Oklahoma State University plane crash victims remembered at memorial
Monday, November 21, 2011
In his remarks, OSU President Burns Hargis noted that "All four spent their lives doing what they loved to do. For the Branstetters—aviation, and for Kurt and Miranda, it was basketball."
Hargis said, "Coaches are lucky, they have a record. But I submit the record is not just the wins and losses, it's the people they influenced and taught. The productive lives of their players are more important than the wins. The coaches we all cherish are the ones that taught us to believe in ourselves.
"Paula and Olin Branstetter and all their children were not only graduates of OSU, but longtime supporters of our programs," said Hargis. "They have established scholarships in aviation and business that have enabled many students to achieve their dreams."
Jim Littell, who has been named interim head coach for the Cowgirls, described his colleague Serna by saying, "Miranda had a passion for life and loved people. She made everyone feel special. She was a tireless recruiter who was loyal to coach Budke and the Cowgirls."
Littell said his long-time friend Budke set a great example by putting his faith, family and his coaching in proper perspective. He talked about the impact he had on his extended Cowgirl family. He also told stories that spoke to Budke's competitive fire.
Former Cowgirl player Taylor Hardeman credited Budke with the team's success and called him "a father figure to us all."
Hargis announced that scholarships had been established in the names of all those who had been lost in the tragedy.
Among those in attendance were Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin, Boone Pickels, as well as most current OSU athletes and many former players and staff from the schools where Budke coached.
The OSU Athletic Council issued the following statement: "We offer our heartfelt condolences to everyone affected by this tragedy, especially to the families of those lost. Coaches Budke and Serna were a credit to their profession and we are very grateful for the positive influence they had on the scholar-athletes they educated during their time at OSU. The Branstetters were loyal and true alums and their legacy at OSU will live on. These four individuals are a part of the OSU family, and they will be greatly missed."
The OSU Student Government Association will host a candle light vigil at 8 p.m. at Chi-O clock tonight, Monday, Nov. 21. The Chi-O clock is located between the Student Union and the Classroom Building. SGA invites the OSU family to join in the vigil which will commemorate a new tradition to remember these four wonderful individuals. Orange wreaths will be place annually on the Chi-O clock in their honor.