Wichita State Athletics

Every year on Oct. 2, Wichita State University remembers the victims of the 1970 plane crash in Colorado, a tragedy that took the lives of 31 people on the trip to a football game in Utah the next day.
 
The stories of the people affected by the crash and its aftermath serve as a tribute to all – teammates, friends and family. Thirty-one people (14 student-athletes, 14 WSU staff and boosters, and three crew members) died as a result of the crash near Silver Plume, Colorado, and countless others lived with the sadness from that day.
 
“The friendships and bonds forged have been a very important of all our lives,” said Bruce Gerleman, a member of the 1970 football team, in The Wichita Eagle. “We’re still all so close, and we do so much of that in their memory. I think about them all the time.”

Over the years, the survivors, teammates and family members grew more comfortable talking about the crash, the victims and the burdens of that day. They opened up as a way to honor their teammates and keep their memory alive.
 
They talked about the crash and about their roommates and fraternity brothers. They revealed the kindness they encountered at Utah State and during their trip to Arkansas to continue the 1970 season. They took us with them to Mount Trelease to visit the crash site and leave memorials to their friends and family members. Parents, siblings and children remembered the joyful times and the sense of loss.
 
On the 50th anniversary of the crash, Wichita State University offers a compilation of videos, documentaries and stories that honor all involved.


   

Marvin Brown, 19, Solomon, Kan., Sophomore RB Brown was a running back that was one of the top sophomore prospects on the team… still considered the best athlete to come out of Solomon… was a physical education major that many thought would return to Solomon to coach after college. Media:  Brown was Soloman's favorite son - Wichita Eagle

 

Don Christian, 20, Duncan, Okla., Junior DB Christian was a defensive back and was considered one of the best hitters and tacklers on the team… a psychology major and sociology minor, he was considered a good student… enjoyed hunting and fishing in his free time.

 

John Duren, 19, Oklahoma City, Okla., Sophomore TE Duren was a tight end that was one of three players from Oklahoma City on the roster… an engineering major, though teammate Warren Barkell recalls him wanting to pursue a future in dentistry… an active Christian, Duren was attempting to start a Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter at the university.  Media: Wichita State Crash Survivor Relives Details - The Oklahoman Crash site an important memorial for 'Gold Plane' family - Clear Creek Courant Triumph and tragedy: Scotties grad Barkell starred at Wichita State, recalls plane crash - Herald-Standard

 

Ron Johnson, 21, Kansas City, Mo., Senior S Johnson was a safety that was considered one of the leaders of the defense and called the plays on the field… still considered one of the most accomplished and talented players to come out of Platte City HS…  a psychology major that also had a love for poetry and music, being able to play most horn instruments and the piano… father Howard wrote a musical titled “Waltzing in Heaven” that debuted in 2008 to honor his late son. Media:  Forgotten tragedy: Survivors' quest to keep memories of 1970 Wichita State crash from fading - AL.com Ever After - The Shocker

 

Randy Kiesau, 20, Clinton, Okla., Junior CB Kiesau was a corner back and was an on-and-off starter for the team… was actually on the “Black” plane, but managed to convince the coaches to be let onto the “Gold” plane to be with his friends… he never declared a major, but he took plenty of business classes and had thoughts of following his father as a funeral director and mortician. Media: 1995: ‘What a beautiful place to die’ - Wichita Eagle

 

Mal Kimmel, 21, St. Genevieve, Mo., Senior C Kimmel was a center that was set to get his first career start… an aeronautical engineering major and physical education minor… he married his high school sweetheart, Diane Kimmel (now Buatte,) and they attended Wichita State together… Diane was pregnant when the crash occurred and their daughter, Valory, never met her father… she served as a bright legacy of Mal and helped the entire Kimmel family get through the feeling of loss during the years after the crash. Media:  Daughter of WSU plane crash victim never knew her 'Da-da' - Wichita Eagle 1990: Those left behind mourned and built new lives - Wichita Eagle Three generations later, the secrets of Wichita State's devastating plane crash are still unfolding - ESPN

 

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Carl Krueger, 19, Chicago, Ill., Sophomore DE Krueger was a defensive end that was seen as a top prospect on the team because of his speed and size… only played one year of high school football… he was a pre-law major and was fond of music and motorcycles. Media:  Wichita State plane crash killing 31 in 1970 revisited Saturday - Summit Daily

 

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Steve Moore, 21, Derby, Kan., Senior LB Moore was a linebacker that was described as a “solid seek, search, and destroy” player… an English major that saw a future in coaching… enjoyed serving as a role model to young men and often worked with some during his free time... inducted to the Derby Hall of Fame in 2017. Media:  Families never lose memories - Wichita Eagle

 

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Tom Owen, 20, Temple Terrace, Fla., Junior RB Owen was a running back and served as the team’s punt returner because of his good hands… an engineering major who was considered an all-around great guy that could find a way to make friends with anyone. Media: Tommy Owen: Forever Young - Tampa Bay Online

 

​	Gene Robinson, 21, Dayton, Ohio, Junior TE Robinson was a tight end and considered the fastest end on the team… a business administration major that was married to Jean Owens and also survived by two children.

 

Tom Shedden, 20, Oklahoma City, Okla., Junior OT Shedden was an offensive tackle that made the transition from the guard spot because of his quickness… he was beaten out on the depth chart for the Utah State game, but his spot on the seating chart was not changed… an industrial arts major and physical education minor. Media: Wichita State Crash Survivor Relives Details - The Oklahoman

 

Richard Stines, 19, Kansas City, Kan., Sophomore G Stines was an offensive guard that quickly moved up the depth chart during training camp, establishing himself as the number one “quick guard” … a pharmacy major.

 

John Taylor, 21, Sherman, Texas, Senior CB Taylor was the number one cornerback on the depth chart and utilized his speed in coverage and chasing runs… a business administration major that was engaged to Carolyn Baggett… survived the initial plane crash but died in a San Antonio, Texas hospital 26 days later.

 

Jack Vetter, 21, McPherson, Kan., Senior DT Vetter was a defensive tackle… he planned on pursuing a degree that complemented his appreciation for wildlife and the outdoors.

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Marty Harrison, 19, Argonia, Kan., Team Manager Harrison was the team’s equipment manager.

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Staff and Boosters
 

Bert Katzenmeyer, 52, Elwood City, Penn., Athletic Director The energetic athletic director that was in his second year on the job and earned the title of ‘Mr. Shocker.’ Before helming Wichita State, Katzenmeyer spent 21 years as an administrative assistant and golf coach at the University of Michigan under legendary coach and AD Fritz Crisler. Was responsible for the creation of Cessna Stadium through his attractive personality and charismatic fundraising. Media: ‘You’ve got to go on’: Children of Wichita State crash victims share a 50-year bond - Wichita Eagle

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Marian Katzenmeyer, 52, Wichita, Kan., Wife of the AD

 

Ben Wilson, 44, Cadiz, Ohio, Head Football Coach Was entering his second season as the head football coach after spending four years as the offensive coordinator at the University of Virginia. People around the university and the city saw the Shockers under Wilson as a program with a bright future.   Media: Wichita State marks anniversary of 1970 football team plane crash - Wichita Eagle ‘You’ve got to go on’: Children of Wichita State crash victims share a 50-year bond - Wichita Eagle

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Helen Wilson, 44, Wichita, Kan., Wife of Head Coach

 
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Tom Reeves, 31, Wichita, Kan., Team Athletic Trainer Reeves was the head athletic trainer for both the football and men’s basketball team. He was seen as one of the top young trainers in the nation. Media: 1990: Those left behind mourned and built new lives - Wichita Eagle Tom Reeves - Something of a Hero - Conrad Downing

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Carl Fahrbach, 50, Wichita, Kan., Dean of Admissions Media: ‘You’ve got to go on’: Children of Wichita State crash victims share a 50-year bond - Wichita Eagle

 
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Floyd Farmer, 35, Wichita, Kan., Ticket Manager

 

Ray Coleman, 45, Wichita, Kan., Shocker Club Chairman Media: ‘You’ve got to go on’: Children of Wichita State crash victims share a 50-year bond - Wichita Eagle

 

Maxine Coleman, 43, Wichita, Kan., Wife of Chairman

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John Grooms, 42, Wichita, Kan., Won Membership Drive Mr. Grooms was on the flight because he won a trip to the Utah State game through a membership drive.

 

Etta Mae Grooms, 38, Wichita, Kan., Won Membership Drive Mrs. Grooms was on the flight because she won a trip to the Utah State game through a membership drive. Media: 1990: Those left behind mourned and built new lives - Wichita Eagle ‘You’ve got to go on’: Children of Wichita State crash victims share a 50-year bond - Wichita Eagle

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State Rep. Ray King, 48, Hesston, Kan. Rep. King was a strong supporter of the Shockers and was on the plane with his wife Yvonne because two spots opened up last minute. Media: 1990: Those left behind mourned and built new lives - Wichita Eagle

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Yvonne King, 41, Hesston, Kan., Wife of Rep. King

Flight Crew
 
Dan Crocker, 27, Oklahoma City, Okla., Pilot
 
Judy Lane, 28, Oklahoma City, Okla., Flight Attendant
 

Judy Dunn, 39, Oklahoma City, Okla., Flight Attendant

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Documentaries and Stories about the Crash and its Aftermath
Overshadowed: The Wichita State Football Crash - KDVR 
Black & Gold: Remembering the WSU Plane Crash -  KPTS
Surviving Oct. 2nd: Remembering the Fallen with Rick Stephens - WSUTV
The Pieces That Remain - KMUW
The Crash -  5280
Days of Stillness at Wichita State - Sports Illustrated 
Three generations later, the secrets of Wichita State's devastating plane crash are still unfolding - ESPN
'Gold Plane' & Silver Plume: the Wichita State Plane Crash Revisited -  Clear Creak Courant
A Look at the WSU Plane Crash's Aftermath -  Clear Creek Courant
Crash Site an Important Memorial for 'Gold Plane' Family - Clear Creek Courant
Living a miracle - Wichita Eagle
From the Ashes - Wichita Eagle
Playing with pain - Wichita Eagle
Former Utah State player still feels linked to Shockers - Wichita Eagle
Shocker Summer: 1970 healing process began on a Saturday night in Little Rock - Wichita Eagle
Shockers forever: Area graduates were part of Wichita State program when plane crash killed 31 in 1970 -  Sandusky Register
Greg Hansen: Remembering the Wichita State plane crash, 50 years later - Tuscon.com
The Valley of No Return: The Story of the Wichita State University Football Team Plane Crash - Medium