Thomas A. Reeves Memorial Scholarship

On October 2, 1970, a total of 40 Wichita State University football players, athletic staff members and friends of the team were on their way to Logan, Utah, for a game with Utah State University. At approximately 3 p.m., their plane crashed on a mountain near Silver Plume, Colo., taking the lives of all but eight WSU players and one crew member.

Directly after the crash, athletic trainer, Thomas Reeves, was able to rescue a few of the football players. He and another player, John Taylor, passed away after receiving medical attention for their injuries. Mr. Reeves was a WSU alumnus, having received his Bachelor of Arts in education in 1962.

Following the tragedy, many scholarships were created honoring players and staff who died in the crash. Established by family and friends, the Thomas A. Reeves Memorial Scholarship commemorates Mr. Reeves and the life he left too soon.

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Director of Communications – Alumni
Connie Kachel White | connie.white@wichita.edu | 316-978-3835

Director of Communications – Foundation
Emily Mullins | emily.mullins@wichita.edu | 316-978-3407