Every year about this time I'm reminded of the 10 men associated with the OSU basketball program who died in the plane crash on January 27, 2001. This evening, as the Cowboys played Texas on national TV, was no different.
From the inclusion of Doug Gottlieb in the broadcast team to the features on ESPN leading up to the game, ESPN did a masterful job of helping us remember those 10 men. Local media has also done an outstanding job reminding us of the impact those 10 men had on the people around them.
You can find great features on the websites of many of the major media outlets across the state. If you haven't checked them out, I would encourage you to do so.
I had met some of the men who died in the crash. I didn't know them but I had met them. I knew the coaches at OSU and I could see how this was impacting them. Even today, as I look back on the news stories and video clips it brings tears to my eyes.
During the memorial service in Gallagher Iba ten years ago, Coach Sutton told us Bill Teegins was the most humble sportscaster he had ever met. I believe this to be true as well and I want to share my Bill Teegins story with you.
During the OSU football seasons between 1995-1998, I would make the road trip from Norman or Lawrence, Kansas, to each home game. I had a great group of friends that would meet before and after every game at George's Stables to "tailgate" in the parking lot behind the Stables. I don't remember exactly which game, but after one game, we were in the parking lot with the grill fired up and cooking some brats for an after game snack. Down the street that runs just east of the Stables and Joe's we saw Bill Teegins and another gentlemen walking toward Joe's. I know I waved and said "hello" to Bill as he went by. He smiled and waved back and then noticed we were cooking. He walked out of the street and up to our grill and introduced himself and asked if we would be willing to sell him a bratwurst. I told him he was welcome to help himself but we weren't selling anything. Bill smiled and grabbed a bun, made a sandwich, and then started fishing in his pocket for cash to pay for the brats. Again we told him there was no charge, but Bill insisted we take his money. He stood around and ate his brat and visited with us for a few minutes. When he finished, he gave us all a great big thank you and smile told how much he appreciated our hospitality.
My job at OPC has given me an opportunity to meet many media personalities. Some of those men and women have been wonderful people, but none have been more genuine and more likeable than Bill Teegins.
It may not be much of a story to anyone else, but it was a special moment to me and its the memory that brings the loss of these 10 men home to me.
I will always remember.
