Date: SUN 11/21/99
Section: SPORTS 2
Page: 31
Edition: 2 STAR
Continue Bonfire? As a dad I just cannot imagine losing a child to something like this. I can't imagine the pain I would feel every time I saw Bonfire in the future. And as a Longhorn, I admit that I don't have the perspective that allows distinguishing between tradition versus obsession. Are traditions sometimes kept only because no one wants the responsibility of changing them?
But then I see the videos today of previous Bonfires. I listen to the students and alumni at A&M in the wake of this tragedy, and see the connection between esprit-de-corps and tradition. I begin to understand the importance of common experiences like Bonfire and the building of it.
Then, layered on these conflicting emotions land my professional experiences in chemical industry, where safety is a profession, an extremely serious business that cannot be taught easily. This Bonfire is a major construction activity. There is a lot of potential energy that must be controlled in the activities required to build and burn Bonfire. Are OSHA rules followed? Are records kept of injuries? Are systems in place to track these injuries and modify procedures? Do the training, procedures and management of change systems follow the legally required standards? This requires a lot more than a few training classes. And relying on "this is how we've done it before" is a real recipe for disaster. My company has gotten into this trap and had our own catastrophe.
I think there should be a continuation of Bonfire. But I think that it must be re-evaluated. I think the construction needs to be managed professionally. Admittedly, this would be a change to tradition. But there can still be made a place for the use of "pliers handed down." With the project management oversight of a professional construction company, A&M could still use the manpower of Aggie volunteers, but trained and subjected to professional standards. Certainly alumni could sponsor this management activity. There has to be a way to make this process compliant with modern safety design while still respecting the camaraderie and tradition of the event.
I watched the memorial ceremony tonight. I thought it was touching and heartfelt. I pray that reflection on this tragedy will yield insight that contributes to changes that will keep any other parents and classmates from having to endure this pain.
Of those in pain, may their prayers be answered. When they are, may they have the grace to listen. And then, may they have the wisdom to act.
God bless the families and friends of those who died and those who were hurt.
Steve Cutchen
Houston