Friends Share Memories Of OSU Plane Crash Victims At Memorial Service

Thousands of Cowboys faithful turned out at Gallagher-Iba Arena to honor the coaches and alums lost in a second tragic plane crash.

Monday, November 21st 2011, 10:38 pm

By: News 9


Thousands of Cowboys faithful turned out at Gallagher-Iba Arena to honor the coaches and alums lost in a second tragic plane crash.

11/21/2011 Related Story: Thousands Attend Memorial Service For Victims Of OSU Plane Crash

The typical attire at Gallagher-Iba Arena is orange with a little bit of black. Sadly it was black, with a little bit of orange.

A bagpipe played as family and friends quietly walked to the floor seats. OSU Athletic Director Mike Holder told the crowd a freshman basketball player asked him this morning what he was going to say about Coach Budke.

Former Cowgirl Star Taylor Hardeman recalled the first time she ever saw her Coach in his trademark orange blazer, which on Monday, hung from his seat on the Cowgirl bench.

And Interim Coach Jim Littell, who did most of the speaking, described Coach Miranda Serna.

And one little girl with a homemade sign and a broken heart, told News 9 how Coach Budke had become her coach too through basketball camp.

I read several of the messages written on the "We Remember" banners here at then arena and most said "you were much more than a basketball coach."

Coach Kurt Budke was more like a father and Coach Miranda Serna like a big sister. Olin and Paula Branstetter, who were flying the plane, were described as almost grandparents to the girls' team.

That's a lot to lose in one family.

Special Coverage: OSU Plane Crash

A rosary service to honor Assistant Coach Miranda Serna will be held at St. Francis Xavier Church in Stillwater on Tuesday, November 22 at 10 a.m.

A memorial service for Paula and Olin Branstetter is scheduled for Tuesday, November 22 at 2 p.m. at the First Assembly of God Church, located at 1308 E. Bradley in Ponca City.

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