In the small town of Huntington, West Virginia, a devastating tragedy struck that would forever change the community and the spirit of Marshall University. This is the story of “We Are Marshall,” a film that was based on true events that unfolded in 1970.
On the fateful night of November 14, 1970, tragedy struck when a plane carrying the Marshall University football team crashed, claiming the lives of all 75 people on board. This included 36 players, 9 coaches and administrators, 25 fans, and 5 members of the air crew. It was one of the deadliest accidents in U.S. sports history.
The film “We Are Marshall” portrays the aftermath of this horrific event, focusing on the university’s decision to rebuild the football program from scratch. Jack Lengyel, played by Matthew McConaughey, was hired as the new head coach to lead the team’s resurrection. However, before Lengyel’s appointment, Joe McMullen was appointed as the new Athletic Director in February 1971. McMullen, a former assistant under Joe Paterno at Penn State, played a crucial role in the rebuilding process.
The film highlights the challenges faced by Lengyel and the entire community as they grapple with grief, loss, and the daunting task of rebuilding a football program. The town of Huntington rallies together, showing immense resilience and determination to honor the memory of those who were lost.
One of the key moments depicted in the film is the decision to bury the unidentified bodies of six players together at Spring Hill Cemetery, overlooking the campus of Marshall University. This act symbolized the unity and bond shared by the team, even in death. The cemetery became a memorial site, serving as a constant reminder of the tragedy and the strength of the community.
In addition to the cemetery, the film showcases the renaming of the student union on campus as the Memorial Student Center. This renaming serves as a permanent tribute to the victims and a reminder of the resilience and spirit of Marshall University.
“We Are Marshall” not only captures the essence of the tragedy but also highlights the power of unity, perseverance, and the indomitable human spirit. The film serves as a testament to the unwavering determination of the community to move forward despite the immense loss they experienced.
Jack Lengyel, the real-life coach portrayed in the film, went on to serve on the board of trustees for the Foundation of the United States Naval Academy. He currently holds the position of vice president of business development for XOS Digital, a sports media and technology company.
The story of “We Are Marshall” is a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. It showcases the importance of coming together as a community, supporting one another, and finding the courage to rebuild and move forward.
Is The Movie We Are Marshall Real?
The movie “We Are Marshall” is not entirely real. While the film is based on a true story, some elements have been fictionalized or altered for dramatic effect. The movie tells the story of the Marshall University football team’s struggle to rebuild after a devastating plane crash in 1970 that claimed the lives of 75 people, including players, coaches, and supporters.
Here are some key points to note regarding the accuracy of the movie:
1. The plane crash: The tragedy did occur on November 14, 1970, and resulted in the loss of 75 lives. The film accurately portrays the emotional impact of the crash on the university and the local community.
2. Jack Lengyel’s hiring: The movie accurately depicts the hiring of Jack Lengyel as the new head coach of the Marshall football team. Lengyel was indeed brought in to rebuild the program from scratch.
3. Joe McMullen: Contrary to the movie’s portrayal, Joe McMullen was not the athletic director at the time of Lengyel’s hiring. McMullen was appointed as the new athletic director in February 1971, a few months after the crash. He did have a connection with Lengyel from their time at the University of Akron.
4. Rebuilding the team: The film showcases the challenges faced by Lengyel in recruiting new players and forming a competitive team. While the timeline and specific events may have been dramatized, the overall theme of rebuilding the program is accurate.
5. The first game: The movie depicts Marshall’s first game after the crash against Xavier University, which ended in a victory for Marshall. In reality, their first win came in their second game against Xavier, not the first.
“We Are Marshall” captures the spirit of resilience and determination in the face of tragedy, but it does take some creative liberties for storytelling purposes. It is important to remember that movies based on true stories often incorporate fictional elements to enhance the narrative and engage the audience.
Where Are The 6 Unidentified Marshall Players?
The six unidentified Marshall players who lost their lives in the tragic event were laid to rest together at Spring Hill Cemetery. This cemetery is located near the Marshall campus, providing a solemn and peaceful resting place for these players. From this vantage point, they overlook the campus, serving as a constant reminder of their legacy and the impact they had on the Marshall community.
It is important to note that these players were the only ones who remained unidentified following the incident. Efforts were made to properly honor and remember each individual who perished in the tragedy. The decision to bury the unidentified players together at Spring Hill Cemetery was made in order to provide a unified memorial site for these players, ensuring they are not forgotten.
Additionally, it is worth mentioning that the memorial at Spring Hill Cemetery is not the only tribute to the Marshall players. The student union on campus has been renamed the Memorial Student Center, serving as another lasting reminder of the lives lost and the resilience of the Marshall community in the face of adversity.
The decision to bury the six unidentified Marshall players together at Spring Hill Cemetery allows for a collective memorialization of their lives and the lasting impact they had on the Marshall community.
Were There Any Survivors From The Marshall Plane Crash?
There were no survivors from the Marshall plane crash. The tragic incident claimed the lives of numerous individuals, including 36 Marshall University football players, 9 coaches and administrators, 25 fans, and 5 members of the air crew. It is important to note that no one onboard the aircraft managed to survive this horrific disaster.
Where Is Jack Lengyel Now?
Jack Lengyel is currently the vice president of business development for XOS Digital, a sports media and technology company. XOS Digital specializes in providing innovative solutions for sports organizations, including video analysis, content management, and recruiting software. Additionally, Lengyel has served on the board of trustees for the Foundation of the United States Naval Academy for many years, demonstrating his commitment to supporting educational institutions.
Conclusion
The movie “We Are Marshall” is a powerful and emotional portrayal of the tragic events that occurred at Marshall University in 1970. The film highlights the resilience and determination of the community as they come together to rebuild the football program and honor the memory of those who were lost.
Through the brilliant direction of McG and the exceptional performances of the cast, particularly Matthew McConaughey as Coach Jack Lengyel, the audience is taken on a journey of grief, healing, and ultimately, triumph. The film effectively captures the devastation felt by the community and the challenges they face in the aftermath of the plane crash.
One of the film’s strengths is its ability to showcase the importance of sports in bringing people together and providing hope during difficult times. The dedication and perseverance of the players, coaches, and administrators in rebuilding the football program is truly inspiring. The film also sheds light on the profound impact that the tragedy had on the entire community, from students and faculty to fans and alumni.
“We Are Marshall” is not just a sports film; it is a tribute to the indomitable human spirit and the power of unity. It serves as a reminder that even in the face of unimaginable tragedy, a community can come together and rise above the darkest of circumstances.
This movie is a moving and poignant portrayal of a tragic event in American sports history. It honors the memory of those who lost their lives while celebrating the resilience and strength of the Marshall University community. “We Are Marshall” is a must-watch for anyone seeking a compelling and uplifting story of hope, healing, and the power of unity.
