HOBBS, N.M. — Dayton Price was still burning alive when he woke up.
The van carrying Price, his seven teammates, and his coach was surrounded by flames. He was too busy to think. He broke a window, and then dragged himself onto the pavement to try to get his friends out. Hayden Underhill (20) and Price (19) were the only ones to survive the fire. Soon helicopters were flying to the scene and taking them to nearby hospitals to save their lives.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board, Henrich Siemens, 38 and his 13-year-old boy were riding in a white Ram 2500 truck on Farm-to-Market Road 1788 in the West Texas Plains. The truck crossed the center lane at 8.17 p.m. March 15, 2022. It collided head-on with a van containing eight members of the University of the Southwest’s golf team and their coach. About 30 minutes had passed before the team reached campus for its 90-minute return trip.
Nine out of the eleven people were killed. Later, the NTSB determined that Siemens had methamphetamine within his system.
The victims included Tyler James, 26, a golf coach, who drove the van; and Jackson Zinn, 22, from Westminster, Colorado; Karisa raines, 21, from Fort Stockton; Texas; Travis Garcia (19), of Pleasanton; Texas; Mauricio Sanchez (19), of Mexico; Tiago SOUSA (18), Portugal; and Laci stone (18) of Nocona.
The final report is still to be published. It is not known why the truck crossed the centerline. Price spent 86 days in hospital before being released. Underhill and Price, along with their former teammates, were still in the hospital a year later. Families of the victims and the USW community continue to grieve the loss.
It is easy to feel guilty and have questions about the events that changed your life forever. Sometimes it can be too much. All know that they must move on.
Price and Underhill participate in a Zoom call each month with former USW golf teammates and their families. It’s a group therapy session. They have fun. They weep. They love.
Laci Stone’s mother Chelsi said that “none of us should really know each other as well”
Haydan, Laci’s father, said that they are almost mad at the fact that we have to.
The crash scene
It’s a cold January morning but the sun is baking the asphalt of Farm-to-Market Road1788 in Andrews County. It is a rural stretch with two lanes that connects Seminole to Midland, and Andrews to the west. The yellow centerline of the yellow line is visible half a mile north from the intersection with State Highway 115. This is due to oil-field traffic and the weather in West Texas.
The road is rough and mirrors the surrounding landscape. Oil pump jacks continue to pound the Earth, marking every direction. Although 75 mph is the speed limit, it seems like a better recommendation. This stretch is a blazer for semis, cars, and trucks, which swirl up dust.
It is easy to miss it, but if you look to the east side of your road, you will see two pieces of blue metal that resemble a cross attached to the barbed wire fence post. The dirt is embraced by pink, white, and purple flowers. Solar-powered lights illuminate them. Hearts bob from the barbed wire. The letter in the middle of each one of the seven hearts contains the first name of every USW golfer who has died. Seven golf balls remain in the dirt, unaltered and looking for refuge under the flowers.
You can see evidence of the origin of this memorial closer to the highway: pieces of rubber, broken headlights, and scraps of metal. The remains are covered in dirt and faded colors, giving the impression that they have been there for a long time.
A smaller memorial is located on the west side, on a bed made of white rocks. It is again surrounded with rubber and shrapnel. Two bouquets are found on either side. There are two crosses behind them, one made from tree bark and the second with the names Henry Siemens or Ricky Siemens. Below the names are dates of death and birth. Two lights, which brighten the somber scene, placed dried, brown roses on the rocks.
These memorials are some of the most powerful, emotional and colorful markers on Farm-to-Market Road 1788. As vehicles pass, the flowers move in the wind. Although the spray-painted highway markings of law enforcement have faded, the horrors remain.
Administrator
Steve Appel’s office looks typical for an athletic director at a small college.
Appel is also the facilities director and baseball coach. He is a jack of all trades for USW. Although his desk is full of papers, he can only understand how they are organized. A table is surrounded by couches, which are often used as a refuge for athletes or coaches. It’s often Appel’s escape.
He cried, unable to stop his tears.
Appel attended college in Connecticut, where he was among 8,000 students. But that wasn’t the right school for him. He wanted a smaller school. He loves the small details, down to the chore of mowing his field’s grass. USW was a unique organization. He is now in his ninth year and has no children. The students and staffers of this small New Mexico campus, which boasts approximately 1,000 students online and 300 on-campus students, became his family.
His job was forever changed when his phone rang on March 15, 2022. The USW baseball team just finished a 16-hour game in New Orleans. Appel was in his hotel room and began to receive bits of information back from Hobbs.
“There has been a crash.”
It involves the golf team.
“Fatalities.”
Appel remembers the feeling of emptiness he felt when the reports came in.
Appel stated, “It was a difficult, tough night because I wasn’t there” and that he didn’t know all details. “You still have to care for 40 children on the road. It’s not something we can just hop on the bus and be back home in a few hours.
All the details were eventually revealed. It took two weeks to drive from Louisiana back to New York after a two-day journey. The days, weeks, and months that followed were slower.
Hobbs was left out of the news and in the national spotlight, but Appel and his students, many of them athletes, continued their daily lives. There were still many questions. Questions about the future and the replacement of the coach. When will they advertise this job?
It was always the same answer: whenever Appel was available.
He knew Tyler was his only hope. He knew there would never be another like Tyler. Tyler’s office in the USW Athletics Building is largely unaltered. His desk is littered with papers. A water bottle is also found there. On top of the shelf is a putting mat.
“There are no answers.”
The survivors
Halie Cruz was shaking. Her stomach rumbled.
She thought to herself, “I can’t handle this.” She couldn’t stop. She was determined to keep going.
Cruz was in Plainview Texas on Oct. 24, 2022 more than six years after the accident. It is the halfway point between Amarillo, Texas and Lubbock. Plainview Country Club hosted the first USW golf tournament since the accident.
Taylor Phillips and Cruz both participated in the TankLogix Collegiate Midland in March. But instead of returning to campus by getting on the van, they stayed at home with their families. They didn’t realize the consequences of their decision.
Phillips and Cruz are two of four USW golf team members who chose to return to the Mustangs. Phillip Lopez and Harrison Kessler were on the men’s side. The possibility exists that the four golf teams could have been cut if the four hadn’t returned to school following the crash.
They would not have been blamed if they went.
They were there, participating in Plainview’s Wayland Baptist Invitational. Phillips and Cruz played as an individual, since only three women’s golf players are left this season. Kessler, Lopez and three other men’s teammates are now in action. Although the core quartet was eager to perform well, it didn’t really matter how many points they scored. These student-athletes were more focused on their minds than just hitting great golf shots.
Kessler stated, “I just wanted go out and do amazing.” “That just isn’t possible.” This is a difficult thing to do.
Phillips, Lopez, Cruz, and Lopez all returned home in the days that followed the tragedy. Kessler tried his best to forget about the incident. The pain got worse as time passed. He wanted to be strong and tell the right things. There are no answers. Lopez returned home and continued to work on his mind. Cruz was alone, but also with her dogs. Phillips relied on her pet hamster to keep her active and motivated every day.
They checked in on each other. They became close, as close as they had been before the crash. It was finally time to decide whether or not to return. Survivor guilt, second guessing, and uncertainty were all part of the process.
Cruz stated, “At first I was like, ‘No, we’re not coming back’.” “But I had to go back. “I had to finish what I began.”
Phillips said, “For me it was to honour them.”
As is to be expected the return was difficult and uncomfortable. There were many times when it was necessary to spend time in classrooms or work through homework that had been completed with colleagues. While campus staff tried to show sensitivity, the group was treated completely differently. RJ Lester is a new coach and is proving to be a reminder of how life has changed. However, he is still learning every day how to lead a group who has experienced severe trauma.
Then there’s Rockwind Community Links, a golf course where four friends have fond memories of playing in the snow, laughing, and enjoying many practice rounds. The meaning of old golf bags is not going to be the same with new ones. While they may be trying to improve their game in some rounds, others are simply looking for solitude.
It’s perseverance that is important to Phillips, Lopez, Cruz, and Cruz. It is the reason they came back to their small town. In their eyes, it’s what their teammates would want. Tyler James tried to instill this in them. Although golf was their first goal, it is now their escape. This is how they manage the pain.
Lopez stated, “We just need to finish what’s started.”
The new coach
RJ Lester’s office is located in the Jack and Mabel Maddox Student Life Center. It is past the weight room and gymium and just around the corner. The training room is located just to your left. Just beyond it, you will find a small office that has enough space for a desk, a cabinet, and a few chairs.
Lester is USW’s new golf coach. Because he is an alumnus, he has a good understanding of the program, university, town, and expectations. He has previously coached golf at West Texas high schools. Lester knew what he was getting into, but didn’t know what the challenges would be.
He said, “I knew there would be obstacles and it would take time to heal.” That’s not a problem. It was a simple question. “How can we make it as enjoyable for those coming back and the ones who are coming in?”
Lester doesn’t mind letting his silly side show on the course. It is a large part of his personality. If it makes his team feel at ease, he is comfortable being a goofball. Sometimes, it’s necessary. This is why he was the perfect candidate for a job that seemed impossible to fill.
Appel advertised the job in May and only a few applicants responded. In late June, Lester’s name was posted. Lester’s wife said to him that “What’s worse than this? They tell you no!”
Former teammates from the area encouraged him to apply, and they supported his decision. He was hired in July.
Interviews were conducted with the four returning players. Lester stated that he spoke with Appel for three-and-a half hours and then set up a Zoom conference with the returning players. They chatted for 45 minutes. Later, Appel called Lester and asked him to speak with Dr. Ryan Tipton, the university president.
Lester stated, “Those four decided that they wanted me as their coach.” It has been a blessing.
While Lester is happy to be in this role, he admits that coaching USW can be difficult. There have been both good and bad days, mentally as well as on the course. He was a walking stick early on. He put one foot in front the other, while being considerate of his fellow players.
Lester was happy to let his players go home if they were having a bad day. Sometimes, he needed to laugh or do a chicken dance to ease tension.
Lester realized that it was important for the four of them to have input on the season. This included deciding which tournaments they would like to play, and voicing their concerns about when they had to be alone. It has been a great help to have camaraderie. Lester was forced to confront a difficult situation just like his players.
How can you bring back a program from one of the most tragic events in college golf history?
Warmth, understanding, and the occasional chicken dance.
Each member of the foursome returned to Lester was a necessity. They also needed him.
The president of a small college
Hobbs is home to approximately 40,000 people and is known for being a blue-collar community. You want something? Earn it. Hobbs, located just four miles from Texas’ border, is more of an extension West Texas than a New Mexico paradise.
Hobbs is a good option when oil prices rise. It’s still a small speck of the map and is only five hours from Albuquerque which is the state’s biggest city. There is a good chance that you won’t find Hobbs unless you are going to Hobbs. The only thing that is in and out are long straight highways.
The University of the Southwest campus is located at the northern edge of the town, near the Lovington Highway. 95 percent of the campus’ nearly 300 students are athletes. The Rockwood Community Links is across the street, where the teams of golf practice.
Tipton, now president of USW, was born in Lovington 20 miles away and is well-versed in the area. After a decade in the oil business, he retired and returned to school for his doctorate. He wanted to be a teacher. Keisha, his wife, agreed. A chance meeting with a USW dean allowed him to teach part time. Fast forward 15 years and Tipton was the provost during the crash.
He’s been in crisis situations before. Oil fields can be dangerous, and workers are often killed or injured. The anxiety associated with a volatile work environment seemed to have disappeared in his new life.
The phone rang.
Tipton, his wife and their daughter were on vacation in Florida on March 15th. Although information was not readily available at first, he recalls the term “fatalities”.
Tipton stated that there is no college textbook, no class, and no guidebook. “We didn’t know what to do next.”
Tipton experienced difficulty sleeping over the next few weeks as a result of self-reflection, national attention, and self-reflection. The school was supported by the community, and the outreach to the nation was unprecedented. Although Tipton was hopeful that the university would eventually heal, he knew his first priority was to reach out and talk to the families.
Tipton called each family from his Florida hotel room that night. It is better they learn from him than to rely on the news. He still has his memories of the horrified, tearful responses.
But time doesn’t stop for tragedy.
Tipton realized that he had to then focus his attention on those students who remained, particularly the four who chose to continue playing.
Tipton acknowledges that despite the pain, there is a sense of satisfaction in watching the leadership Halie, Harrison and Phillip have shown, not just as students, but also as individuals. Tipton sees the four as heroes. They are four students who have overcome terrible circumstances and managed to persevere. For their own sake. Their program. For those who are unable to fight.
Tipton stated, “It speaks volumes about their character.”
The grieving families and a hole in-one
Jackson Zinn was used to Greg, his father, shouting at his golf ball to “get into.” Greg begged for the ball to disappear so that he could get his first ace.
They played all over the country together, playing at PGA Tour host courses like Harbour Town Golf Links and TPC Scottsdale. Jackson was able to understand Greg’s two words but his father couldn’t get it over the lip.
Jackson said to Greg, “Dad,” at one outing.
Jackson’s memorial golf tourney was held at Hyland Hills Golf Course, Westminster, Colorado, on Sunday, August 7. Nearly 250 people registered and the spots sold out within five days. Jackson’s mother Jen Zinn tried to ensure that a photographer took photos of each group.
Jen called Greg, her ex-husband, to find out which hole they were playing on. They planned to meet the photographer on the 13th, a par 3, at 187 yards.
Greg was the last one to hit. Greg wanted to hit a 5-iron but his nephew convinced to let him down to a 6.
Greg said, “I hit it just flush-and-perfect.”
The ball hit the green approximately 10 feet short of the hole. The green gently sloped left to right. After a few hops, it began to roll closer and closer towards the hole.
Greg shouted “Get in!” just like he did with his son many times before.
It listened this time.
Greg stated, “It’s probably one of the most significant holes-in-ones in the history golf,” It was Jackson. He was there.
Although it’s impossible to replace a child’s death, the Zinns wanted Jackson’s memory to be celebrated, so they started the memorial tournament. They raised over $82,000.
Jen stated, “We had to make his passing count.”
Each of the four University of the Southwest golfers who returned received a scholarship from Jackson’s tournament. Garrison Smith, a New Mexico State senior, received a scholarship. Jackson’s High School, First Tee and other Junior Golf Programs in his hometown were also supported.
This summer, the second memorial tournament will be held. Over 300 people have already registered. Similar tournaments have been organized by other families to raise funds in memory of their children. Haydan and Chelsi created the Love Like Laci Foundation charity. They say it’s exactly what their daughter would have wanted: to spread love to all, at any cost.
Every month, one face appears on the screen. It’s the Stones, the Zinns, Price, and Underhill. These are the people who returned to school, and those whose families still have questions. Jen started the monthly Zoom Call, insisting that she couldn’t connect to national grief groups. They’re not her people. They are those associated with the University of the Southwest.
As each person deals with life differently, some calls are more difficult than others. The first set of holidays was particularly difficult. Birthdays come and goes. Sometimes, the pain is simply from not being able go out on Friday nights.
The monthly Zoom call is a source of laughter. Remembrance. Comfort. All are part of the journey of moving forward.
Haydan Stone stated, “I didn’t think that I needed it at the beginning.” It just helps the more we get attached to each other and the more we open up, This has allowed us to be more open with these people and let them know that we are suffering.
“But, we’re also building on our progress.”
The shrine and the future
A putting green lies behind the University of the Southwest student dormitories. Coach Tyler James would often spend time there mentoring his players. This is a spot where the golf teams often go, even today.
Soon, a memorial will be constructed there. University officials are working closely with families and builders to finish the project. There is no timetable for completion. Nobody wants to rush. It is important that the memorial is completed correctly.
It was a difficult task to plan the shrine. In the middle of a busy campus it will look out of place. The shrine should not be located there.
“Nothing will ever the same,” stated Appel, the athletic director. “And how will that ever be understood?” I still don’t.”
There is no better place than the putting green to honor this memory. Six days after the crash, more than 100 people met at the putting green to hold the first of many vigils throughout the country. Students, faculty, and others raised flashlights for the stars and other items to brighten the night because of the strong winds. To brighten the desert tundra, the City of Hobbs brought light towers.
On social media, videos were posted from other countries holding similar vigils. As part of the legacy that the seven have left behind, the university added an annual “Light up the Sky” celebration to spring break each year.
The schedule for the TankLogix Collegiate Golf Club at Ranchland Hills Golf Club at Midland College is being rescheduled. After the first day of the tournament last year, the tournament was cancelled. USW was named honorary champion for both the men’s side and the women’s side.
Midland officials reached out in the fall to find out if the Mustangs wanted to return. Lester and USW administrators weren’t pushing, but the four members of the team who were returning insist on having it put back on the calendar.
March 15, 2023 marks one year since the tragic crash that killed nine people, seven of them from the University of the Southwest. It is also the final day of the TankLogix Collegiate. It’s likely to be a very difficult final round. However, scores are not all that important.
They must be in Midland. They must play.
By: Cameron Jourdan
Title: Picking up the pieces: The University of the Southwest's golf team carries on a year after tragic van crash
Sourced From: golfweek.usatoday.com/2023/03/15/university-of-the-southwest-golf-team-crash-picking-up-the-pieces-college-golf/
Published Date: Wed, 15 Mar 2023 11:00:59 +0000
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