PDF Summary:We Will Rise, by Steve Beaven

Sports institutions often play a significant role in a community's story, emerging as a cornerstone of unity and a source of pride. In We Will Rise, Steve Beaven chronicles the highs and lows of the University of Evansville's basketball program, highlighting the team's triumphs under coach Arad McCutchan and the devastating 1977 plane crash that claimed the lives of many players.

Beaven details the community's resilience in the wake of the tragedy, as well as the program's eventual resurgence under coach Dick Walters. The story follows the 1981-82 team's run to the NCAA tournament, reflecting Evansville's determination to heal from loss through a shared love of basketball.

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The university's response to the application of the memorial fund caused a stir.

Beaven chronicles the disputes that arose over the management of donations made for the memorial, highlighting the growing discontent among certain families with the university. The Bohnerts conveyed their dissatisfaction with how the university handled the establishment of the memorial fund and the creation of the tribute square. Don Bohnert believed that the behavior of UE was completely devoid of honor.

Lingering bitterness and unresolved grief among some families.

The community in Evansville united to offer solace to the families grieving their lost loved ones, yet Beaven reveals the enduring grief and ongoing distress that burdened many individuals. Mark Siegel's father dedicated himself to revealing the truth while he coped with his deep sorrow. Addressing the legislative body, he presented a challenge, inquiring if they truly believed his nineteen-year-old son, who had a bright future, deserved nothing more than a paltry sum of $4,500. Did his entire existence truly amount to no more than $4,500? The urban atmosphere was shrouded in the grim aftermath of the aviation catastrophe.

Practical Tips

• You can create a personal tribute to honor the memory of those lost in tragedies by crafting a small memorial space in your home with photos or mementos. This act of remembrance can help you process grief and pay respects in a private, meaningful way. For example, if you've lost someone important, dedicating a corner of your bookshelf with their favorite books or a plant can serve as a daily reminder and a personal way to keep their memory alive.
• Start a journal to document your feelings and experiences during times of community grief or after hearing about a tragedy. Writing can be therapeutic and help you navigate your emotions. For instance, if your community experiences a loss, you might write about your feelings, the atmosphere in the community, and how you see people coming together, which can help you reflect on the collective healing process.
• Engage in a simple act of kindness to support those going through a tough time, such as writing a heartfelt letter or offering to help with daily tasks. This can provide comfort to those who are grieving and foster a sense of solidarity and community support. If a neighbor or colleague is experiencing loss, you might bring them a meal or offer to run errands, showing that they are not alone in their time of sorrow.

The UE basketball team underwent a revival after the tragedy.

Steve Beaven narrates the efforts of the university to rebuild its shattered basketball program, focusing on the hiring of Dick Walters as coach and his strategy for creating a new team. Walters, brimming with vigor and determination, embarked on a mission to establish a robust program, attract talented athletes, and reignite the enthusiasm among the spectators at Roberts Stadium, all the while tactfully dealing with the residual effects of the previous catastrophe.

With Coach Dick Walters at the helm, the program embarked on a rejuvenating new chapter.

In early 1978, the University of Evansville recruited Dick Walters, who had previously served as a coach at the College of DuPage. Beaven portrays Walters as an individual with a profound sense of resolve and a sharp grasp of the complexities within the media landscape, distinguishing him as an extraordinarily worldly and nonconformist figure in the field. Despite previously applying for the role that Jerry Sloan eventually secured, McCutchan viewed Walters' background in community college coaching as a shortcoming. The organization required a skilled individual who could quickly form a group to compete effectively. Walters had a strong desire to showcase his abilities.

Walters formulated a plan to create a squad that could contend at the highest level of college competition.

Walters employed a recruitment approach that balanced practicality with aspiration. He quickly formed a team comprising undervalued high school sportspeople, individuals who had transferred from prestigious institutions, and players he had earlier mentored at DuPage. He also avoided focusing on the team's history, opting to unveil new team uniforms and practice gear as a symbol of moving beyond past difficulties.

Walters' methodical strategy and endeavors were focused on ensuring the new program remained distinct and separate from the catastrophic event.

Walters implemented a stringent training program that emphasized discipline and precision, insisting on adherence to a strict code of conduct in both their athletic performance and personal conduct. He also sought to set the new initiative apart from the deep effects of the calamity, minimizing displays of sorrow while emphasizing the need to create a unique identity for the sports squad. His attempts to concentrate on what lies ahead occasionally seemed inconsiderate, creating a rift between him and certain supporters of the Aces.

Under Walters' leadership, the team saw a significant resurgence, especially throughout the 1981 to 1982 season.

Beaven documents the team's steady progress after the disaster, leading to their rise to prominence under the leadership of Dick Walters. During the 1981-1982 season, Walters' seasoned and unified team emerged as a significant force in the collegiate athletic association known as the Midwestern City Conference.

The team's series of surprising wins over elite rivals and their determination to qualify for the NCAA tournament.

The team exceeded expectations, achieving inspiring victories against seasoned opponents, among them the team from North Carolina-Charlotte. The squad gained significant momentum and a firm anticipation of clinching a place in the national collegiate championships, thanks to the exceptional performances of players such as Brad Leaf, Theren Bullock, and Emir Turam as they headed into the MCC tournament.

The community's growing enthusiasm and support were evidently mirrored in the Aces' revival.

The triumphs achieved by the Aces in their games ignited a resurgence of optimism within the Evansville community. Following the incident, the local community's spirit was evident as they gathered once again at Roberts Stadium, eager to re-engage with the team and celebrate its triumphs. The disaster had previously shaken the townspeople, but they came together once more, reigniting their cherished communal bond through support for their favorite basketball team.

Other Perspectives

• The revival of the UE basketball team may not solely be attributed to the hiring of Coach Dick Walters; other factors could have played a role.
• The term "rejuvenating new chapter" could be subjective and may not capture the entire scope of the program's challenges and successes post-tragedy.
• While Walters had a plan to create a competitive team, the success of such plans often depends on numerous variables, including the support staff, university resources, and player commitment, which are not detailed.
• The strategy to keep the program distinct from the past catastrophe might have had unintended negative consequences, such as alienating those who wished to honor the past or deal with the tragedy differently.
• The significant resurgence noted in the 1981-1982 season could be seen as a short-term success, and it's important to consider the long-term stability and performance of the team for a comprehensive assessment.
• Achieving surprising wins and aiming for the NCAA tournament are positive outcomes, but they do not necessarily indicate a sustainable or holistic improvement in the program.
• The growth in community enthusiasm and support, while important, may not be a direct measure of the basketball program's success and could fluctuate based on factors unrelated to the team's performance.

The enduring journey of the team into the NCAA tournament, coupled with the community's unwavering determination, defines their legacy.

Steve Beaven recounts the remarkable odyssey of the Aces, culminating in a nail-biting confrontation with Marquette University in the 1982 NCAA tournament. The game struck a chord with fans of the Aces, who saw the team as a symbol of the city's unyielding resilience.

The team known as the Aces embarked on an exhilarating and unforeseen quest to the 1982 NCAA tournament, where they put forth a surprising challenge against Marquette.

The Aces, who were novices at the Division I postseason level, encountered a closely fought battle in their opening game against Marquette. In the latter part of the game, UE mounted an impressive comeback, erasing a ten-point halftime lag, with Brad Leaf's offensive outburst playing a pivotal role. Leaf, despite a difficult beginning where he managed just one successful shot out of twelve in the first half, rallied to score sixteen points in the game's latter half. Leaf progresses to the forefront of the court. McKinstry gained control of the ball in the left corner. Rick's astute maneuver on the court resulted in Marquette incurring a foul. Marquette incurred a penalty for a violation of the rules. The announcer, Larry Calton, stated that McKinstry was advancing to the line to take the foul shot.

The squad experienced a rollercoaster of strong feelings and the crushing blow of losses.

Fans of UE gathered in different settings, including bars, restaurants, and residence halls, to watch the game, sharing in the excitement of the squad's comeback and the deep disappointment of the close loss. As time was running out, the University of Evansville spotted an opportunity to level the score, trailing Marquette by four points at 63-59. The Aces' season came to an end, underscored by Rick McKinstry's struggles at the free-throw line, where he only managed to make 32 percent of his shots. Coach Walters maintained a private space for his team to mourn by keeping the press at bay, ensuring they stayed within the confines of their team's changing area. Standing by his locker, Eric Harris voiced his opinion that practice the next day should continue as usual. My constant hope was for its persistence.

The accomplishments of the team fostered a fresh feeling of self-respect and hope among the members of the community.

After their loss to Marquette, the UE supporters paused to celebrate their accomplishments. Walters' unwavering commitment bore fruit when, just five years after the heartbreaking event, the Aces returned to compete in the NCAA tournament. The team, consisting of new players mourning their high school peers after the disaster, was instrumental in uplifting the morale of the townspeople and aiding in the healing process. Walter commented in the locker room after the University of Evansville triumphed over Loyola, securing their MCC title and ensuring their participation in the NCAA tournament, "Tonight's victory does not solely belong to the Purple Aces." Evansville indeed did. This book is dedicated in their honor.

The Evansville community has been profoundly influenced by the achievements of the 1982 team and the lasting impact of the tragedy that occurred in 1977.

Beaven reflects on the lasting impact of the 1977 plane crash and how the 1982 team's accomplishments highlighted the local basketball initiative as a symbol of resilience and the community's ability to overcome a devastating event.

Despite ongoing obstacles, the initiative continued to benefit from steadfast community backing.

The Aces, who have participated in the NCAA tournament four times since the 1982 season, have not attracted considerable national interest since 1999. Dick Walters chose not to resume his coaching profession upon departing from the university in 1985. The Aces have enjoyed a steadfast base of supporters who have filled Roberts Stadium time and again, and this loyalty has endured even as the team moved to a new downtown arena, in spite of the various challenges encountered over the past three decades.

The steadfast determination of the city was mirrored in the journey of the Aces when they faced adversity.

Steve Beaven's narrative skillfully blends the tragic events of 1977 with the unforeseen victory of the 1982 team, encapsulating the resilient spirit of Evansville. The tale of the Aces became symbolic of the community's persistent resilience during the city's financial decline, the diminishing of its hallmark industries, and the departure of some notable institutions. The enduring legacy has taught the city that recovery from the most profound losses is indeed possible over time, following the devastating incident.

Practical Tips

• You can reflect on personal setbacks by journaling about a challenging experience and the growth it led to, similar to how the Aces' loss was a point of reflection for the community. Write down a difficult time you've faced, describe how you felt, what you learned, and how it changed you or your perspective. This can help you process emotions and find meaning in adversity, much like the community did with the Aces' journey.
• Create a visual representation of resilience by crafting a collage that symbolizes your own or your community's ability to overcome challenges. Gather images, quotes, and symbols that represent difficult times and the subsequent recovery or triumph. This activity can serve as a reminder of the strength and resilience you possess, akin to the symbolism of the Aces' journey for the Evansville community.
• Start a 'Community Heroes' project by identifying individuals or groups in your community who have shown resilience and made a positive impact, much like the Aces did for Evansville. Write short stories or create video interviews highlighting their contributions and share these on social media or a community blog. This can foster a sense of pride and hope in your community, celebrating the unsung heroes among you.