Column: IU Athletics bolstered security after terrorist attacks

Ten years and one day ago, at 8:46 a.m., life in the United States was
forever changed.

Many, if not all, Americans still remember their exact location when they found out the U.S. was under attack.

In the ensuing decade, Assistant Athletic Director for Facilities Chuck Crabb said Indiana athletics has had a more diligent review for how it operates “large crowd events,” mainly at Assembly Hall and Memorial Stadium.

Fan safety became a big question after the attacks because nobody knew what to expect. Was there another attack to come?

Before each home football and basketball game, Hoosier fans have coats, bags and other items checked by security personal to ensure the safety of all fans.

The searches have become routine at almost any sporting event across the country. Indiana athletics treats its venues like others around the country, both professional and collegiate. Fans are its top priority.

When the IU football team played its home opener Saturday, IU Athletics commemorated the tenth anniversary before the game.

Two F-10 jets flew low over the stadium following the national anthem. During the first quarter, the audience rose to their feet to recognize all men and women in
the service.

In the wake of the attacks, nobody was sure what was to come, and security was heightened everywhere throughout the country. Many sporting events across campus, the state and the country were canceled or postponed.

“We had a significant review on what to do the rest of the week, and we had a home game against the University of Kentucky that Saturday,” Crabb said. “The University ultimately made the decision not to play any athletic events that week, as it would be a period of remembrance, while trying to take in the loss of many fellow Americans.”

As sports returned a few days later, it became obvious sports would bring thousands of Americans together and allow them to heal.

No matter the day, no matter the time, for three hours, fans join together to root for their favorite teams.

On the days following 9/11, this was one way people could, for a few hours, take their mind off the horrible attacks.

Sept. 11, 2001, began as any normal Tuesday morning. However, that day would forever change the way we live our lives, sports included.

“I was eating breakfast with a priest,” Director of Athletics Fred Glass said. “He and I were members of the Board of Directors at Brebuf (Jesuit Preparatory School). I felt what many people must have felt like when Pearl Harbor happened ­— grateful for what I have, because it can be taken away so quickly.”

Even though the day has passed, take a minute to remember the victims of Sept. 11 and the war that has followed. Think of their families, friends and each American that has been affected.

“I am grateful for my family and country,” Glass said. “It’s encouraged me to live each day to the fullest.”