Remembering The 1970 Marshall Football Team
The 1970 Marshall University football team is a poignant and unforgettable chapter in the history of American sports. Guys, when we talk about college football, we often celebrate victories, championships, and legendary players. But sometimes, we also need to remember the stories of resilience, tragedy, and the enduring spirit of a team and a community. The 1970 Marshall Thundering Herd embodies all of this. This article delves into the events surrounding that fateful year, the impact of the Southern Airways Flight 932 crash, and the legacy that continues to inspire generations.
The 1970 season was supposed to be a fresh start for the Marshall University football program. The Thundering Herd, based in Huntington, West Virginia, had faced challenges in previous years, struggling to achieve consistent success on the field. However, there was optimism in the air as the team looked to rebuild and create a winning culture. Head coach Rick Tolley was at the helm, and he and his coaching staff were committed to developing the young talent on the roster. The team was composed of both seasoned players and promising newcomers, all eager to make their mark and bring pride to their university and community.
As the season progressed, the Thundering Herd faced a series of tough opponents, battling hard in each game. While victories were not always easy to come by, the team showed heart and determination, never giving up despite the challenges they faced. The players were not just teammates; they were brothers, united by their shared love of the game and their commitment to representing Marshall University with honor. The atmosphere surrounding the team was one of camaraderie and mutual support, as the players pushed each other to improve and achieve their full potential. Little did they know that their bond would soon be tested in the most unimaginable way.
The Tragic Flight 932 Crash
On November 14, 1970, tragedy struck. The Marshall University football team, along with coaches, staff, and prominent members of the Huntington community, were returning home from a game against East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina. The Southern Airways Flight 932, a chartered plane carrying 75 souls, crashed just short of the Tri-State Airport in Kenova, West Virginia. There were no survivors. The entire Marshall University community and the town of Huntington were devastated. The crash claimed the lives of 37 players, five coaches, two team doctors, the athletic director, and numerous fans and boosters. It was an unimaginable loss that shook the very foundation of the university and the town. The impact of the tragedy resonated far beyond the borders of West Virginia, as news of the crash spread across the nation, leaving people in disbelief and mourning.
The Southern Airways Flight 932 crash remains one of the deadliest aviation disasters in U.S. sports history. The cause of the crash was later determined to be a combination of factors, including poor weather conditions, low visibility, and possible pilot error. However, the specific details of the crash are secondary to the profound impact it had on the lives of those who were left behind. The loss of so many young lives, along with the coaches, staff, and community members, created a void that would never be fully filled. The tragedy left an indelible mark on the collective consciousness of Marshall University and the town of Huntington.
The aftermath of the crash was a period of intense grief and mourning. Funerals were held for the victims, and memorial services were organized to honor their memories. The university and the community rallied together to support the families of those who were lost, providing comfort, assistance, and a sense of solidarity. Despite the immense pain and sorrow, there was also a determination to find strength in unity and to honor the lives of those who had been taken too soon. The spirit of resilience began to emerge as the community grappled with the magnitude of the tragedy and looked for ways to move forward.
Rebuilding and Remembering
In the wake of the tragedy, there was a question of whether the Marshall University football program could even continue. The loss of nearly the entire team, along with the coaching staff, left a void that seemed impossible to overcome. However, fueled by a deep sense of determination and a desire to honor the memory of those who were lost, the university and the community resolved to rebuild the program. Athletic Director Jack Lengyel was hired to lead the rebuilding effort, and he faced the daunting task of assembling a new team and coaching staff in a very short period.
Jack Lengyel, along with assistant coach Red Dawson, who had not been on the fateful flight due to a recruiting trip, began the arduous process of recruiting new players. They scoured the campus, reaching out to students who had some football experience or who showed potential. They also recruited players from other sports and even convinced some former players to come out of retirement. The challenge was immense, but Lengyel and Dawson were relentless in their efforts, driven by a sense of purpose and a commitment to honoring the memory of those who had been lost.
The new Marshall Thundering Herd took to the field in 1971, less than a year after the tragic crash. The team was composed of a mix of inexperienced players, walk-ons, and a few veterans who had been spared from the crash due to injury or other circumstances. The odds were stacked against them, but they were determined to prove that Marshall University football could rise again. Their first game was against Morehead State University, and the Thundering Herd won in a thrilling 15-13 victory. The win was more than just a football game; it was a symbol of hope, resilience, and the enduring spirit of the Marshall University community.
The story of the 1970 Marshall University football team and the aftermath of the Flight 932 crash has been immortalized in the 2006 film "We Are Marshall." The movie tells the story of the tragedy, the rebuilding of the football program, and the unwavering spirit of the Marshall University community. It stars Matthew McConaughey as coach Jack Lengyel and captures the emotions, challenges, and triumphs of that difficult time. The film has helped to raise awareness of the Marshall tragedy and to ensure that the memory of those who were lost will never be forgotten.
The Enduring Legacy
The legacy of the 1970 Marshall University football team extends far beyond the football field. It is a story of resilience, unity, and the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity. The tragedy of the Flight 932 crash brought the Marshall University community and the town of Huntington closer together, forging bonds that would last a lifetime. The rebuilding of the football program became a symbol of hope and a testament to the unwavering determination of the university and the community to honor the memory of those who were lost.
The "We Are Marshall" mantra became a rallying cry for the university and the community, representing their shared commitment to remember the past, embrace the present, and build a better future. The phrase encapsulates the spirit of unity, resilience, and determination that defines the Marshall University community. It serves as a reminder that even in the face of unimaginable tragedy, the human spirit can triumph and that hope can emerge from the darkest of times.
Today, a memorial fountain stands on the Marshall University campus, serving as a constant reminder of those who were lost in the Flight 932 crash. The fountain is dedicated each year on the anniversary of the tragedy, and the names of the victims are read aloud. The ceremony is a solemn and moving tribute to the lives that were taken too soon, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of remembering the past and honoring the memories of those who have gone before us.
The 1970 Marshall University football team will forever be remembered as more than just a football team. They represent the best of the human spirit, embodying the values of courage, resilience, and unity. Their story serves as an inspiration to us all, reminding us that even in the face of unimaginable tragedy, we can find strength in community, honor the memory of those we have lost, and continue to strive for a better future. The 1970 Marshall Thundering Herd: They are not forgotten.
