Megan Gross Invitational About More Than the Game
On September 17 2018, Megan Gross was on her way to school with a friend.
She never made it there.
It was her senior year. She was killed in a car accident that morning. It was – and still is devastating for the town of just over 8,200, just west of St. Louis.
Almost two days before, the middle blocker with several college offers helped the Warrenton Warriors beat Herculaneum to take the Cuba Tournament title. The Warriors were on track for their best season ever before Megan’s death.
But Megan was so much more than just a volleyball player to her teammates. She as kind. She was funny.
Warrenton coach Randy Kindschuh said via email the team will never forget Megan.
Many of the girls still wear purple shoelaces on their right shoe because purple was Megan’s favorite color. Many of the girls and Kindschuh visit Megan’s grave to talk to her.
“I’m sure she listens,” Kindschuh,” said. “If she could respond she would always give insightful feedback. Megan always was the ‘glass is half full’ type of person. She had a knack about getting you to laugh or smile.”
They remember Megan in all kinds of ways. Last season, Megan traveled with the team wherever they went – her shoes and jersey had a reservation on the Warrenton bench. On the day after Megan was killed the Kindschuh and his wife got a puppy and named her Megan.
“I wanted to make sure I would never forget this wonderful young lady,” he said.
In the last week, as the team commemorated the anniversary of her death, the team’s Twitter page posted its celebration of Megan’s memory – a team dinner at a Mexican restaurant, a visit to her grave site and just some time to talk. Even the freshman on the team joined in, though many didn’t know her. The team shared stories of the pranks she used to pull.
A beautiful day to remember a beautiful friend.
By the way, after struggling to find its way after her death, the team battled back last season to win its first conference title since 1978. Quite a fitting tribute to their friend.
On Saturday, Warrenton will begin what it hopes will be an annual celebration in Megan’s memory. The First Annual Megan Gross Invitational this season has eight teams.
“I just feel that the tournament will be one way for us to always remember Megan – the way she played and her enthusiasm for the game,” Kindschuh said. “Megan’s parents will also be at the tourney and we will be selling t-shirts to commemorate the occasion.”
Check back later for the players to watch at the Megan Gross Invitational.