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The NCAA News - Briefly in the NewsDecember 6, 1999Aggies united in tragedy
Pre-game traditions turned tragic at Texas A&M University, College Station, November 18 when 12 young people were killed and 27 were injured in a bonfire collapse. A tradition that has preceded the annual football game against the University of Texas at Austin for nearly 90 years, this year's bonfire was planned for the night before the November 26 game, which Texas A&M won, 20-16. "The importance of a football game pales in comparison," said Texas A&M football coach R.C. Slocum soon after the collapse. "Our only concern right now is for those students, their families and friends. All in our Aggie family are in a state of shock." Slocum canceled practice the day of the accident, and many players and coaches went to the accident site to assist rescuers who were searching for people under the logs. "We wanted to assist in any way possible," said offensive lineman Semisi Heimuli. "Some of the logs were very, very heavy. I'm proud of the rest of the players for coming out and helping. It's a very sad day in Aggieland. "Our students are outstanding and have supported (the team) through thick and thin. They've always been there for us. I'm a senior, and I've seen some great times and some not so great. But without fail our students have stood ready to help our football team. (Helping the rescuers) was the least we could do." The Texas Longhorns had a moment of silence after their practice the day of the accident. Staff and team members held a blood drve to help the victims. "We said a quick prayer for all the families," said Texas quarterback Major Applewhite. "It shows you how insignificant a football game really is compared to a precious human life." Two funds in honor of the victims of the Texas A&M University bonfire tragedy have been established. There is a general relief fund for the immediate needs of families affected by the accident, as well as a Bonfire Memorial Fund, which probably will fund scholarships. Anyone interested in donating money to help offset expenses of bonfire accident victims may donate through any Bank One bank. Those interested in contributing to the memorial fund can send donations to: Texas A&M Foundation, 401 George Bush Dr., College Station, Texas 77840. Officials request that the phrase, "Bonfire Memorial Fund," be written into the memo listing on the check. For more information, contact the Texas A&M Foundation at 800/392-3310.
Paralyzed player returnsJohn Gilpatrick, a former Suffolk University ice hockey player who was paralyzed in a 1996 contest, has returned to the game as a coach. Suffolk recently announced that Gilpatrick will join the coaching staff, assisting new head coach Brian Horan. Gilpatrick, who now has some movement in his left arm and shoulder, suffered his injury in January 1996 after crashing into the net at Boston University's Walter Brown Arena. Gilpatrick sustained his injury in nearly the same spot in the arena where Boston University freshman Travis Roy suffered his injuries the year before -- also leading to nearly total paralysis. (Roy's injury was especially notable because it occurred only 11 seconds into his college career.) Gilpatrick returned to Suffolk after his rehabilitation, and he needs only three courses to complete his undergraduate degree requirements. He also plans to pursue graduate school. Gilpatrick's duties as assistant coach will include recruiting, scheduling and technical assistance. A president in the dugout?While some university presidents are known to attend many baseball games at their school, it is almost unheard of to have a university president who also doubles as the baseball coach -- except at Grand Canyon University. Gil Stafford, recently named president at Grand Canyon, wanted one more year in the dugout, where he is entering his 20th year as the Antelopes' head coach. Next season he will turn over the reins to his assistant, Dave Stapleton, who played on one of Stafford's three National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics national championship teams. "Before I accepted the opportunity to even interview (for the president position), I had to make a decision that I would be willing to say that this would be it for me as a coach," Stafford said. "That was the hardest decision I've had to make, the hardest decision of my career." Looking back5 years ago: The NCAA and CBS Sports agree on a $1.725 billion contract to televise the Division I Men's Basketball Championship through the year 2002. The NCAA also contracts with ESPN to expand coverage of the Division I Women's Basketball Championship from three to 23 games. The CBS contract also includes coverage of the Division I Baseball Championship, the National Collegiate Women's Gymnastics Championships, the Division I Men's and Women's Outdoor Track and Field Championships, and the Division II Men's Basketball Championship. The new agreement replaces an existing seven-year, $1 billion contract, which was to run from 1990-91 through 1996-97. (The NCAA News, December 5, 1994) 10 years ago: The NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Committee recommends a process whereby, when more than 30 conferences qualify for automatic qualification to the Division I Men's Basketball Championship, the regular-season champion(s) from the lowest-rated conferences would "play in" to the first round of the tournament. The committee notes that 31 conferences will be eligible in 1991 and 32 will be eligible in 1992. (The NCAA News, December 4, 1989)
15 years ago: Boston College quarterback Doug Flutie heads a list of five student-athletes slated as fall sports finalists for the Association's Today's Top V. Flutie is fresh from a 472-yard passing performance against the University of Miami (Florida), which included a game-winning 64-yard touchdown pass as time expired. (The NCAA News, December 3, 1984)
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