Day 20: Randy Murff '97
CREDIT: Courtney A. Kjos
The biggest challenge of writing about offensive linemen is that there are no stats you can really use to gauge even a somewhat objective view of their value to the team.
But if you have to rely on topics like leadership, character and courage, the late Randy Murff is a pretty great subject to begin with.
On the field, Murff was a team leader as he was voted Second Team All Ivy honors his junior and senior seasons.
Off the field, Murff went from an extremely homesick young freshman to the man who encouraged his teammates with his upbeat manner. He was voted one of the team's captains for the great 1996 season.
After his senior season, Murff decided to dedicate himself to his country as he lost more than 100 pounds in a stunning six months in order to qualify for the Air Force. He wanted to be a fighter pilot, and nothing was going to stop him.
Murff's tragic death in service to his country, and the details surrounding his life at the time are best told by this fantastic story by the woman who would have been his wife.
May his memory serve as an inspiration to every football player and true patriot in this country.
posted by Jake @ 2:56:00 AM
5 comments
5 Comments:
Murff was great on the field - but even more importantly he was a class act off the field. Great football player and great guy. Period. #68 is definitely missed.
any yougun lost in action, in service for our country, deserves our admiration and thanks.
a great football player, a perfect example of an american.
plainolebob
Based on this blog and the article that was linked to it, he sounds like one of those very few you can call exceptional.
I salute him.
Courtney, My name is Michelle Tortorice and I am married to Randy's hometown best friend. I would like to get in touch with you. I never had the pleasure of meeting Randy but everytime David talks about him I feel as though I know him. It still brings him to tears to speak of him. We got married in October of last year and it was very hard not to have Randy by his side.
I am Randy's little cousin and I just came across this. It helps to know how he impacted other people's lives. It will be nine years this summer and not a day goes by that I don't think about him. My other cousin and I are planning a trip to NYC in the winter. I am looking forward to seeing Columbia since it was a big part of his life.
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