ISU honors legacy of deputy athletic director killed in 2015 aircraft crash

NORMAL (Coronary heart of Illinois ABC) – Illinois State College is paying tribute to the late Aaron Leetch as his identify will without end be hooked up to the Stadium Membership on prime of Hancock Stadium.

Additionally, ISU stated an nameless pair made a present dedication to contribute $1.5 million in Leetch’s honor to assist pay for the $11.5 million indoor apply facility for soccer and different sports activities.

Leetch was ISU’s deputy director of athletics when he and 6 different folks have been killed in a aircraft crash April 7, 2015 because the group was getting back from the NCAA Remaining 4 in Indianapolis.

ISU’s governing board on Friday accredited a decision renaming the membership on the soccer venue because the “Aaron Leetch Stadium Membership.”

ISU Director of Athletics Kyle Brennan stated in a press release that the monetary presents supposed to honor Leetch assist fulfill his imaginative and prescient for the domed apply facility.

“Aaron’s legacy right here is essential and the truth that these donors know that and perceive it, is significant to everybody related to Redbird Athletics,” stated Brennan.

ISU goals for building to start out this spring.

Based on a information launch, Aaron was a “driving pressure” behind fundraising for Hancock Stadium renovation, and in building of the membership area.

“The Aaron Leetch Stadium Membership will without end honor his legacy and impression right here, and I’m thrilled to be a part of this particular, vital second for Redbird Athletics and the Leetch household,” Brennan additionally stated.

Leetch labored at ISU from 2005 to 2011, then returned in 2013 to change into deputy director of athletics.

The aircraft crash that killed Leetch close to Central Illinois Regional Airport in Bloomington additionally claimed the lives of ISU Affiliate Head Basketball Coach Torey Ward, together with Jason Jones, Andy Butler, Terry Stralow, Scott Bittner, and Tom Hileman.

Copyright 2022 Coronary heart of Illinois ABC. All rights reserved.