Editor’s note: This story was written by a staff member of The Independent, Clark College’s campus newspaper, as part of a collaboration with The Columbian called Voices From Clark College. It was published last Wednesday in The Independent.
Clark was preparing to welcome the Umpqua Community College River Hawks volleyball team on Oct. 2 in O’Connell Sports Center.
But the day before the two teams were set to take the court, a 26-year-old Umpqua student shot and killed eight students and an assistant professor before killing himself.
This Monday, the Umpqua team visited Clark for the make-up game.
“We have a lot of respect for that coach and that team,” said Mark Dunn, Clark head volleyball coach. The Penguins had just defeated the Roseburg team in four sets, 25-16, 25-18, 20-25, 28-26.
“We developed a good little friendship with them,” he said.
On Monday night, just as they did when they traveled to Umpqua for a game on Oct. 29, Clark players wore green and gold ribbons in their hair, the colors of UCC.
“I was shocked,” said sophomore captain Meghan Turner about the shooting. “I was in class with one of my teammates, actually, and our phones started blowing up. I’m glad that none of the volleyball girls were hurt, and I’m sad as well.”
Clark’s team also took donations at the door for the UCC Strong Fund, which will benefit the victims of the shooting and their families, according to the fundraiser website.
The Penguins are now 19-14 overall with one game left in conference play at Clackamas. The Penguins will head to the playoffs in third place for the South region of Northwest Athletic Conference.
