To the editor:
Thanks to everyone who helped to make the Calvin Jones Memorial Football Game on April 27 an unforgettable experience
First of all, I would like to thank God for this journey that I experienced these last couple of months. It was emotional, spiritual and exciting. At first, I was like, "How am I going to do this" - and then I remembered, I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me, and I did.
I decided to make a list of all the people who I would have to contact. Then, one by one, I went to them in person with the letter that Infield Fly Productions had sent me. Everyone was excited and more than willing to help. I thought to myself - wow, with all the negative things that were going on, this would be something special for the whole city of Steubenville. When the first article was published, I got calls from people I have never met, offering names of players who played with Calvin Jones either on the football or basketball team, and also, pictures from that era.
The Herald-Star was great with all the publicity for the project. I truly thank you, thank you, thank you. I've formed new friendships from this, and I can't explain verbally or in written form how appreciative I am.
Special thanks go to the Steubenville Police Department, Mayor Domenic Mucci, Superintendent Michael McVey, the Steubenville High School and staff, Becky Bryan, Dianne Freeman, the Big Red Booster Club, Jean Isler, Evangelist Ruth Stinson, Bernadine White, Cookie West and April West. Hats off to football Coach Reno Saccoccia and the football players, cheerleaders and band members who braved the cold weather for the re-enactment of a football game. You were really good. A thanks goes to Zac Taylor and Ricky Hicks, directors of the Steubenville Big Red Marching Band.
To the crowd, I truly thank you - we couldn't have done it without you. To WTOV-TV, the segment you did on the documentary and press conference was fantastic.
Again, I thank God for each and every one of you -may he continue to bless you.
I know my grandmother, Talitha, and Calvin were smiling from above. Edwin Harrison, Calvin's son, and Edwin Harrison II ("Boomer," and Calvin's grandson) enjoyed their first visit to Steubenville and were pleased by how people were friendly to them.
As soon a I receive the DVD of the finished film, there will be a public viewing.
Patti West
Steubenville
