By Jill A. Duling
Bluffton University

	The Circle of Remembrance overlooks the newly named Bluffton University Memorial Field. — Photo by The Lima News

A service of remembrance reflected on the lives of the student-athletes who died and the year that has passed since the baseball team’s bus accident in Atlanta.

More than 1,200 people filled Founders Hall to remember the lives of Zachary Arend of Oakwood, David Betts of Bryan, Scott Harmon of Lima, Cody Holp of Arcanum and Tyler Williams of Lima.

On March 2, 2007, the Bluffton baseball team was traveling to Sarasota, Fla., when its charter bus fell off of an overpass in Atlanta, killing four student-athletes, the bus driver and his wife, and injuring 28 others. A fifth student-athlete died one week later.

“We gather tonight to acknowledge the pain that we have experienced, but more important, to name God’s goodness and faithfulness even in the midst of great sorrow,” said President James M. Harder.

“This evening we want to reflect on the rich memories that this community will carry forward — good memories of Zachary, David, Scott, Cody and Tyler, who as Bluffton students enjoyed life to the fullest, who each in his own way demonstrated an ethic of care for others, and who each showed so much promise for a life that was not to be.”

A photo remembrance played for the audience, showing the five men with friends as well as with their teammates, participating in a sport they loved.

Campus pastor Stephen “Tig” Intagliata said God can redeem suffering.

“God can use these times of trial to transform us into people who experience God’s grace and love in new ways, people who live in deeper gratitude to God for his faithfulness and for the gifts he has given us,” he said.

Seven senior baseball players, along with head coach James Grandey and assistant coach Todd Miller, gave a closing litany.

Earlier in the day, 300 people, including family, friends and members of the 2007 and 2008 baseball teams, gathered at the baseball field for a private dedication of a Circle of Remembrance for the 2007 team and the student-athletes who died.

Composed of a circular walkway on a low rise overlooking the field, the limestone-capped brick wall and five benches provide an area for gathering, reflection and remembrance as well as a place to watch the Beavers play baseball.

Members of the Bluffton University baseball team join in singing a hymn during the university’s service of remembrance. — Photo by The Lima News

Five Crusader Hawthorne trees and five plaques help visitors to remember the special qualities of each of the five student-athletes. The landscaped circle, benches and plaques surround a pedestal and a 5-foot diameter sculpture, “Touching Home,” created by faculty artist Gregg Luginbuhl.

The sculpture is shaped like a pitcher’s mound and includes physical imprints by all members of the 2007 team, including the cleats of Arend, Betts, Holp, Harmon and Williams.

Luginbuhl described the premise of “Touching Home.”

“Home could mean a run- scoring achievement, individual homes and families, Bluffton University as home for its students or a heavenly home,” he said.

“I ask all who visit this site to think of rounding the bases as a metaphor for our work, for our lives and especially for our spiritual journeys.”

The Circle of Remembrance is the third component of the campus memorial for the 2007 baseball team. The other components include the naming of Bluffton University Memorial Field and field enhancements.

The memorial project has been made possible largely as a result of memorial gifts and donated materials and services. The total memorial project cost will be more than $350,000.

The university received $208,000 in gifts designated for the memorial project, including $50,000 from Major League Baseball and $10,000 from Bluffton students..