It has been 45 years since the University of Evansville basketball team tragedy when 29 UE basketball players, staff, broadcaster and flight crew lost their lives in a plane crash.
A memorial was held at noon on Tuesday. Rob Shelby, Vice President for talent and community addressed the crowd of dozens near the memorial fountain.
“Today marks the 45th commemoration of our tragic and untimely loss on Tuesday, December the 13th 1977. Twenty-nine members of the UE community, including Coach Bobby Watson, and 14 of our players perished shortly after their charter DC three flight left Evansville Regional Airport, on the way to a basketball game.”
President Chris Pietruszkiewicz couldn’t attend, but shared his regards with Shelby, who was followed up by Chaplain Reverend Andy Payton.
“ … 45 years ago, as a university, and as a community, we had our hearts broken,” he said. “And for those of you who were here during that time, I'm sure you have a story. I'm sure you know, the moment and once you heard the news of the flight that had crashed.”
He said in this case, the tragedy brought out the best in the community, and still does today.
“The fact that you're here, the fact that I'm here today speaks to the type of community that we are as a university and the type of community we are as Evansville.”
Following their words at the fountain, the crowd moved to the Peace Bell, where every name was read by Shelby as UE basketball players of today took turns ringing the bell.
The list of victims is listed below the story.
After the final word from Reverend Payton the crowd waited and chatted and thanked the three UE players — Marvin Coleman the Second, Kenny Strawbridge Jr and Sekou Kalle.
Coleman agrees that such an event speaks volumes for the community.
“I wasn't here around when it happened at the time, but just for the community to come together — something like this is actually heartwarming.”
Sophomore Sekou Kalle said he’s honored, “because ever since I've been here, the coach has been talking about the history of the school … and that's been part of the team and I'm honored to be here. It's heartfelt. You know, we're just gonna carry the legacy going on.”
Kenny Strawbridge Junior can feel a connection to those who were lost — even 45 years later.
“I feel, that they were our student athletes, just like us, playing for this amazing city,” he said. “And it’s surreal.”
While these young players are learning about the tragedy through history, others like 1968 UE grad Terry Yunker of Evansville lived through it, and lost a former student of his in Mark Kneise.
“At the time, it was a complete shock,” he said. “I remember the night vividly. It was a December night, it was foggy, it was cold. It had been raining …”
He said witnessing such reverence for the memory is heartwarming. “And it was so good to remember what occurred on that ‘night of tears.’ And it was so great to see these three young men from up on the basketball team here and ring the bell and honor those folks.”
Lana Dougherty of Evansville attended, dabbing her eyes with tissues during the memorial. She played for the women’s team at the time and knew the men’s players and their coaches. She is no stranger to these memorials — but this year feels different.
"Time’s moving on — their parents are dying off. People that experienced the crash are — we're — dying off … so it was a little emotional.”
“It's important that the University understands what these boys you know, gave up they gave up you know, life, their life for basketball and, and how important that was to the university and how tragic and hopefully this will be something that will always be celebrated and never forgotten.”
Daryl Chandley was 15 at the time. Still in high school, he felt compelled to join the grieving on campus the day of the crash.
“I just didn't quite understand at such a young age what was going on, but I could see the grief. I could see the pain here and people just standing in the rain. All heartbroken and it was just something that'll never leave me ever.”
Another service was held at 7 p.m. at the Neu Chapel Sanctuary on campus.
Dec. 13 Flight crash victims
Kevin Kingston, senior, from El Dorado, Illinois.
John Ed Washington, senior, from Indianapolis, Indiana.
Tony Winburn, senior, from Jeffersonville, Indiana.
Steve Miller, junior, from New Albany, Indiana.
Bryan Taylor, junior, from Tell City, Indiana.
Keith Moon, sophomore, from Kettering, Ohio
Warren Alston, freshman, from Goldsboro, North Carolina.
Ray Commandella, freshman, from Munster, Indiana.
Mike Duff, freshman, from El Dorado, Illinois.
Craig Heckendorn, freshman, from Cincinnati, Ohio.
Mike Joyner, freshman, from Terre Haute, Indiana.
Barney Lewis, freshman, from Goldsboro, North Carolina.
Mark Siegel, freshman, from Indianapolis, Indiana.
Greg Smith, freshman, from West Frankfort, Illinois.
Jeff Bohnert, equipment manager, from Evansville, Indiana.
Mark Kirkpatrick, student manager, from Evansville, Indiana.
Mark Kniese, trainer, from Evansville, Indiana.
Marv Bates, Radio Broadcaster
Charles Goad, Booster. Bob Hudson, Associate Athletic Director.
Bobby Watson, UE Men’s Basketball Head Coach.
Maury King, Booster. Greg Knipping, Sports Information Director.
Charles Shike, University Comptroller
