WEST CHESTER, Pa. – West Chester University will celebrate Michael Horrocks Day this Saturday, Sept. 11, when the Golden Rams’ football squad hosts Edinboro at 1 p.m. inside John A. Farrell Stadium.
Prior to the Golden Rams’ home opener that day, a statue in honor of alumnus and former West Chester University quarterback Michael Horrocks will be dedicated. That ceremony is open to the public and will begin at 10:30 a.m. inside Farrell Stadium.
Horrocks was the co-pilot of United Flight 175, which was hijacked and crashed into the South Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. This Saturday, the ninth anniversary of that tragic event, the Michael Horrocks Foundation, along with the WCU Foundation and WCU athletic department, will unveil and dedicate a life-sized bronze statue of Michael Horrocks.
In 1983, Horrocks led West Chester to its first win over the University of Delaware in 23 years. Horrocks made his first career start that day and led the Golden Rams to a 35-27 victory, despite entering the contest as a 35-point underdog. He finished his college career with a 14-7 record in two seasons as West Chester’s starting quarterback.
Horrocks later served in the U.S. Marine Corps following graduation, becoming a commercial pilot for United Airlines, after being honorably discharged from the military. The statue will be permanently placed at the bottom of the hill in the north end zone of Farrell Stadium overlooking the field.
A pre-game tribute will also take place at 12:45 p.m. just before kickoff of the West Chester vs. Edinboro PSAC football contest. Citations and a mini replica statue will be presented to Horrocks’ wife and children.
