9/11 pilot to be enshrined in hall of fame

WCU grad Michael Horrocks will be inducted into the Capital Area Chapter of the Pa. Sports Hall of Fame

Michael Horrocks, a WCU grad and 9/11 victim, will be inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.

WEST CHESTER » West Chester University star quarterback and 9/11 victim Michael Horrocks – a Delaware County resident – will be inducted into the Annual Hall of Fame Class of the Capital Area Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, in June, at Harrisburg East.

Horrocks was the first officer on United Flight 175, on Sept. 11, 2001, when the hijacked jet was flown into the south tower of the World Trade Center.

Horrocks graduated from WCU in 1985 after starring as a quarterback for the Golden Rams. Following his death, a statue at Farrell Stadium was erected in his honor. Players often touch the statue for good luck.

In 1983, Horrocks led WCU 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.

Five people with ties to Chester County died at the hands of terrorists during the 911 attacks on the World Trade Center. Christopher Clarke, Kevin Marlo, Michael Horrocks, George Eric Smith, and Richard Stewart, all passed on Sept. 11.

Horrocks lived in Glen Mills at the time of his death and was also a star quarterback at Hershey High School.

Horrocks is one of 10 people who will be celebrated on June 9 during an induction ceremony.

PETE BANNAN – DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA West Chester University sophomore Paul Dooley touches the statue of Michael Horrocks as he enters Farrell Stadium in this file photo.