Rittichier Award Comes Full Circle with Casey Pierce in Detroit
12/21/2015 12:53:00 PM | Football
Since 2009, Kent State had quietly named its Team MVP after each season in honor of Lieutenant Jack Rittichier, one of the most celebrated heroes in the history of the United States Coast Guard. This past November, the award was taken to a new level, with an official sculpture and a first class presentation at a place that was near and dear to Rittichier's heart.
Prior to rescue missions in Vietnam, Rittichier spent time at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, outside of Detroit, where he conducted many daring rescues during severe weather on the Great Lakes.
This past year, sculptor Ann Rozhon created a bronze sculpture, based on a famous photo from Rittichier's 90-yard touchdown run against Bowling Green, using 3D technology. As this very first "Jack's Run" sculpture was being designed, Kent State's 2014 selection for the award, Casey Pierce was signed as a free agent by the Detroit Lions.Â
On Nov. 23, Pierce and teammates from the Lions made the short trip to Coast Guard Air Station Detroit at Selfridge for the official presentation inside a hangar named after Rittichier. Retired Coast Guard Lieutenant Commander and Vietnam veteran Jim Loomis, told Rittichier's story to members of the Coast Guard, Air Force and Marine Corps in attendance. Included in the presentation was Brigadier General John D. Slocum, the commander, 127th Wing, Selfridge Air National Guard Base and Commander Marshall Branch, the executive officer at Coast Guard Air Station Detroit.
While one "Jack's Run" sculpture is displayed in Kent State's football office, a new one will be created each year and given to the team's MVP. Since 2009, the Rittichier Monument has been on display in the Southwest corner of Dix Stadium. Â
Courage of a Lion, by Petty Officer 3rd Class Chrstopher Yaw   Â
