affected in this tragedy.
:wsu_posters: :goshocks: :posterwu: :posterwsu:Comment
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Aargh, this was naturally a tremendously sad tragedy for everyone and since it was even noted in our local newspaper, I would assume that many newspapers throughout the country did likewise.
I can only imagine the pain and sorrow you, family members, and others who had close friends and acquaintances go through on the anniversary of this tragic event.
Our thoughts are with everyone who suffered from this disastrous event. We stand with you in remembering the tremendous loss of these outstanding individuals.Comment
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Extremely well said.Originally posted by 60ShockComment
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I went up last summer to the crash site. Attached is a link to the pictures from that trip:
If anyone wants directions to the site e-mail me.
As a Shocker alum I am glad I hiked up to the site it makes the memorial on campus all the more meaningful.Comment
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I was a student at WSU - and was dating the girl that is now my wife - at the time the crash occurred. I remember going to the memorial service on campus. One of the players that was on the plane that landed safely was in my calculus class. I will never forget the feelings of shock, sorrow, disbelief and anguish that I felt that day. Rest in peace Shocker brethren. We will never forget.Comment
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I was in Vietnam when it happened. My Mother had gotten me a subcription to the Sunday Wichita Eagle,which always arrived a week late. I was sitting on the edge of my bunk when I opened the paper and was shocked. I didn't move or say anything for a long time, I just kept reading the articals over and over. God Bless all who perished, all who were injured and their families .Comment
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I was in the 8th grade and remember watching ABC News when they reported the story. I remember the TV benefit that was broadcast with Bill Cosby and Monte Hall, and one of the things I remember most is the Sunday Eagle the night after they team played Arkansas. Picture on the front page of the coin toss with the WSU captains in street clothes and crutches...
In a heroic vote, the decision was made to continue the season and, on Oct. 24, 1970, the Shockers met #9 ranked Arkansas at Little Rock under former assistant coach, Bob Seaman. John Hoheisel, a linebacker who survived the crash, led the black jersey-ed Shockers onto the field for the coin toss before a standing ovation of 40,000 fans. A freshman quarterback named Tom Owen guided the Shockers. The outcome was never in question for the team comprised of survivors, second teamers, and freshmen as Arkansas prevailed 62-0. Following the game, Arkansas players rushed onto the field to hug their WSU counterparts as the fans gave them another standing ovation. During that “Second Season”, Wichita lost to Tulsa in a tough contest and took a shocking 17-0 lead on league champion, Louisville, in the 2nd quarter. The Shocks eventually lost to the Cardinals 34-24. In fact, they lost all of their games in 1970. But, they won the hearts of WSU fans and the nation.
Kansas is Flat. The Earth is Not!!
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Story on Denver news yesterday:
Survivor revisits deadly Colo. plane crash site 40 years laterThe truth will set you free. But first, it will piss you off.Comment
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I usually don't post , so I'll try to get my money's worth....
Aargh's story of playing Bball with R. Johnson moved me to write....
I first met Ronnie on the basketball court during a fraternity inter -squad scrimmage . I knew he was a stud D-1 football player , but knew nothing of his BB ability , though I supposed he would be good. And , he was a level above me , but being a year or two older , I had a little more savvy.... It was one of my finiest defensive efforts , and while I didn't shut him down , I did earn his respect enough that he got pissed off at me.... Ronnie was a good guy , and came from a good family....
10-2-70 was my 21st BD .... It was a Friday afternoon , and like always , we were up at the Flicker getting tanked..... Then the radio reports started coming in.... ( this was before internet times ) ... We all retreated to the Frat house to gather and listen to the news. We lost several good brothers in that crash , along with a lot of other good human beings..... I have no explanation for that , it's way above my paygrade .... Through my football frat bros , I probably at least met most of the team at one time or another.... The thing I found so interesting was here were these big strong athletes , that do violent things on the football field , but when you get to know them , they could be kind and gentle people.... The only words of wisdom I can offer is that we never know when the bells will toll..... Try to do your best , enjoy your life , do some good in the world , and spred as much love as you can , time permitting....
If anybody is still reading , I would encourage you to donate to Rick Stephens bicycle memorial .... There is a link around , and his personal story is well known..... I can personally attest to the fact that on several occasions Hack ( as we called him ) saved many brothers lifes when the action was on..... Rick's a gentle person by nature , just somebody you wouldn't want to mess with......
Peace.....Comment
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