A True Hero!

The words and memories still ring as crisp and clear today just like it happened yesterday. But in reality it didn't.

Today marks the eighth anniversary of the plane crash which took the lives of 10 members of the Oklahoma State basketball family.

Mr. Bill Teegins, the radio voice of the Cowboys was one of the 10 who passed away that day in a snowy field in Colorado. He was a great person and someone I was honored to be able to call a friend. I actually had the chance to intern with Mr. Teegins for a day at KWTV Channel 9 in Oklahoma City when I was in high school. That day is a memory I will always remember and cherish.

During my time as the Sports Writer at the Ada Evening News, I wrote a column I consider the best piece of writing I have ever done and today in honor of his memory I would like to share it with everyone: "An airplane carrying Oklahoma State University basketball players and broadcasting personnel is missing. The fate of those on board is unknown."

These chilling words came from an Associated Press bulletin released on the night of January 27, 2001.

It is a dark day in the history of Oklahoma. Tragedy struck as a plane carrying 10 members of the OSU basketball family took off from the Jefferson County Airport at 6:19 p.m. CST and 18 minutes later crashed into a field outside of Byers, Colorado.

I bring this up because one of the men who died in the crash was someone I considered a friend.

His name was Mr. Bill Teegins. He was the voice of the Cowboys and the Sports Director for KWTV Channel 9 in Oklahoma City.

As a sophomore at Ada High in 1995, my love for journalism began to take shape and my goal was to be a television sportscaster.

I sent letters to each of the sportscasters in Oklahoma City seeking their advice. I wasn't sure if they would even reply.

However one went above and beyond the call of duty. Mr. Teegins called my home and took an hour out of his day, just to talk to me.

Towards the end of the conversation, I asked Mr. Teegins if it would be possible for me to come up and meet him some day. He said he would be glad to have me and we set up a time.

I went to Channel 9's studios in April 1996 and it was like meeting a celebrity. He took me around the studio. I got to sit on the set and watch two live newscasts.

He made sure that I got pictures with and autographs from each of the newscasters. In fact, at the time, I met Chris Harrison, who is now the host of ABC's show "The Bachelor."

I may have only met him once in my life, but that was a day I will always remember. In fact, as I was getting ready to leave, Mr. Teegins stood at the door and waved to mom as she came by to pick me up.

For Christmas, this year I received a gift I will treasure always. Mr. Teegin's wife Janis wrote a book about his life and now I have a copy. The book is entitled "He Got It." It is a must read for everyone, whether you are a sports fan or not. Mr. Teegins was a man that we should all aspire to pattern ourselves after.

He was a role model to me, and whether I make it in the journalism business or not, I hope that I can be the kind of man he was.

The three-year anniversary of the crash is still a little less than a month away, but we take the time now to remember and honor the lives of the 10 men who passed away.

Those who died were Mr. Teegins, Dan Lawson Jr., Nate Fleming, Kendall Durfey, Will Hancock, Bryan Luinstra, Pat Noyes, Jared Weiberg, Denver Mills and Bjorn Fahlstrom.

One of the lessons we can take away from this is to cherish every day we are given. Also to appreciate our families and friends.

No one is guaranteed tomorrow so make the most out of each and every day.