09/05/2026
💚75💚
We will never forget
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On a foggy November night in 1970, a chartered plane carrying the heart and soul of a community disappeared into the West Virginia hills - leaving a legacy of resilience that echoes far beyond the gridiron.
The Tragedy That Shook College Football Forever: Southern Airways Flight 932
November 14, 1970, stands as one of the darkest days in sports history. Southern Airways Flight 932, a McDonnell Douglas DC-9 carrying 75 passengers - including nearly the entire Marshall University Thundering Herd football team, coaching staff, athletic supporters, and flight crew - was returning home to Huntington, West Virginia, after a hard-fought game against East Carolina University.
As the aircraft made its final approach to Tri-State Airport amidst heavy rain and poor visibility, it clipped trees on a ridge just over a mile short of the runway. The impact was catastrophic, resulting in the loss of all 75 lives on board.
The disaster devastated Huntington, wiping out the core of the university's athletic program and claiming the lives of beloved head coach Rick Tolley, players, local fans, and university leaders.
Yet, from unimaginable grief emerged an extraordinary story of endurance. Led by interim coach Jack Lengyel, the following season saw the resurrection of the program through a resilient group of freshmen and surviving players - dubbed the "Young Thundering Herd." Their emotional first home win later that season became a powerful symbol of a community refusing to let its spirit die.
Today, a bronze memorial fountain stands on the Marshall University campus, the memorial fountain is turned off on or around Nov 14th each year at a memorial conducted by the MU student body. The fountain remains off through the winter and turned back on at another Ceremony in the spring. Typically that event coincides with final scrimmage of spring practice.
In solemn remembrance of the souls lost on Flight 932.
We remember. 🕯️🏈
