A former Princeton University football star was among those who were murdered on New Year’s Day, and the College Football Playoff scheduled for later that day was moved to January 2.
At least 14 people were killed, and dozens were injured when a truck plowed through people in New Orleans’ French Quarter. The perpetrator also set up explosives in the nearby bar and church.
Tiger Bech at Princeton (photo courtesy KLFY.com)
One of the victims, Tiger Bech, was a wide receiver and All-Ivy player for the Princeton University Tigers. He was in New Orleans with Princeton friends to celebrate the New Year. Bech played high school ball at St. Thomas Moore High School in Lafayette, LA. His brother, Jack Bech, is a star receiver for the TCU Horned Frogs.
Out of caution, officials postponed the CFP quarterfinal game between Notre Dame and Georgia from New Year’s Day evening to late afternoon on January 2. I had friends there and learned that they were okay. They told me that the FBI and New Orleans Police swept the hotels and other public places, including the Superdome, for explosive devices.
With an okay, the game was then played as rescheduled, but (because of the day/time change) not all who had tickets could remain in New Orleans to see the game played live. Notre Dame beat the Georgia Bulldogs and will move on to the CFP Semi-final contest vs. the Penn State Nittany Lions.
College football aside, we will never forget the tragedy that occurred in New Orleans on New Year’s Day.
