Today in Huntington, WV people will talk about a tragedy that left an indelible mark on the history of Marshall University – the football plane crash that occurred on November 14, 1970. This is a story that transcends sports and resonates with anyone who values the resilience of the human spirit.

Growing up, I always had a love for football. It was more than just a game; it was a passion that ran deep in my family. I’m the son of a high school and middle school coach. However, my connection to the Marshall University football team and the tragedy wasn’t something I fully grasped until I attended and was part of SGA during my years on campus. The things that struck me the most about Huntington was the small-town feel and community. On any given day, you could be at the corner drug store and see a Marshall University coach walk in to buy a soda and some Grippos before heading out and down the street to dinner or an off-campus athletic night. For that reason, Marshall is the heart of a town that has lost its industrial soul. A once important steel mill town and tugboat stay over has been in decline for the last 30 years.

On that fateful November night in 1970, 75 people, including players, coaches, and community members, boarded a plane returning from a game in North Carolina. The aircraft crashed, leaving no survivors. It was a heart-wrenching event that shook the entire Marshall community to its core. Every family in town was town by the event and students on campus would spend the rest of the year in classes with empty seats. For days the community openly grieved as they buried their family members and struggled to figure out what to do. Churches and mortuaries were overwhelmed because of the amount the tragedy had never been seen before or since.

But what stands out the most about this story is not just the tragedy itself but the remarkable resilience and spirit of the Marshall community. In the face of such a devastating loss, they came together, determined to rebuild. An entire community suffered from anger, grief, and loss, struggled to find a way to be themselves again. The Marshall Thundering Herd didn’t just rebuild a football team; they rebuilt a community, stronger and more united than ever before.

As I reflect on this tragedy, I’m reminded that sometimes, it’s not the victories on the field that define a team but the way they respond to adversity. The Marshall University football team’s courage, perseverance, and the unwavering support of their community is a source of inspiration for us all. We remember not only the loss but the incredible strength and unity that emerged from the ashes of that plane crash. It’s a reminder that in the face of tragedy, the human spirit has the power to overcome and rise again. Their story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, and it’s a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.

To learn more about Marshall University and the community of Huntington, WV please follow the links below.

• Marshall University
• Huntington Tourism
• Marshall University – Ashes to Glory (2000 Documentary that inspired the move)
• ESPN Story about 2023 MU at ECU football game.

This is part of my Readings In History series. Where I try to collect resources from historical events and pop culture to talk about and discuss in my classes. To see more of these entries click here.