Sometimes a disaster happens that shocks a community in ways that are felt for generations to come. The tragic events that impacted the Marshall University Thundering Herd football team was just such an event. West Virginia will never forget those young players who lost their lives, but the dedication of those who followed in their footsteps continues to be an inspiration.
In 1970, Marshall University was struck by the deadliest tragedy affecting any sports team in U.S. history.
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The Thundering Herd football team had been playing a game in North Carolina, and was scheduled to fly home.
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On November 14, 1970, a plane carrying most of the team crashed to the ground near the Tri-State Airport.
WikiMedia Commons/clipperarctic The plane was carrying 37 members of the Marshall University Thundering Herd football team, eight members of the coaching staff, 25 boosters, and five flight crew members.
Everyone who was aboard the flight was killed in the crash.
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At first, it was uncertain if the team could ever recover.
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With the help of a new coach, Jack Lengyel, the team was rebuilt and went on to achieve some winning games.
Flickr/Earle Neil Kinder The new team was known as the Young Thundering Herd, and was comprised of football players who had been left behind from the unfortunate flight, as well as new additions to the team.
However, those who died on the crash will never be forgotten by West Virginians.
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On each anniversary of the plane crash, the water in the memorial fountain on campus is shut off, and stays off until the following spring.
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The story of this tragedy inspired several books and films, including the major film “We Are Marshall.”
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Sadly, the Marshall University crash wasn’t the only tragedy to affect West Virginia. Here are seven of the worst disasters to ever happen in West Virginia.
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Flickr/Giorgio Tomassetti
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The plane was carrying 37 members of the Marshall University Thundering Herd football team, eight members of the coaching staff, 25 boosters, and five flight crew members.
WikiMedia Commons/Mushadd
WikiMedia Commons/Mobilus In Mobili
Flickr/Earle Neil Kinder
The new team was known as the Young Thundering Herd, and was comprised of football players who had been left behind from the unfortunate flight, as well as new additions to the team.
Wikipedia/Youngamerican
Pixabay/martajozsa
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