Last night I watched a movie titled “We Are Marshall: From the Ashes We Rose” and it really inspired me and encouraged me. This movie is based on a true story. I have to admit, I almost resorted to tears if it weren’t for my dad who was watching the movie with me!

This movie was released nationwide on December 22, 2006
It is a true story of tragedy, hope, resilience, perseverance and teamwork. Huntington, West Virginia is home to the American football (rugby) team named “Thundering Herd”. Thundering Herd consists of college students of Marshall University.

After a football game in November 14, 1970, Marshall’s football squad boarded a plane to fly back to Huntington. Unfortunately, the plane crashed and 75 members of Marshall’s football squad and athletic staffs died that night. The accident dealt a crippling blow to the city of Huntington, Marshall University and the families of the victims. University president Donald Dedmon considered abandoning the football program of Marshall University, which has been the pride and joy of Huntington.

Out of nowhere, Ohio’s College of Wooster’s coach Jack Lengyel offered himself to build up the Marshall’s football squad from nothing. This daring man started with only three young footballers. Jack worked alongside Red Dawson who escaped the tragedy because he missed the flight. Together Jack Langyel and Red Dawson turned a small handful of young rookie players and carved their name in history’s book in 1971 when they went against Marshall’s rival team, Xavier University.

This movie based on the true story takes you on a roller-coaster ride from disappointments, regrets, tragedy, past to hope, strength, perseverance and victory. Running time is 124 minutes. I would really suggest you take 2hours off your busy schedule and watch this movie.

I learnt a lot from this movie. It is one I will never forget.

I learnt of how a man could start everything from nothing. This is not just a normal man; he was a man of vision fueled with perseverance – Coach Jack Langley
I learnt of how a man who would not let go of what he loved and believed in even though when everything was out of sight – Nate Ruffins.
I learnt of how a man who was convinced that there wasn’t any hope can be convinced otherwise – President of Marshall University, Donald Dedmon.
I learnt of how people can’t move on in life if they still keep the past in their hearts – the families and friends of the victims.
I learnt of how a team of rookies who had nothing but strong hearts can stand strong on their feet with the help of one another – Marshall University’s football squad, Thundering Herd.

Hope can grow from lost.
Victory can be achieved through perseverance.
Strength can be found in weakness.
Togetherness as one whole body can lead to possibilities unknown.
Vision can be made reality if only you believe and work on it.

WE ARE MARSHALL:
FROM THE ASHES WE ROSE
-Thundering Herd of Marshall University, Huntington, West Virginia, America.

A movie worth 2 hours of your life,
Zlwin Chew