November 14th

To most people this date doesn't mean much. But to a small community, a community which I am a memeber of, it is a day of remembrance. It's the day which generations come together in memory of those lost in the worst tragedy in college sports history, setting a small university back twenty years in their football program.

On November 14th, 1970, 39 years ago, Marshall University lost 37 football players, 8 coaches, and 25 boosters/fans. As much as I don't like Bobby Bowden, he did right during the time right after "The Crash", as it is known.

As far as I believe, everyone should watch We Are Marshall. Being on campus while the film was being shot and around town as McG shut down the city to throw a huge pre-production block party with Matthew McConaughey in attendance and speaking on why he felt the story needed to be shared. It spoke to all the Marshall Grads and students. A town that hadn't been excited in years had a pep in its step. Shop fronts were cleaned up, buildings were painted, students cleaned the streets to beautify the drab city. Someone other than the Marshall community cared about our loss.

Every year, the fountain that was dedicated two years after the crash is the center of a memorial. The Memorial Student Center Courtyard and the Memorial Fountain become the focus of the day. On the anniversary of the crash, there is a moment of silence in which the fountain stops pumping until the next Spring.

Don't get me wrong, I still love my WVU Mounties and Florida Gators, but there is just a deeper connection with Marshall. I feel proud to where the green and white.

So tomorrow, while you are watching college football, or spending time with family (as I will be doing) take a moment to cherish what you have, and to remember those that have been lost.

WE ARE......MARSHALL!

GO HERD!