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WEST CHESTER, Pa. - Former teammate John Mininno served as master of ceremonies, his daughter Christa Horrocks spoke on his behalf and representatives from the U.S. Marine Corps and United Airlines were on hand at John A. Farrell Stadium Saturday afternoon for the official dedication ceremony of the Michael Horrocks statue that stands in the northeast corner of WCU's football stadium.
Horrocks was the co-pilot on United Flight 175 that was hijacked on Sept. 11, 2001, and crashed into the South Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City.
A three-year effort by the Michael Horrocks Foundation, in conjunction with West Chester University, that has raised over $120,000 came to its culmination yesterday afternoon as close to 500 people crowded into the northeast corner of Farrell Stadium to take part in the event. Former teammates, service men, airline co-workers and friends and family were on hand to pay tribute to the Golden Rams' former quarterback.
The ceremony lasted just over one hour, and Horrocks' wife, Miriam, was later presented with a replica of the statue by WCU president, Dr. Greg Weisenstein, as well as a citation from the Borough of West Chester Mayor, Carolyn Comitta.
After a moment of silence and the national anthem prior to kick off of West Chester's home opener versus Edinboro, a flyover of three C-130 Hercules Cargo planes marked a fitting end to the festivities for the day.
However, the message in all of this was made very clear by Mininno. Though the statue has been built and unveiled, the Michael Horrocks Foundation work is far from done. The Foundation's goal is to raise $500,000 towards scholarships for future West Chester University students.
For more information on how you can be a part of this cause, please call the West Chester University athletic department at (610) 436-3555.
