Columbus Dispatch, The (OH) - Friday, October 26, 2001
Connor Senn: CONGENITAL HEART DEFECT KILLED SOCCER PLAYER
Connor Senn's heart could not keep up with the athlete who played soccer with a passion.
The Ohio State freshman died Sept. 26 in Akron during an OSU soccer game against the University of Akron.
Initially, medical personnel described the cause of death as a cardiac event.
Autopsy results released yesterday in Summit County reported that Senn, of Granville, died from a congenital heart defect that restricted blood flow to the heart.
Ohio State team physician Dr. Amy Myers explained that Senn's left coronary artery came off the right side of his aorta, placing it in a narrow space between the aorta and pulmonary artery where it likely became pinched when the chambers of the heart enlarged. Normally, the left artery originates from the left side of the aorta.
"When this happens, exercise, because the heart is pumping more blood to keep up with the exercise, can cause the coronary artery to get squeezed and can lead to sudden death due to restricted blood flow to the heart," Myers said.
When blood supply to the heart is shut off because of the pinching effect, the heart most often experiences an irregular rhythm that cannot sustain life, she said.
"People have died from this even when not exerting themselves very much, but exercise definitely is a contributing factor," Myers said.
Myers emphasized that Senn was born with the condition and had never shown symptoms of having an "anomalous coronary artery origin."
"We don't know why (the soccer game) was the critical time that this happened. Nobody ever knows why it's one time over another," she said. "He was born with this and had exercised to capacity on numerous occasions and never had a problem.
"The vast majority who have this condition, the presenting symptom is sudden death."
Exceptions do exist. People who have a narrowing of the coronary artery can experience chest pain or pass out.
"If you have symptoms like that, it prompts working that up medically, but somebody with this particular problem could have a completely normal stress test and ultrasound," Myers said.
The best way to determine if the condition exists is with a heart magnetic resonance imaging, which is not available in a lot of places, she said.
Myers noted that between 15 percent and 20 percent of people under the age of 35 who die a sudden death have anomalous coronary artery listed as the cause of death, with the left anomalous origin of the coronary artery the most common cause.
Columbus Dispatch, The (OH) - Friday, October 5, 2001
Conner Senn: OSU TO RESUME SEASON WITH HEAVY HEARTS
Conner Senn's presence permeates the Ohio State men's soccer team, even after his death.
It's there on the black sleeve patches with his No. 22 in white, which will be worn Sunday when the team returns to the field, at Michigan State, for the first time since Senn died Sept. 26. And it's there in the commemorative T-shirts that have been made for pregame warm-ups and certain practices.
They serve as reminders of the impact Senn had on the program in a short period.
The freshman walk-on starter from Granville collapsed late in a game at Akron and died at a hospital a few hours later. The cause, initially listed as an "unspecified cardiac arrest," remains a mystery.
"The preliminary autopsy report found nothing," said Amy Meyers, OSU's team physician for men's soccer. "We sent some tissue out for further testing. Nothing is expected back for two to three weeks."
With that as a backdrop, the No. 15 Buckeyes returned to the practice field Monday to try to move on with their season, and their lives.
"It's a good way to relieve the stress," senior goalkeeper Kerry Thompson said. "We needed to get out."
But even time on the practice field brings reminders of Senn. Thompson said it was particularly noticeable during six-on-six scrimmages.
"It seemed like Connor would always come through, steal the ball and go to the other goal," he said. "A couple of guys were talking about it; we were waiting for him to steal the ball, bust through and go to the goal.
"There's even been a couple of times with some of the players with similar builds, with their backs to me, when I kind of think that it's Connor. I guess that's natural."
Freshman defender Eric Schwebach admitted to having similar flashbacks.
"I'll be sitting in my room by the computer and I still expect him to walk through the door, give me one of his smiles," he said. "I feel like he's still with us, especially on the soccer field."
Thompson holds the painful memory of having watched Senn make a slide tackle in front of him against Akron and never get up.
"There's been a ton of times when I'd be lying in bed or sitting behind my desk, and it will go through my head," Thompson said. "I've got to say to myself it was God's will and hopefully there's not any more that I could have done. I thought there was something definitely wrong. I'd seen epileptic seizures before. It reminded me of that, but I could tell something was seriously wrong."
Schwebach will never forget the hours right after Senn's death.
"It was devastating. I was in shock," he said. "I remember going back to the room that night looking at all his pictures on the wall. It was kind of surreal at first. It was insane to think a kid I was hanging out with five hours before, laughing and having a good time, wasn't going to be there tomorrow. I only got a chance to know him three months, but we got so close right away.
"It's been really tough. I've been really depressed the last couple of days. The team is like a family to me, so they've helped me get through it. Everyone's looking out for each other."
The team attended a memorial service Sunday in Granville.
"It was unbelievable," OSU coach John Bluem said. "The family wanted it to be a celebration of Connor's life."
Friends recounted stories, most of them humorous, and each person was given a balloon on which to write a message.
The balloons were released in unison.
"A beautiful picture of Connor was painted by the people who spoke," Bluem said. "There was not a dry eye in the place. It served as closure. He knows we're thinking of him. We feel like he's here every day."
The reality, though, is the season must go on. Before the Akron game (OSU was losing 2-1 with 19 minutes left when the game was called), the Buckeyes (now 6-1-1) had achieved their highest national ranking ever (10th) after beating defending national runner-up, Creighton, en route to winning their own tournament Sept. 21-23.
"We went from the highest high one weekend to three days later being at the lowest point you can on a team sport when a teammate passes away," Thompson said. "It does put it in perspective."
Bluem has an inkling as to how the team will respond on the field.
"My gut feeling is that without us doing much as a coaching staff, or anybody outside of the team doing anything, the tragic event has pulled them together," Bluem said. "It has given them added resolve and determination."
Freshman midfielder Reid Traeger recently put a sign on Schwebach's dorm door that said, "Play like Connor today." Team members had the words put on the front of their new T-shirts. The backs feature Senn's number and name.
" 'To play like Connor' is not necessarily the game of soccer," Bluem said. "It's just the way he lived his life. We can all take a little bit of Connor wherever we go. He was a very caring person."
Schwebach said, "Playing like him is living life to the fullest, living life the way he did."
Connor Senn: GRANVILLE, OSU MOURN LOSS Death of young soccer player leaves many with heavy hearts: Newspaper Obituary and Death Notice
Columbus Dispatch, The (OH) - Saturday, September 29, 2001
Connor Senn: GRANVILLE, OSU MOURN LOSS Death of young soccer player leaves many with heavy hearts
The Granville High football team played at Liberty Union last night, but the thoughts of many of its fans were on former Aces soccer standout Connor Senn.
The freshman walk-on starter for Ohio State collapsed Wednesday during a match at Akron and died a few hours later in Akron City Hospital. The cause of the 18- year-old's death remains unknown, pending a preliminary autopsy report.
"He was like my brother," Granville senior cheerleader Nina Tumbas said. "Our families vacationed together. He was the most amazing person I've ever known."
Tumbas was comforted by cheerleader Therese Harvey. They, like the rest of the cheerleaders, wore silver ribbons featuring the initials "CS."
Despite her pain, Tumbas said she never considered not going to the game.
"I know he would have wanted us to have fun and give 110 percent, just like he always did," Tumbas said.
Granville High instructional aide Judi Watts, wearing a "Granville Soccer" sweatshirt last night in Senn's honor, knew Senn from his days in her study halls.
"He was really a lot of fun, a nice person. He had a dry sense of humor," she said. "He's one of those persons you always remember."
Watts appreciated the fact that Senn, an All-Ohio performer in soccer, downplayed his athletic accomplishments.
"All the publicity never seemed to affect him," she said. "He was always himself."
Paul Birkmeyer and Dominic Pisano, two of the tri-captains on the current Granville soccer team, had Senn's No. 5 pinned to their letter jackets last night. They said the Aces are dedicating the rest of their season to Senn. Today's game against Watkins Memorial was postponed.
"He was a good soccer player," Pisano said, "but he had a big influence at Granville High School. His personality was unsurpassed."
OSU coach John Bluem said, "He's one of those special people, like when somebody walks into the room, you see that smile and know right away this is an honest person, a person who is extremely sincere. He became very good friends with the players in a very, very short period of time."
Bluem's team will honor Senn, but the manner has not been decided. The football Buckeyes will wear decals with Senn's number at OSU (22) on their helmets today at Indiana.
Results of a preliminary autopsy report have yet to be released. For now, the cause of death is being listed as an "unspecified cardiac arrest."
There will be a memorial service for Senn at 4 p.m. Sunday at Swasey Chapel on the Denison University campus in Granville. Both the OSU men's and women's soccer teams have postponed matches that day in order to attend.
His OSU teammates yesterday respectfully declined to be interviewed, but their actions spoke volumes. A trio walked from the parking lot to the Woody Hayes Athletic Center with their hands in their pockets and their heads down. The mood matched that of the gray autumn sky as the team held a closed practice.
"Connor had some special gifts and we can learn from them," Bluem said. "Maybe in some small way if we take on a few of the habits and mannerisms he had, and some of the things that he believed in, then we'll be better people for it."
The McPeek Funeral Home in Granville is handling arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the Connor Senn Memorial Fund, c/o Bank First National -- Granville Office, 222 E. Broadway, Granville, Ohio, 43023.
Columbus Dispatch, The (OH) - Friday, September 28, 2001
Akron Beacon Journal (OH) - Friday, September 28, 2001
SOCCER PLAYER'S DEATH SHOCKS TEAMS, FANS OHIO STATE FRESHMAN SENN APPARENTLY IS VICTIM OF 'UNSPECIFIED CARDIAC EVENT' IN GAME AGAINST AKRON
An Ohio State soccer player died early yesterday morning after collapsing on Lee Jackson Field during a game against the Akron Zips men's team.
Connor Senn, 18, a freshman from Granville, collapsed during the second half of Wednesday night's match against Akron.
He was attended to on the field by the medical staff of both schools, then transported by ambulance to Akron City Hospital.
According to Steve Snapp, spokesman for Ohio State athletics, the cause of death was an unspecified cardiac event.
A Summit County medical examiner ruling is expected.
"The University of Akron joins The Ohio State University community in mourning the death of Connor Senn," Akron director of athletics Michael J. Thomas said. "We all wish to express our profound sympathy to the Senn family and to Connor's friends and teammates. His tragic loss is felt by many."
Amy Myers, Ohio State's team physician for soccer, told the Associated Press it appeared Senn died from some type of heart problem, even though he had no history of coronary illness.
"He had no symptoms and no history coming into his preseason physical that would be worrisome at all," she said.
"I don't think there is any way that this could have been predicted."
Ohio State athletic director Andy Geiger said Senn came out of a game on Friday against Creighton University, complaining of dizziness.
"He was withheld from that game and it was a situation when two players butted heads," Geiger said during a press conference yesterday at Ohio State. "He was cleared to play the game Sunday versus Southwest Missouri State University and played virtually the entire game without any ill effects whatsoever.
There is no indication it was related to that."
Green boys head soccer coach Renato D'Agruma was shocked by the events. D'Agruma was at the game and saw Senn go down.
"It was a big game with a lot of fans and coaches, and when they kid went down, the entire stadium went silent," D'Agruma said.
"We were all feeling the same way, very scared and nervous because as soon as he went down, trainers and other medical personnel were right on him."
Akron coach Ken Lolla said: "There's no question that the incident has shaken our guys up a bit. We're still dealing with it.
"Everyone is taken aback by what happened. Our prayers, thoughts and deepest sympathy goes out to the Senn family and the Ohio State soccer program."
D'Agruma said the problem occurred during a shot-on-goal attempt by Akron. Senn was trying to make a sliding tackle to prevent the shot.
"He went down and never got up," D'Agruma said. "I still can't believe he died. I just can't believe it. I've been a player for over 30 years, in Italy and here in the United States, and I've never seen anything like this happen. It's such a sad, sad thing."
At the time Senn went down, Akron was leading 2-1 with 19:07 remaining in the match, which did not continue.
The Zips were declared the winners, although the last thing fans, coaches and players cared about at the time was the outcome of the match.
"They did the right thing by stopping the game," D'Agruma said. "And I have to tell you, the medical people did a great job. They were performing CPR on him right away."
Senn is survived by his mother, Margaret, and father Lance, a former Ohio State tennis player, and the parents have requested an autopsy.
Senn is the first Ohio State athlete to die during competition.
According to his Buckeyes soccer bio, Senn, was an all-league and all-district team selection from 1998-2000 and was the Mid-State League Player of the Year and an all-state honoree in 2000.
He was a four-year letterwinner and center midfielder at Granville.
Also, Senn has a sister, Molly, and brother Henry, and his bio stated that he enjoyed playing his guitar, skiing and biking and planned to live in the mountains after graduation.
Connor Senn: QUESTIONS SURROUND DEATH OF ATHLETE
The crowd watched in numbed silence as Lance Senn pressed his palms against his son's chest, trying to save his life.
Connor Senn, a freshman soccer player at Ohio State, collapsed during a match at Akron on Wednesday night and never got up.
Senn, 18, was pronounced dead about three hours later, at 11:50 p.m., after being taken by ambulance to Akron City Hospital. Ohio State reported the cause of death as an "unspecified cardiac event."
His father, a dentist in Heath and a former Ohio State tennis player, had rushed onto the field and begun performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation, with assistance from medical personnel from both schools.
Nothing could be done.
"Lance started the CPR and was talking to Connor," said Senn's mother, Margaret, adding that her son was unresponsive from the beginning. "The one thing I'm thankful for is that Dad was there, caring for him and talking to him."
Results of a preliminary autopsy conducted yesterday likely will be known in a few days, said Dr. John Lombardo, head team physician for the OSU Department of Athletics.
"This is a stunning, tragic event," OSU athletics director Andy Geiger said. "To say that the soccer community here is upset would be an understatement."
Senn graduated from Granville High School this past spring and joined the Buckeyes as a walk-on in the summer. He quickly became a starter on defense and had played in eight matches.
Ohio State believes that Senn is its first athlete to die during competition.
The last Buckeye athlete to die while school was in session was football player Jayson Gwinn, whose car collided with another vehicle at W. Lane Avenue and Olentangy River Road in 1993.
The somber scene at Lee Jackson Field in Akron unfolded with about 19 minutes remaining in the match. Senn slid to block a shot and then lay motionless on the damp field.
Ohio State coach John Bluem knew the situation was serious when his players began motioning for help and yelling to call 911.
Ken Dooner of Strongsville watched from the stands as emergency personnel wheeled Senn off the field and into an ambulance.
"Most people knew it was not good, especially when you saw the Ohio State kids hugging each other and crying," he said. "The player I knew from Akron was shaken. He was devastated."
The match was discontinued with Akron ahead. Ohio State has postponed its match Sunday at Wisconsin.
Senn's death remains a mystery; the clues are sketchy at best. He left a match against Creighton with a head injury last Friday but was cleared to play again Sunday.
"It sounds like it was cardiac," said Dr. Amy Meyers, OSU team physician for men's soccer. "It could have been arrhythmia, where there was some change in the heart's rhythm. Sometimes, if you take a direct blow, sometimes that can cause the heart to go into unnormal rhythm. We really don't know what happened."
Lombardo said one key to explaining puzzling deaths is to examine the person's medical history.
"There are certain questions to ask to pick out people at risk. Have they been lightheaded or experienced dizziness?" he said.
Senn passed a physical at the beginning of the season, and a medical background check turned up no history of heart abnormalities, Geiger said.
He did, however, experience dizziness and nausea after the Creighton match.
"It was some sort of knock to the head," Bluem said. "They worked with him in the locker room, and he watched the rest of the game from the bench."
The Ohio State medical staff deemed Senn fit to play against Southwest Missouri State on Sunday, and he played the entire match without complications, Bluem said. Senn also practiced Monday and Tuesday without incident.
It is unclear whether Senn collided with an Akron player. A tape of the game is inconclusive.
"He was going for the ball and went down, but it wasn't the kind where you're running into the goal post or hitting the ground hard," Margaret Senn said.
Senn was relatively injury-free at Granville, where he was named All- Ohio as a senior.
"The only problems he ever had was at the end of the season last year. He had some back spasms," Granville coach John Daulton said. "We had to sit him a game or two."
Senn's death hit especially hard at Granville High School, where he was very popular, Principal Chuck Dilbone said.
"How many students were affected? I tell you grades nine through 12," Dilbone said. "This affected the whole building. That's the type of kid he was. He had the smile and personality that you knew he was a friend of yours when you shook hands with him."
Michael Barch, a former teammate of Senn's at Granville, said his friend was incredibly self-motivated.
"He was just so nice and liked everyone," Barch said. "And he was always so healthy. He lifted weights and went jogging. It's just so strange."
Dilbone said the school already was hurting because of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.
"It's like a cloud was over us. Now that cloud just got bigger," he said.
Ohio State also has been hit hard, Geiger said. He mentioned that the university suffered after former offensive tackle Korey Stringer died of heatstroke this summer, then cried some more after the attacks.
"And then to have a tragedy during a game is just an incredible emotional trauma," he said. "Our prayers and concerns are for the family."
Senn's survivors include his parents; a sister, Molly, 27; and a brother, Henry, 22.
A memorial service is scheduled for 4 p.m. Sunday in Swasey Chapel at Denison University in Granville.
"It will be a celebration of Connor's life," his mother said.
Columbus Dispatch, The (OH) - Friday, September 28, 2001
SENN A memorial service for Lance Connor Senn, 18, of Granville, will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday in Swasey Chapel at Denison University in Granville with Mr. Stephen Wilson officiating. Conner, a 2001 graduate of Granville High School and a freshman at The Ohio State University, died September 26, 2001 at the Akron City Hospital. He was born April 15, 1983 in Newark to Margaret J. and Lance P. Senn, D.D.S. of Granville. Connor loved music, skiing and sports, especially soccer, which he played for the Granville High School Blue Aces, the Columbus Metro-Team Admiral and The Ohio State University Buckeyes. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his sister, Molly Heather Senn of Northampton, Mass.; brother, Henry John Senn of Boulder, Colo.; paternal grandparents, John E. and Charlotte F. Senn of Granville; many aunts, uncles and cousins; special friend, Stephanie Vermillion; and many friends whom he loved and who loved him. Connor was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Jean and George Scully. The McPEEK FUNERAL HOME, Granville, is in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the Connor Senn Memorial Fund c/o Bank First National-Granville Office, 222 E. Broadway, Granville, Oh. 43023.
Lance Connor Senn, "Ohio, Death Index, 1908-1932, 1938-1944, and 1958-2007"
Name: Lance Connor Senn
Event Type: Death
Event Date: 26 Sep 2001
Time: 11:50 PM
Event Place: Akron, Summit, Ohio, United States
Registration Date: 03 Oct 2001
Residence Place: Licking, Ohio, United States
Address: 3936 Hankinson Rd Ne
Residence Postal Code: 43023
Within City Limits: No
Gender: Male
Age: 18
Marital Status: Single
Race: White
Education Level: 12
Military Service: No
Birth Date: 15 Apr 1983
Birthplace: Newark, Licking, Ohio, United States
Father's Surname: Senn
Mother's Surname: Scully
Injury in Ohio: Yes
Hospital Status: Hospital/Inpatient
Referred to Coroner: Referred to Coroner
Autopsy Performed: Autopsy performed
Method of Disposition: Cremation
Connor Senn: CONGENITAL HEART DEFECT KILLED SOCCER PLAYER
Connor Senn's heart could not keep up with the athlete who played soccer with a passion.
The Ohio State freshman died Sept. 26 in Akron during an OSU soccer game against the University of Akron.
Initially, medical personnel described the cause of death as a cardiac event.
Autopsy results released yesterday in Summit County reported that Senn, of Granville, died from a congenital heart defect that restricted blood flow to the heart.
Ohio State team physician Dr. Amy Myers explained that Senn's left coronary artery came off the right side of his aorta, placing it in a narrow space between the aorta and pulmonary artery where it likely became pinched when the chambers of the heart enlarged. Normally, the left artery originates from the left side of the aorta.
"When this happens, exercise, because the heart is pumping more blood to keep up with the exercise, can cause the coronary artery to get squeezed and can lead to sudden death due to restricted blood flow to the heart," Myers said.
When blood supply to the heart is shut off because of the pinching effect, the heart most often experiences an irregular rhythm that cannot sustain life, she said.
"People have died from this even when not exerting themselves very much, but exercise definitely is a contributing factor," Myers said.
Myers emphasized that Senn was born with the condition and had never shown symptoms of having an "anomalous coronary artery origin."
"We don't know why (the soccer game) was the critical time that this happened. Nobody ever knows why it's one time over another," she said. "He was born with this and had exercised to capacity on numerous occasions and never had a problem.
"The vast majority who have this condition, the presenting symptom is sudden death."
Exceptions do exist. People who have a narrowing of the coronary artery can experience chest pain or pass out.
"If you have symptoms like that, it prompts working that up medically, but somebody with this particular problem could have a completely normal stress test and ultrasound," Myers said.
The best way to determine if the condition exists is with a heart magnetic resonance imaging, which is not available in a lot of places, she said.
Myers noted that between 15 percent and 20 percent of people under the age of 35 who die a sudden death have anomalous coronary artery listed as the cause of death, with the left anomalous origin of the coronary artery the most common cause.
Columbus Dispatch, The (OH) - Friday, October 5, 2001
Conner Senn: OSU TO RESUME SEASON WITH HEAVY HEARTS
Conner Senn's presence permeates the Ohio State men's soccer team, even after his death.
It's there on the black sleeve patches with his No. 22 in white, which will be worn Sunday when the team returns to the field, at Michigan State, for the first time since Senn died Sept. 26. And it's there in the commemorative T-shirts that have been made for pregame warm-ups and certain practices.
They serve as reminders of the impact Senn had on the program in a short period.
The freshman walk-on starter from Granville collapsed late in a game at Akron and died at a hospital a few hours later. The cause, initially listed as an "unspecified cardiac arrest," remains a mystery.
"The preliminary autopsy report found nothing," said Amy Meyers, OSU's team physician for men's soccer. "We sent some tissue out for further testing. Nothing is expected back for two to three weeks."
With that as a backdrop, the No. 15 Buckeyes returned to the practice field Monday to try to move on with their season, and their lives.
"It's a good way to relieve the stress," senior goalkeeper Kerry Thompson said. "We needed to get out."
But even time on the practice field brings reminders of Senn. Thompson said it was particularly noticeable during six-on-six scrimmages.
"It seemed like Connor would always come through, steal the ball and go to the other goal," he said. "A couple of guys were talking about it; we were waiting for him to steal the ball, bust through and go to the goal.
"There's even been a couple of times with some of the players with similar builds, with their backs to me, when I kind of think that it's Connor. I guess that's natural."
Freshman defender Eric Schwebach admitted to having similar flashbacks.
"I'll be sitting in my room by the computer and I still expect him to walk through the door, give me one of his smiles," he said. "I feel like he's still with us, especially on the soccer field."
Thompson holds the painful memory of having watched Senn make a slide tackle in front of him against Akron and never get up.
"There's been a ton of times when I'd be lying in bed or sitting behind my desk, and it will go through my head," Thompson said. "I've got to say to myself it was God's will and hopefully there's not any more that I could have done. I thought there was something definitely wrong. I'd seen epileptic seizures before. It reminded me of that, but I could tell something was seriously wrong."
Schwebach will never forget the hours right after Senn's death.
"It was devastating. I was in shock," he said. "I remember going back to the room that night looking at all his pictures on the wall. It was kind of surreal at first. It was insane to think a kid I was hanging out with five hours before, laughing and having a good time, wasn't going to be there tomorrow. I only got a chance to know him three months, but we got so close right away.
"It's been really tough. I've been really depressed the last couple of days. The team is like a family to me, so they've helped me get through it. Everyone's looking out for each other."
The team attended a memorial service Sunday in Granville.
"It was unbelievable," OSU coach John Bluem said. "The family wanted it to be a celebration of Connor's life."
Friends recounted stories, most of them humorous, and each person was given a balloon on which to write a message.
The balloons were released in unison.
"A beautiful picture of Connor was painted by the people who spoke," Bluem said. "There was not a dry eye in the place. It served as closure. He knows we're thinking of him. We feel like he's here every day."
The reality, though, is the season must go on. Before the Akron game (OSU was losing 2-1 with 19 minutes left when the game was called), the Buckeyes (now 6-1-1) had achieved their highest national ranking ever (10th) after beating defending national runner-up, Creighton, en route to winning their own tournament Sept. 21-23.
"We went from the highest high one weekend to three days later being at the lowest point you can on a team sport when a teammate passes away," Thompson said. "It does put it in perspective."
Bluem has an inkling as to how the team will respond on the field.
"My gut feeling is that without us doing much as a coaching staff, or anybody outside of the team doing anything, the tragic event has pulled them together," Bluem said. "It has given them added resolve and determination."
Freshman midfielder Reid Traeger recently put a sign on Schwebach's dorm door that said, "Play like Connor today." Team members had the words put on the front of their new T-shirts. The backs feature Senn's number and name.
" 'To play like Connor' is not necessarily the game of soccer," Bluem said. "It's just the way he lived his life. We can all take a little bit of Connor wherever we go. He was a very caring person."
Schwebach said, "Playing like him is living life to the fullest, living life the way he did."
Connor Senn: GRANVILLE, OSU MOURN LOSS Death of young soccer player leaves many with heavy hearts: Newspaper Obituary and Death Notice
Columbus Dispatch, The (OH) - Saturday, September 29, 2001
Connor Senn: GRANVILLE, OSU MOURN LOSS Death of young soccer player leaves many with heavy hearts
The Granville High football team played at Liberty Union last night, but the thoughts of many of its fans were on former Aces soccer standout Connor Senn.
The freshman walk-on starter for Ohio State collapsed Wednesday during a match at Akron and died a few hours later in Akron City Hospital. The cause of the 18- year-old's death remains unknown, pending a preliminary autopsy report.
"He was like my brother," Granville senior cheerleader Nina Tumbas said. "Our families vacationed together. He was the most amazing person I've ever known."
Tumbas was comforted by cheerleader Therese Harvey. They, like the rest of the cheerleaders, wore silver ribbons featuring the initials "CS."
Despite her pain, Tumbas said she never considered not going to the game.
"I know he would have wanted us to have fun and give 110 percent, just like he always did," Tumbas said.
Granville High instructional aide Judi Watts, wearing a "Granville Soccer" sweatshirt last night in Senn's honor, knew Senn from his days in her study halls.
"He was really a lot of fun, a nice person. He had a dry sense of humor," she said. "He's one of those persons you always remember."
Watts appreciated the fact that Senn, an All-Ohio performer in soccer, downplayed his athletic accomplishments.
"All the publicity never seemed to affect him," she said. "He was always himself."
Paul Birkmeyer and Dominic Pisano, two of the tri-captains on the current Granville soccer team, had Senn's No. 5 pinned to their letter jackets last night. They said the Aces are dedicating the rest of their season to Senn. Today's game against Watkins Memorial was postponed.
"He was a good soccer player," Pisano said, "but he had a big influence at Granville High School. His personality was unsurpassed."
OSU coach John Bluem said, "He's one of those special people, like when somebody walks into the room, you see that smile and know right away this is an honest person, a person who is extremely sincere. He became very good friends with the players in a very, very short period of time."
Bluem's team will honor Senn, but the manner has not been decided. The football Buckeyes will wear decals with Senn's number at OSU (22) on their helmets today at Indiana.
Results of a preliminary autopsy report have yet to be released. For now, the cause of death is being listed as an "unspecified cardiac arrest."
There will be a memorial service for Senn at 4 p.m. Sunday at Swasey Chapel on the Denison University campus in Granville. Both the OSU men's and women's soccer teams have postponed matches that day in order to attend.
His OSU teammates yesterday respectfully declined to be interviewed, but their actions spoke volumes. A trio walked from the parking lot to the Woody Hayes Athletic Center with their hands in their pockets and their heads down. The mood matched that of the gray autumn sky as the team held a closed practice.
"Connor had some special gifts and we can learn from them," Bluem said. "Maybe in some small way if we take on a few of the habits and mannerisms he had, and some of the things that he believed in, then we'll be better people for it."
The McPeek Funeral Home in Granville is handling arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the Connor Senn Memorial Fund, c/o Bank First National -- Granville Office, 222 E. Broadway, Granville, Ohio, 43023.
Columbus Dispatch, The (OH) - Friday, September 28, 2001
Akron Beacon Journal (OH) - Friday, September 28, 2001
SOCCER PLAYER'S DEATH SHOCKS TEAMS, FANS OHIO STATE FRESHMAN SENN APPARENTLY IS VICTIM OF 'UNSPECIFIED CARDIAC EVENT' IN GAME AGAINST AKRON
An Ohio State soccer player died early yesterday morning after collapsing on Lee Jackson Field during a game against the Akron Zips men's team.
Connor Senn, 18, a freshman from Granville, collapsed during the second half of Wednesday night's match against Akron.
He was attended to on the field by the medical staff of both schools, then transported by ambulance to Akron City Hospital.
According to Steve Snapp, spokesman for Ohio State athletics, the cause of death was an unspecified cardiac event.
A Summit County medical examiner ruling is expected.
"The University of Akron joins The Ohio State University community in mourning the death of Connor Senn," Akron director of athletics Michael J. Thomas said. "We all wish to express our profound sympathy to the Senn family and to Connor's friends and teammates. His tragic loss is felt by many."
Amy Myers, Ohio State's team physician for soccer, told the Associated Press it appeared Senn died from some type of heart problem, even though he had no history of coronary illness.
"He had no symptoms and no history coming into his preseason physical that would be worrisome at all," she said.
"I don't think there is any way that this could have been predicted."
Ohio State athletic director Andy Geiger said Senn came out of a game on Friday against Creighton University, complaining of dizziness.
"He was withheld from that game and it was a situation when two players butted heads," Geiger said during a press conference yesterday at Ohio State. "He was cleared to play the game Sunday versus Southwest Missouri State University and played virtually the entire game without any ill effects whatsoever.
There is no indication it was related to that."
Green boys head soccer coach Renato D'Agruma was shocked by the events. D'Agruma was at the game and saw Senn go down.
"It was a big game with a lot of fans and coaches, and when they kid went down, the entire stadium went silent," D'Agruma said.
"We were all feeling the same way, very scared and nervous because as soon as he went down, trainers and other medical personnel were right on him."
Akron coach Ken Lolla said: "There's no question that the incident has shaken our guys up a bit. We're still dealing with it.
"Everyone is taken aback by what happened. Our prayers, thoughts and deepest sympathy goes out to the Senn family and the Ohio State soccer program."
D'Agruma said the problem occurred during a shot-on-goal attempt by Akron. Senn was trying to make a sliding tackle to prevent the shot.
"He went down and never got up," D'Agruma said. "I still can't believe he died. I just can't believe it. I've been a player for over 30 years, in Italy and here in the United States, and I've never seen anything like this happen. It's such a sad, sad thing."
At the time Senn went down, Akron was leading 2-1 with 19:07 remaining in the match, which did not continue.
The Zips were declared the winners, although the last thing fans, coaches and players cared about at the time was the outcome of the match.
"They did the right thing by stopping the game," D'Agruma said. "And I have to tell you, the medical people did a great job. They were performing CPR on him right away."
Senn is survived by his mother, Margaret, and father Lance, a former Ohio State tennis player, and the parents have requested an autopsy.
Senn is the first Ohio State athlete to die during competition.
According to his Buckeyes soccer bio, Senn, was an all-league and all-district team selection from 1998-2000 and was the Mid-State League Player of the Year and an all-state honoree in 2000.
He was a four-year letterwinner and center midfielder at Granville.
Also, Senn has a sister, Molly, and brother Henry, and his bio stated that he enjoyed playing his guitar, skiing and biking and planned to live in the mountains after graduation.
Connor Senn: QUESTIONS SURROUND DEATH OF ATHLETE
The crowd watched in numbed silence as Lance Senn pressed his palms against his son's chest, trying to save his life.
Connor Senn, a freshman soccer player at Ohio State, collapsed during a match at Akron on Wednesday night and never got up.
Senn, 18, was pronounced dead about three hours later, at 11:50 p.m., after being taken by ambulance to Akron City Hospital. Ohio State reported the cause of death as an "unspecified cardiac event."
His father, a dentist in Heath and a former Ohio State tennis player, had rushed onto the field and begun performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation, with assistance from medical personnel from both schools.
Nothing could be done.
"Lance started the CPR and was talking to Connor," said Senn's mother, Margaret, adding that her son was unresponsive from the beginning. "The one thing I'm thankful for is that Dad was there, caring for him and talking to him."
Results of a preliminary autopsy conducted yesterday likely will be known in a few days, said Dr. John Lombardo, head team physician for the OSU Department of Athletics.
"This is a stunning, tragic event," OSU athletics director Andy Geiger said. "To say that the soccer community here is upset would be an understatement."
Senn graduated from Granville High School this past spring and joined the Buckeyes as a walk-on in the summer. He quickly became a starter on defense and had played in eight matches.
Ohio State believes that Senn is its first athlete to die during competition.
The last Buckeye athlete to die while school was in session was football player Jayson Gwinn, whose car collided with another vehicle at W. Lane Avenue and Olentangy River Road in 1993.
The somber scene at Lee Jackson Field in Akron unfolded with about 19 minutes remaining in the match. Senn slid to block a shot and then lay motionless on the damp field.
Ohio State coach John Bluem knew the situation was serious when his players began motioning for help and yelling to call 911.
Ken Dooner of Strongsville watched from the stands as emergency personnel wheeled Senn off the field and into an ambulance.
"Most people knew it was not good, especially when you saw the Ohio State kids hugging each other and crying," he said. "The player I knew from Akron was shaken. He was devastated."
The match was discontinued with Akron ahead. Ohio State has postponed its match Sunday at Wisconsin.
Senn's death remains a mystery; the clues are sketchy at best. He left a match against Creighton with a head injury last Friday but was cleared to play again Sunday.
"It sounds like it was cardiac," said Dr. Amy Meyers, OSU team physician for men's soccer. "It could have been arrhythmia, where there was some change in the heart's rhythm. Sometimes, if you take a direct blow, sometimes that can cause the heart to go into unnormal rhythm. We really don't know what happened."
Lombardo said one key to explaining puzzling deaths is to examine the person's medical history.
"There are certain questions to ask to pick out people at risk. Have they been lightheaded or experienced dizziness?" he said.
Senn passed a physical at the beginning of the season, and a medical background check turned up no history of heart abnormalities, Geiger said.
He did, however, experience dizziness and nausea after the Creighton match.
"It was some sort of knock to the head," Bluem said. "They worked with him in the locker room, and he watched the rest of the game from the bench."
The Ohio State medical staff deemed Senn fit to play against Southwest Missouri State on Sunday, and he played the entire match without complications, Bluem said. Senn also practiced Monday and Tuesday without incident.
It is unclear whether Senn collided with an Akron player. A tape of the game is inconclusive.
"He was going for the ball and went down, but it wasn't the kind where you're running into the goal post or hitting the ground hard," Margaret Senn said.
Senn was relatively injury-free at Granville, where he was named All- Ohio as a senior.
"The only problems he ever had was at the end of the season last year. He had some back spasms," Granville coach John Daulton said. "We had to sit him a game or two."
Senn's death hit especially hard at Granville High School, where he was very popular, Principal Chuck Dilbone said.
"How many students were affected? I tell you grades nine through 12," Dilbone said. "This affected the whole building. That's the type of kid he was. He had the smile and personality that you knew he was a friend of yours when you shook hands with him."
Michael Barch, a former teammate of Senn's at Granville, said his friend was incredibly self-motivated.
"He was just so nice and liked everyone," Barch said. "And he was always so healthy. He lifted weights and went jogging. It's just so strange."
Dilbone said the school already was hurting because of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.
"It's like a cloud was over us. Now that cloud just got bigger," he said.
Ohio State also has been hit hard, Geiger said. He mentioned that the university suffered after former offensive tackle Korey Stringer died of heatstroke this summer, then cried some more after the attacks.
"And then to have a tragedy during a game is just an incredible emotional trauma," he said. "Our prayers and concerns are for the family."
Senn's survivors include his parents; a sister, Molly, 27; and a brother, Henry, 22.
A memorial service is scheduled for 4 p.m. Sunday in Swasey Chapel at Denison University in Granville.
"It will be a celebration of Connor's life," his mother said.
Columbus Dispatch, The (OH) - Friday, September 28, 2001
SENN A memorial service for Lance Connor Senn, 18, of Granville, will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday in Swasey Chapel at Denison University in Granville with Mr. Stephen Wilson officiating. Conner, a 2001 graduate of Granville High School and a freshman at The Ohio State University, died September 26, 2001 at the Akron City Hospital. He was born April 15, 1983 in Newark to Margaret J. and Lance P. Senn, D.D.S. of Granville. Connor loved music, skiing and sports, especially soccer, which he played for the Granville High School Blue Aces, the Columbus Metro-Team Admiral and The Ohio State University Buckeyes. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his sister, Molly Heather Senn of Northampton, Mass.; brother, Henry John Senn of Boulder, Colo.; paternal grandparents, John E. and Charlotte F. Senn of Granville; many aunts, uncles and cousins; special friend, Stephanie Vermillion; and many friends whom he loved and who loved him. Connor was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Jean and George Scully. The McPEEK FUNERAL HOME, Granville, is in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the Connor Senn Memorial Fund c/o Bank First National-Granville Office, 222 E. Broadway, Granville, Oh. 43023.
Lance Connor Senn, "Ohio, Death Index, 1908-1932, 1938-1944, and 1958-2007"
Name: Lance Connor Senn
Event Type: Death
Event Date: 26 Sep 2001
Time: 11:50 PM
Event Place: Akron, Summit, Ohio, United States
Registration Date: 03 Oct 2001
Residence Place: Licking, Ohio, United States
Address: 3936 Hankinson Rd Ne
Residence Postal Code: 43023
Within City Limits: No
Gender: Male
Age: 18
Marital Status: Single
Race: White
Education Level: 12
Military Service: No
Birth Date: 15 Apr 1983
Birthplace: Newark, Licking, Ohio, United States
Father's Surname: Senn
Mother's Surname: Scully
Injury in Ohio: Yes
Hospital Status: Hospital/Inpatient
Referred to Coroner: Referred to Coroner
Autopsy Performed: Autopsy performed
Method of Disposition: Cremation
Columbus Dispatch, The (OH) - Friday, October 26, 2001
Connor Senn: CONGENITAL HEART DEFECT KILLED SOCCER PLAYER
Connor Senn's heart could not keep up with the athlete who played soccer with a passion.
The Ohio State freshman died Sept. 26 in Akron during an OSU soccer game against the University of Akron.
Initially, medical personnel described the cause of death as a cardiac event.
Autopsy results released yesterday in Summit County reported that Senn, of Granville, died from a congenital heart defect that restricted blood flow to the heart.
Ohio State team physician Dr. Amy Myers explained that Senn's left coronary artery came off the right side of his aorta, placing it in a narrow space between the aorta and pulmonary artery where it likely became pinched when the chambers of the heart enlarged. Normally, the left artery originates from the left side of the aorta.
"When this happens, exercise, because the heart is pumping more blood to keep up with the exercise, can cause the coronary artery to get squeezed and can lead to sudden death due to restricted blood flow to the heart," Myers said.
When blood supply to the heart is shut off because of the pinching effect, the heart most often experiences an irregular rhythm that cannot sustain life, she said.
"People have died from this even when not exerting themselves very much, but exercise definitely is a contributing factor," Myers said.
Myers emphasized that Senn was born with the condition and had never shown symptoms of having an "anomalous coronary artery origin."
"We don't know why (the soccer game) was the critical time that this happened. Nobody ever knows why it's one time over another," she said. "He was born with this and had exercised to capacity on numerous occasions and never had a problem.
"The vast majority who have this condition, the presenting symptom is sudden death."
Exceptions do exist. People who have a narrowing of the coronary artery can experience chest pain or pass out.
"If you have symptoms like that, it prompts working that up medically, but somebody with this particular problem could have a completely normal stress test and ultrasound," Myers said.
The best way to determine if the condition exists is with a heart magnetic resonance imaging, which is not available in a lot of places, she said.
Myers noted that between 15 percent and 20 percent of people under the age of 35 who die a sudden death have anomalous coronary artery listed as the cause of death, with the left anomalous origin of the coronary artery the most common cause.
Columbus Dispatch, The (OH) - Friday, October 5, 2001
Conner Senn: OSU TO RESUME SEASON WITH HEAVY HEARTS
Conner Senn's presence permeates the Ohio State men's soccer team, even after his death.
It's there on the black sleeve patches with his No. 22 in white, which will be worn Sunday when the team returns to the field, at Michigan State, for the first time since Senn died Sept. 26. And it's there in the commemorative T-shirts that have been made for pregame warm-ups and certain practices.
They serve as reminders of the impact Senn had on the program in a short period.
The freshman walk-on starter from Granville collapsed late in a game at Akron and died at a hospital a few hours later. The cause, initially listed as an "unspecified cardiac arrest," remains a mystery.
"The preliminary autopsy report found nothing," said Amy Meyers, OSU's team physician for men's soccer. "We sent some tissue out for further testing. Nothing is expected back for two to three weeks."
With that as a backdrop, the No. 15 Buckeyes returned to the practice field Monday to try to move on with their season, and their lives.
"It's a good way to relieve the stress," senior goalkeeper Kerry Thompson said. "We needed to get out."
But even time on the practice field brings reminders of Senn. Thompson said it was particularly noticeable during six-on-six scrimmages.
"It seemed like Connor would always come through, steal the ball and go to the other goal," he said. "A couple of guys were talking about it; we were waiting for him to steal the ball, bust through and go to the goal.
"There's even been a couple of times with some of the players with similar builds, with their backs to me, when I kind of think that it's Connor. I guess that's natural."
Freshman defender Eric Schwebach admitted to having similar flashbacks.
"I'll be sitting in my room by the computer and I still expect him to walk through the door, give me one of his smiles," he said. "I feel like he's still with us, especially on the soccer field."
Thompson holds the painful memory of having watched Senn make a slide tackle in front of him against Akron and never get up.
"There's been a ton of times when I'd be lying in bed or sitting behind my desk, and it will go through my head," Thompson said. "I've got to say to myself it was God's will and hopefully there's not any more that I could have done. I thought there was something definitely wrong. I'd seen epileptic seizures before. It reminded me of that, but I could tell something was seriously wrong."
Schwebach will never forget the hours right after Senn's death.
"It was devastating. I was in shock," he said. "I remember going back to the room that night looking at all his pictures on the wall. It was kind of surreal at first. It was insane to think a kid I was hanging out with five hours before, laughing and having a good time, wasn't going to be there tomorrow. I only got a chance to know him three months, but we got so close right away.
"It's been really tough. I've been really depressed the last couple of days. The team is like a family to me, so they've helped me get through it. Everyone's looking out for each other."
The team attended a memorial service Sunday in Granville.
"It was unbelievable," OSU coach John Bluem said. "The family wanted it to be a celebration of Connor's life."
Friends recounted stories, most of them humorous, and each person was given a balloon on which to write a message.
The balloons were released in unison.
"A beautiful picture of Connor was painted by the people who spoke," Bluem said. "There was not a dry eye in the place. It served as closure. He knows we're thinking of him. We feel like he's here every day."
The reality, though, is the season must go on. Before the Akron game (OSU was losing 2-1 with 19 minutes left when the game was called), the Buckeyes (now 6-1-1) had achieved their highest national ranking ever (10th) after beating defending national runner-up, Creighton, en route to winning their own tournament Sept. 21-23.
"We went from the highest high one weekend to three days later being at the lowest point you can on a team sport when a teammate passes away," Thompson said. "It does put it in perspective."
Bluem has an inkling as to how the team will respond on the field.
"My gut feeling is that without us doing much as a coaching staff, or anybody outside of the team doing anything, the tragic event has pulled them together," Bluem said. "It has given them added resolve and determination."
Freshman midfielder Reid Traeger recently put a sign on Schwebach's dorm door that said, "Play like Connor today." Team members had the words put on the front of their new T-shirts. The backs feature Senn's number and name.
" 'To play like Connor' is not necessarily the game of soccer," Bluem said. "It's just the way he lived his life. We can all take a little bit of Connor wherever we go. He was a very caring person."
Schwebach said, "Playing like him is living life to the fullest, living life the way he did."
Connor Senn: GRANVILLE, OSU MOURN LOSS Death of young soccer player leaves many with heavy hearts: Newspaper Obituary and Death Notice
Columbus Dispatch, The (OH) - Saturday, September 29, 2001
Connor Senn: GRANVILLE, OSU MOURN LOSS Death of young soccer player leaves many with heavy hearts
The Granville High football team played at Liberty Union last night, but the thoughts of many of its fans were on former Aces soccer standout Connor Senn.
The freshman walk-on starter for Ohio State collapsed Wednesday during a match at Akron and died a few hours later in Akron City Hospital. The cause of the 18- year-old's death remains unknown, pending a preliminary autopsy report.
"He was like my brother," Granville senior cheerleader Nina Tumbas said. "Our families vacationed together. He was the most amazing person I've ever known."
Tumbas was comforted by cheerleader Therese Harvey. They, like the rest of the cheerleaders, wore silver ribbons featuring the initials "CS."
Despite her pain, Tumbas said she never considered not going to the game.
"I know he would have wanted us to have fun and give 110 percent, just like he always did," Tumbas said.
Granville High instructional aide Judi Watts, wearing a "Granville Soccer" sweatshirt last night in Senn's honor, knew Senn from his days in her study halls.
"He was really a lot of fun, a nice person. He had a dry sense of humor," she said. "He's one of those persons you always remember."
Watts appreciated the fact that Senn, an All-Ohio performer in soccer, downplayed his athletic accomplishments.
"All the publicity never seemed to affect him," she said. "He was always himself."
Paul Birkmeyer and Dominic Pisano, two of the tri-captains on the current Granville soccer team, had Senn's No. 5 pinned to their letter jackets last night. They said the Aces are dedicating the rest of their season to Senn. Today's game against Watkins Memorial was postponed.
"He was a good soccer player," Pisano said, "but he had a big influence at Granville High School. His personality was unsurpassed."
OSU coach John Bluem said, "He's one of those special people, like when somebody walks into the room, you see that smile and know right away this is an honest person, a person who is extremely sincere. He became very good friends with the players in a very, very short period of time."
Bluem's team will honor Senn, but the manner has not been decided. The football Buckeyes will wear decals with Senn's number at OSU (22) on their helmets today at Indiana.
Results of a preliminary autopsy report have yet to be released. For now, the cause of death is being listed as an "unspecified cardiac arrest."
There will be a memorial service for Senn at 4 p.m. Sunday at Swasey Chapel on the Denison University campus in Granville. Both the OSU men's and women's soccer teams have postponed matches that day in order to attend.
His OSU teammates yesterday respectfully declined to be interviewed, but their actions spoke volumes. A trio walked from the parking lot to the Woody Hayes Athletic Center with their hands in their pockets and their heads down. The mood matched that of the gray autumn sky as the team held a closed practice.
"Connor had some special gifts and we can learn from them," Bluem said. "Maybe in some small way if we take on a few of the habits and mannerisms he had, and some of the things that he believed in, then we'll be better people for it."
The McPeek Funeral Home in Granville is handling arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the Connor Senn Memorial Fund, c/o Bank First National -- Granville Office, 222 E. Broadway, Granville, Ohio, 43023.
Columbus Dispatch, The (OH) - Friday, September 28, 2001
Akron Beacon Journal (OH) - Friday, September 28, 2001
SOCCER PLAYER'S DEATH SHOCKS TEAMS, FANS OHIO STATE FRESHMAN SENN APPARENTLY IS VICTIM OF 'UNSPECIFIED CARDIAC EVENT' IN GAME AGAINST AKRON
An Ohio State soccer player died early yesterday morning after collapsing on Lee Jackson Field during a game against the Akron Zips men's team.
Connor Senn, 18, a freshman from Granville, collapsed during the second half of Wednesday night's match against Akron.
He was attended to on the field by the medical staff of both schools, then transported by ambulance to Akron City Hospital.
According to Steve Snapp, spokesman for Ohio State athletics, the cause of death was an unspecified cardiac event.
A Summit County medical examiner ruling is expected.
"The University of Akron joins The Ohio State University community in mourning the death of Connor Senn," Akron director of athletics Michael J. Thomas said. "We all wish to express our profound sympathy to the Senn family and to Connor's friends and teammates. His tragic loss is felt by many."
Amy Myers, Ohio State's team physician for soccer, told the Associated Press it appeared Senn died from some type of heart problem, even though he had no history of coronary illness.
"He had no symptoms and no history coming into his preseason physical that would be worrisome at all," she said.
"I don't think there is any way that this could have been predicted."
Ohio State athletic director Andy Geiger said Senn came out of a game on Friday against Creighton University, complaining of dizziness.
"He was withheld from that game and it was a situation when two players butted heads," Geiger said during a press conference yesterday at Ohio State. "He was cleared to play the game Sunday versus Southwest Missouri State University and played virtually the entire game without any ill effects whatsoever.
There is no indication it was related to that."
Green boys head soccer coach Renato D'Agruma was shocked by the events. D'Agruma was at the game and saw Senn go down.
"It was a big game with a lot of fans and coaches, and when they kid went down, the entire stadium went silent," D'Agruma said.
"We were all feeling the same way, very scared and nervous because as soon as he went down, trainers and other medical personnel were right on him."
Akron coach Ken Lolla said: "There's no question that the incident has shaken our guys up a bit. We're still dealing with it.
"Everyone is taken aback by what happened. Our prayers, thoughts and deepest sympathy goes out to the Senn family and the Ohio State soccer program."
D'Agruma said the problem occurred during a shot-on-goal attempt by Akron. Senn was trying to make a sliding tackle to prevent the shot.
"He went down and never got up," D'Agruma said. "I still can't believe he died. I just can't believe it. I've been a player for over 30 years, in Italy and here in the United States, and I've never seen anything like this happen. It's such a sad, sad thing."
At the time Senn went down, Akron was leading 2-1 with 19:07 remaining in the match, which did not continue.
The Zips were declared the winners, although the last thing fans, coaches and players cared about at the time was the outcome of the match.
"They did the right thing by stopping the game," D'Agruma said. "And I have to tell you, the medical people did a great job. They were performing CPR on him right away."
Senn is survived by his mother, Margaret, and father Lance, a former Ohio State tennis player, and the parents have requested an autopsy.
Senn is the first Ohio State athlete to die during competition.
According to his Buckeyes soccer bio, Senn, was an all-league and all-district team selection from 1998-2000 and was the Mid-State League Player of the Year and an all-state honoree in 2000.
He was a four-year letterwinner and center midfielder at Granville.
Also, Senn has a sister, Molly, and brother Henry, and his bio stated that he enjoyed playing his guitar, skiing and biking and planned to live in the mountains after graduation.
Connor Senn: QUESTIONS SURROUND DEATH OF ATHLETE
The crowd watched in numbed silence as Lance Senn pressed his palms against his son's chest, trying to save his life.
Connor Senn, a freshman soccer player at Ohio State, collapsed during a match at Akron on Wednesday night and never got up.
Senn, 18, was pronounced dead about three hours later, at 11:50 p.m., after being taken by ambulance to Akron City Hospital. Ohio State reported the cause of death as an "unspecified cardiac event."
His father, a dentist in Heath and a former Ohio State tennis player, had rushed onto the field and begun performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation, with assistance from medical personnel from both schools.
Nothing could be done.
"Lance started the CPR and was talking to Connor," said Senn's mother, Margaret, adding that her son was unresponsive from the beginning. "The one thing I'm thankful for is that Dad was there, caring for him and talking to him."
Results of a preliminary autopsy conducted yesterday likely will be known in a few days, said Dr. John Lombardo, head team physician for the OSU Department of Athletics.
"This is a stunning, tragic event," OSU athletics director Andy Geiger said. "To say that the soccer community here is upset would be an understatement."
Senn graduated from Granville High School this past spring and joined the Buckeyes as a walk-on in the summer. He quickly became a starter on defense and had played in eight matches.
Ohio State believes that Senn is its first athlete to die during competition.
The last Buckeye athlete to die while school was in session was football player Jayson Gwinn, whose car collided with another vehicle at W. Lane Avenue and Olentangy River Road in 1993.
The somber scene at Lee Jackson Field in Akron unfolded with about 19 minutes remaining in the match. Senn slid to block a shot and then lay motionless on the damp field.
Ohio State coach John Bluem knew the situation was serious when his players began motioning for help and yelling to call 911.
Ken Dooner of Strongsville watched from the stands as emergency personnel wheeled Senn off the field and into an ambulance.
"Most people knew it was not good, especially when you saw the Ohio State kids hugging each other and crying," he said. "The player I knew from Akron was shaken. He was devastated."
The match was discontinued with Akron ahead. Ohio State has postponed its match Sunday at Wisconsin.
Senn's death remains a mystery; the clues are sketchy at best. He left a match against Creighton with a head injury last Friday but was cleared to play again Sunday.
"It sounds like it was cardiac," said Dr. Amy Meyers, OSU team physician for men's soccer. "It could have been arrhythmia, where there was some change in the heart's rhythm. Sometimes, if you take a direct blow, sometimes that can cause the heart to go into unnormal rhythm. We really don't know what happened."
Lombardo said one key to explaining puzzling deaths is to examine the person's medical history.
"There are certain questions to ask to pick out people at risk. Have they been lightheaded or experienced dizziness?" he said.
Senn passed a physical at the beginning of the season, and a medical background check turned up no history of heart abnormalities, Geiger said.
He did, however, experience dizziness and nausea after the Creighton match.
"It was some sort of knock to the head," Bluem said. "They worked with him in the locker room, and he watched the rest of the game from the bench."
The Ohio State medical staff deemed Senn fit to play against Southwest Missouri State on Sunday, and he played the entire match without complications, Bluem said. Senn also practiced Monday and Tuesday without incident.
It is unclear whether Senn collided with an Akron player. A tape of the game is inconclusive.
"He was going for the ball and went down, but it wasn't the kind where you're running into the goal post or hitting the ground hard," Margaret Senn said.
Senn was relatively injury-free at Granville, where he was named All- Ohio as a senior.
"The only problems he ever had was at the end of the season last year. He had some back spasms," Granville coach John Daulton said. "We had to sit him a game or two."
Senn's death hit especially hard at Granville High School, where he was very popular, Principal Chuck Dilbone said.
"How many students were affected? I tell you grades nine through 12," Dilbone said. "This affected the whole building. That's the type of kid he was. He had the smile and personality that you knew he was a friend of yours when you shook hands with him."
Michael Barch, a former teammate of Senn's at Granville, said his friend was incredibly self-motivated.
"He was just so nice and liked everyone," Barch said. "And he was always so healthy. He lifted weights and went jogging. It's just so strange."
Dilbone said the school already was hurting because of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.
"It's like a cloud was over us. Now that cloud just got bigger," he said.
Ohio State also has been hit hard, Geiger said. He mentioned that the university suffered after former offensive tackle Korey Stringer died of heatstroke this summer, then cried some more after the attacks.
"And then to have a tragedy during a game is just an incredible emotional trauma," he said. "Our prayers and concerns are for the family."
Senn's survivors include his parents; a sister, Molly, 27; and a brother, Henry, 22.
A memorial service is scheduled for 4 p.m. Sunday in Swasey Chapel at Denison University in Granville.
"It will be a celebration of Connor's life," his mother said.
Columbus Dispatch, The (OH) - Friday, September 28, 2001
SENN A memorial service for Lance Connor Senn, 18, of Granville, will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday in Swasey Chapel at Denison University in Granville with Mr. Stephen Wilson officiating. Conner, a 2001 graduate of Granville High School and a freshman at The Ohio State University, died September 26, 2001 at the Akron City Hospital. He was born April 15, 1983 in Newark to Margaret J. and Lance P. Senn, D.D.S. of Granville. Connor loved music, skiing and sports, especially soccer, which he played for the Granville High School Blue Aces, the Columbus Metro-Team Admiral and The Ohio State University Buckeyes. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his sister, Molly Heather Senn of Northampton, Mass.; brother, Henry John Senn of Boulder, Colo.; paternal grandparents, John E. and Charlotte F. Senn of Granville; many aunts, uncles and cousins; special friend, Stephanie Vermillion; and many friends whom he loved and who loved him. Connor was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Jean and George Scully. The McPEEK FUNERAL HOME, Granville, is in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the Connor Senn Memorial Fund c/o Bank First National-Granville Office, 222 E. Broadway, Granville, Oh. 43023.
Lance Connor Senn, "Ohio, Death Index, 1908-1932, 1938-1944, and 1958-2007"
Name: Lance Connor Senn
Event Type: Death
Event Date: 26 Sep 2001
Time: 11:50 PM
Event Place: Akron, Summit, Ohio, United States
Registration Date: 03 Oct 2001
Residence Place: Licking, Ohio, United States
Address: 3936 Hankinson Rd Ne
Residence Postal Code: 43023
Within City Limits: No
Gender: Male
Age: 18
Marital Status: Single
Race: White
Education Level: 12
Military Service: No
Birth Date: 15 Apr 1983
Birthplace: Newark, Licking, Ohio, United States
Father's Surname: Senn
Mother's Surname: Scully
Injury in Ohio: Yes
Hospital Status: Hospital/Inpatient
Referred to Coroner: Referred to Coroner
Autopsy Performed: Autopsy performed
Method of Disposition: Cremation
Connor Senn: CONGENITAL HEART DEFECT KILLED SOCCER PLAYER
Connor Senn's heart could not keep up with the athlete who played soccer with a passion.
The Ohio State freshman died Sept. 26 in Akron during an OSU soccer game against the University of Akron.
Initially, medical personnel described the cause of death as a cardiac event.
Autopsy results released yesterday in Summit County reported that Senn, of Granville, died from a congenital heart defect that restricted blood flow to the heart.
Ohio State team physician Dr. Amy Myers explained that Senn's left coronary artery came off the right side of his aorta, placing it in a narrow space between the aorta and pulmonary artery where it likely became pinched when the chambers of the heart enlarged. Normally, the left artery originates from the left side of the aorta.
"When this happens, exercise, because the heart is pumping more blood to keep up with the exercise, can cause the coronary artery to get squeezed and can lead to sudden death due to restricted blood flow to the heart," Myers said.
When blood supply to the heart is shut off because of the pinching effect, the heart most often experiences an irregular rhythm that cannot sustain life, she said.
"People have died from this even when not exerting themselves very much, but exercise definitely is a contributing factor," Myers said.
Myers emphasized that Senn was born with the condition and had never shown symptoms of having an "anomalous coronary artery origin."
"We don't know why (the soccer game) was the critical time that this happened. Nobody ever knows why it's one time over another," she said. "He was born with this and had exercised to capacity on numerous occasions and never had a problem.
"The vast majority who have this condition, the presenting symptom is sudden death."
Exceptions do exist. People who have a narrowing of the coronary artery can experience chest pain or pass out.
"If you have symptoms like that, it prompts working that up medically, but somebody with this particular problem could have a completely normal stress test and ultrasound," Myers said.
The best way to determine if the condition exists is with a heart magnetic resonance imaging, which is not available in a lot of places, she said.
Myers noted that between 15 percent and 20 percent of people under the age of 35 who die a sudden death have anomalous coronary artery listed as the cause of death, with the left anomalous origin of the coronary artery the most common cause.
Columbus Dispatch, The (OH) - Friday, October 5, 2001
Conner Senn: OSU TO RESUME SEASON WITH HEAVY HEARTS
Conner Senn's presence permeates the Ohio State men's soccer team, even after his death.
It's there on the black sleeve patches with his No. 22 in white, which will be worn Sunday when the team returns to the field, at Michigan State, for the first time since Senn died Sept. 26. And it's there in the commemorative T-shirts that have been made for pregame warm-ups and certain practices.
They serve as reminders of the impact Senn had on the program in a short period.
The freshman walk-on starter from Granville collapsed late in a game at Akron and died at a hospital a few hours later. The cause, initially listed as an "unspecified cardiac arrest," remains a mystery.
"The preliminary autopsy report found nothing," said Amy Meyers, OSU's team physician for men's soccer. "We sent some tissue out for further testing. Nothing is expected back for two to three weeks."
With that as a backdrop, the No. 15 Buckeyes returned to the practice field Monday to try to move on with their season, and their lives.
"It's a good way to relieve the stress," senior goalkeeper Kerry Thompson said. "We needed to get out."
But even time on the practice field brings reminders of Senn. Thompson said it was particularly noticeable during six-on-six scrimmages.
"It seemed like Connor would always come through, steal the ball and go to the other goal," he said. "A couple of guys were talking about it; we were waiting for him to steal the ball, bust through and go to the goal.
"There's even been a couple of times with some of the players with similar builds, with their backs to me, when I kind of think that it's Connor. I guess that's natural."
Freshman defender Eric Schwebach admitted to having similar flashbacks.
"I'll be sitting in my room by the computer and I still expect him to walk through the door, give me one of his smiles," he said. "I feel like he's still with us, especially on the soccer field."
Thompson holds the painful memory of having watched Senn make a slide tackle in front of him against Akron and never get up.
"There's been a ton of times when I'd be lying in bed or sitting behind my desk, and it will go through my head," Thompson said. "I've got to say to myself it was God's will and hopefully there's not any more that I could have done. I thought there was something definitely wrong. I'd seen epileptic seizures before. It reminded me of that, but I could tell something was seriously wrong."
Schwebach will never forget the hours right after Senn's death.
"It was devastating. I was in shock," he said. "I remember going back to the room that night looking at all his pictures on the wall. It was kind of surreal at first. It was insane to think a kid I was hanging out with five hours before, laughing and having a good time, wasn't going to be there tomorrow. I only got a chance to know him three months, but we got so close right away.
"It's been really tough. I've been really depressed the last couple of days. The team is like a family to me, so they've helped me get through it. Everyone's looking out for each other."
The team attended a memorial service Sunday in Granville.
"It was unbelievable," OSU coach John Bluem said. "The family wanted it to be a celebration of Connor's life."
Friends recounted stories, most of them humorous, and each person was given a balloon on which to write a message.
The balloons were released in unison.
"A beautiful picture of Connor was painted by the people who spoke," Bluem said. "There was not a dry eye in the place. It served as closure. He knows we're thinking of him. We feel like he's here every day."
The reality, though, is the season must go on. Before the Akron game (OSU was losing 2-1 with 19 minutes left when the game was called), the Buckeyes (now 6-1-1) had achieved their highest national ranking ever (10th) after beating defending national runner-up, Creighton, en route to winning their own tournament Sept. 21-23.
"We went from the highest high one weekend to three days later being at the lowest point you can on a team sport when a teammate passes away," Thompson said. "It does put it in perspective."
Bluem has an inkling as to how the team will respond on the field.
"My gut feeling is that without us doing much as a coaching staff, or anybody outside of the team doing anything, the tragic event has pulled them together," Bluem said. "It has given them added resolve and determination."
Freshman midfielder Reid Traeger recently put a sign on Schwebach's dorm door that said, "Play like Connor today." Team members had the words put on the front of their new T-shirts. The backs feature Senn's number and name.
" 'To play like Connor' is not necessarily the game of soccer," Bluem said. "It's just the way he lived his life. We can all take a little bit of Connor wherever we go. He was a very caring person."
Schwebach said, "Playing like him is living life to the fullest, living life the way he did."
Connor Senn: GRANVILLE, OSU MOURN LOSS Death of young soccer player leaves many with heavy hearts: Newspaper Obituary and Death Notice
Columbus Dispatch, The (OH) - Saturday, September 29, 2001
Connor Senn: GRANVILLE, OSU MOURN LOSS Death of young soccer player leaves many with heavy hearts
The Granville High football team played at Liberty Union last night, but the thoughts of many of its fans were on former Aces soccer standout Connor Senn.
The freshman walk-on starter for Ohio State collapsed Wednesday during a match at Akron and died a few hours later in Akron City Hospital. The cause of the 18- year-old's death remains unknown, pending a preliminary autopsy report.
"He was like my brother," Granville senior cheerleader Nina Tumbas said. "Our families vacationed together. He was the most amazing person I've ever known."
Tumbas was comforted by cheerleader Therese Harvey. They, like the rest of the cheerleaders, wore silver ribbons featuring the initials "CS."
Despite her pain, Tumbas said she never considered not going to the game.
"I know he would have wanted us to have fun and give 110 percent, just like he always did," Tumbas said.
Granville High instructional aide Judi Watts, wearing a "Granville Soccer" sweatshirt last night in Senn's honor, knew Senn from his days in her study halls.
"He was really a lot of fun, a nice person. He had a dry sense of humor," she said. "He's one of those persons you always remember."
Watts appreciated the fact that Senn, an All-Ohio performer in soccer, downplayed his athletic accomplishments.
"All the publicity never seemed to affect him," she said. "He was always himself."
Paul Birkmeyer and Dominic Pisano, two of the tri-captains on the current Granville soccer team, had Senn's No. 5 pinned to their letter jackets last night. They said the Aces are dedicating the rest of their season to Senn. Today's game against Watkins Memorial was postponed.
"He was a good soccer player," Pisano said, "but he had a big influence at Granville High School. His personality was unsurpassed."
OSU coach John Bluem said, "He's one of those special people, like when somebody walks into the room, you see that smile and know right away this is an honest person, a person who is extremely sincere. He became very good friends with the players in a very, very short period of time."
Bluem's team will honor Senn, but the manner has not been decided. The football Buckeyes will wear decals with Senn's number at OSU (22) on their helmets today at Indiana.
Results of a preliminary autopsy report have yet to be released. For now, the cause of death is being listed as an "unspecified cardiac arrest."
There will be a memorial service for Senn at 4 p.m. Sunday at Swasey Chapel on the Denison University campus in Granville. Both the OSU men's and women's soccer teams have postponed matches that day in order to attend.
His OSU teammates yesterday respectfully declined to be interviewed, but their actions spoke volumes. A trio walked from the parking lot to the Woody Hayes Athletic Center with their hands in their pockets and their heads down. The mood matched that of the gray autumn sky as the team held a closed practice.
"Connor had some special gifts and we can learn from them," Bluem said. "Maybe in some small way if we take on a few of the habits and mannerisms he had, and some of the things that he believed in, then we'll be better people for it."
The McPeek Funeral Home in Granville is handling arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the Connor Senn Memorial Fund, c/o Bank First National -- Granville Office, 222 E. Broadway, Granville, Ohio, 43023.
Columbus Dispatch, The (OH) - Friday, September 28, 2001
Akron Beacon Journal (OH) - Friday, September 28, 2001
SOCCER PLAYER'S DEATH SHOCKS TEAMS, FANS OHIO STATE FRESHMAN SENN APPARENTLY IS VICTIM OF 'UNSPECIFIED CARDIAC EVENT' IN GAME AGAINST AKRON
An Ohio State soccer player died early yesterday morning after collapsing on Lee Jackson Field during a game against the Akron Zips men's team.
Connor Senn, 18, a freshman from Granville, collapsed during the second half of Wednesday night's match against Akron.
He was attended to on the field by the medical staff of both schools, then transported by ambulance to Akron City Hospital.
According to Steve Snapp, spokesman for Ohio State athletics, the cause of death was an unspecified cardiac event.
A Summit County medical examiner ruling is expected.
"The University of Akron joins The Ohio State University community in mourning the death of Connor Senn," Akron director of athletics Michael J. Thomas said. "We all wish to express our profound sympathy to the Senn family and to Connor's friends and teammates. His tragic loss is felt by many."
Amy Myers, Ohio State's team physician for soccer, told the Associated Press it appeared Senn died from some type of heart problem, even though he had no history of coronary illness.
"He had no symptoms and no history coming into his preseason physical that would be worrisome at all," she said.
"I don't think there is any way that this could have been predicted."
Ohio State athletic director Andy Geiger said Senn came out of a game on Friday against Creighton University, complaining of dizziness.
"He was withheld from that game and it was a situation when two players butted heads," Geiger said during a press conference yesterday at Ohio State. "He was cleared to play the game Sunday versus Southwest Missouri State University and played virtually the entire game without any ill effects whatsoever.
There is no indication it was related to that."
Green boys head soccer coach Renato D'Agruma was shocked by the events. D'Agruma was at the game and saw Senn go down.
"It was a big game with a lot of fans and coaches, and when they kid went down, the entire stadium went silent," D'Agruma said.
"We were all feeling the same way, very scared and nervous because as soon as he went down, trainers and other medical personnel were right on him."
Akron coach Ken Lolla said: "There's no question that the incident has shaken our guys up a bit. We're still dealing with it.
"Everyone is taken aback by what happened. Our prayers, thoughts and deepest sympathy goes out to the Senn family and the Ohio State soccer program."
D'Agruma said the problem occurred during a shot-on-goal attempt by Akron. Senn was trying to make a sliding tackle to prevent the shot.
"He went down and never got up," D'Agruma said. "I still can't believe he died. I just can't believe it. I've been a player for over 30 years, in Italy and here in the United States, and I've never seen anything like this happen. It's such a sad, sad thing."
At the time Senn went down, Akron was leading 2-1 with 19:07 remaining in the match, which did not continue.
The Zips were declared the winners, although the last thing fans, coaches and players cared about at the time was the outcome of the match.
"They did the right thing by stopping the game," D'Agruma said. "And I have to tell you, the medical people did a great job. They were performing CPR on him right away."
Senn is survived by his mother, Margaret, and father Lance, a former Ohio State tennis player, and the parents have requested an autopsy.
Senn is the first Ohio State athlete to die during competition.
According to his Buckeyes soccer bio, Senn, was an all-league and all-district team selection from 1998-2000 and was the Mid-State League Player of the Year and an all-state honoree in 2000.
He was a four-year letterwinner and center midfielder at Granville.
Also, Senn has a sister, Molly, and brother Henry, and his bio stated that he enjoyed playing his guitar, skiing and biking and planned to live in the mountains after graduation.
Connor Senn: QUESTIONS SURROUND DEATH OF ATHLETE
The crowd watched in numbed silence as Lance Senn pressed his palms against his son's chest, trying to save his life.
Connor Senn, a freshman soccer player at Ohio State, collapsed during a match at Akron on Wednesday night and never got up.
Senn, 18, was pronounced dead about three hours later, at 11:50 p.m., after being taken by ambulance to Akron City Hospital. Ohio State reported the cause of death as an "unspecified cardiac event."
His father, a dentist in Heath and a former Ohio State tennis player, had rushed onto the field and begun performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation, with assistance from medical personnel from both schools.
Nothing could be done.
"Lance started the CPR and was talking to Connor," said Senn's mother, Margaret, adding that her son was unresponsive from the beginning. "The one thing I'm thankful for is that Dad was there, caring for him and talking to him."
Results of a preliminary autopsy conducted yesterday likely will be known in a few days, said Dr. John Lombardo, head team physician for the OSU Department of Athletics.
"This is a stunning, tragic event," OSU athletics director Andy Geiger said. "To say that the soccer community here is upset would be an understatement."
Senn graduated from Granville High School this past spring and joined the Buckeyes as a walk-on in the summer. He quickly became a starter on defense and had played in eight matches.
Ohio State believes that Senn is its first athlete to die during competition.
The last Buckeye athlete to die while school was in session was football player Jayson Gwinn, whose car collided with another vehicle at W. Lane Avenue and Olentangy River Road in 1993.
The somber scene at Lee Jackson Field in Akron unfolded with about 19 minutes remaining in the match. Senn slid to block a shot and then lay motionless on the damp field.
Ohio State coach John Bluem knew the situation was serious when his players began motioning for help and yelling to call 911.
Ken Dooner of Strongsville watched from the stands as emergency personnel wheeled Senn off the field and into an ambulance.
"Most people knew it was not good, especially when you saw the Ohio State kids hugging each other and crying," he said. "The player I knew from Akron was shaken. He was devastated."
The match was discontinued with Akron ahead. Ohio State has postponed its match Sunday at Wisconsin.
Senn's death remains a mystery; the clues are sketchy at best. He left a match against Creighton with a head injury last Friday but was cleared to play again Sunday.
"It sounds like it was cardiac," said Dr. Amy Meyers, OSU team physician for men's soccer. "It could have been arrhythmia, where there was some change in the heart's rhythm. Sometimes, if you take a direct blow, sometimes that can cause the heart to go into unnormal rhythm. We really don't know what happened."
Lombardo said one key to explaining puzzling deaths is to examine the person's medical history.
"There are certain questions to ask to pick out people at risk. Have they been lightheaded or experienced dizziness?" he said.
Senn passed a physical at the beginning of the season, and a medical background check turned up no history of heart abnormalities, Geiger said.
He did, however, experience dizziness and nausea after the Creighton match.
"It was some sort of knock to the head," Bluem said. "They worked with him in the locker room, and he watched the rest of the game from the bench."
The Ohio State medical staff deemed Senn fit to play against Southwest Missouri State on Sunday, and he played the entire match without complications, Bluem said. Senn also practiced Monday and Tuesday without incident.
It is unclear whether Senn collided with an Akron player. A tape of the game is inconclusive.
"He was going for the ball and went down, but it wasn't the kind where you're running into the goal post or hitting the ground hard," Margaret Senn said.
Senn was relatively injury-free at Granville, where he was named All- Ohio as a senior.
"The only problems he ever had was at the end of the season last year. He had some back spasms," Granville coach John Daulton said. "We had to sit him a game or two."
Senn's death hit especially hard at Granville High School, where he was very popular, Principal Chuck Dilbone said.
"How many students were affected? I tell you grades nine through 12," Dilbone said. "This affected the whole building. That's the type of kid he was. He had the smile and personality that you knew he was a friend of yours when you shook hands with him."
Michael Barch, a former teammate of Senn's at Granville, said his friend was incredibly self-motivated.
"He was just so nice and liked everyone," Barch said. "And he was always so healthy. He lifted weights and went jogging. It's just so strange."
Dilbone said the school already was hurting because of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.
"It's like a cloud was over us. Now that cloud just got bigger," he said.
Ohio State also has been hit hard, Geiger said. He mentioned that the university suffered after former offensive tackle Korey Stringer died of heatstroke this summer, then cried some more after the attacks.
"And then to have a tragedy during a game is just an incredible emotional trauma," he said. "Our prayers and concerns are for the family."
Senn's survivors include his parents; a sister, Molly, 27; and a brother, Henry, 22.
A memorial service is scheduled for 4 p.m. Sunday in Swasey Chapel at Denison University in Granville.
"It will be a celebration of Connor's life," his mother said.
Columbus Dispatch, The (OH) - Friday, September 28, 2001
SENN A memorial service for Lance Connor Senn, 18, of Granville, will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday in Swasey Chapel at Denison University in Granville with Mr. Stephen Wilson officiating. Conner, a 2001 graduate of Granville High School and a freshman at The Ohio State University, died September 26, 2001 at the Akron City Hospital. He was born April 15, 1983 in Newark to Margaret J. and Lance P. Senn, D.D.S. of Granville. Connor loved music, skiing and sports, especially soccer, which he played for the Granville High School Blue Aces, the Columbus Metro-Team Admiral and The Ohio State University Buckeyes. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his sister, Molly Heather Senn of Northampton, Mass.; brother, Henry John Senn of Boulder, Colo.; paternal grandparents, John E. and Charlotte F. Senn of Granville; many aunts, uncles and cousins; special friend, Stephanie Vermillion; and many friends whom he loved and who loved him. Connor was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Jean and George Scully. The McPEEK FUNERAL HOME, Granville, is in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the Connor Senn Memorial Fund c/o Bank First National-Granville Office, 222 E. Broadway, Granville, Oh. 43023.
Lance Connor Senn, "Ohio, Death Index, 1908-1932, 1938-1944, and 1958-2007"
Name: Lance Connor Senn
Event Type: Death
Event Date: 26 Sep 2001
Time: 11:50 PM
Event Place: Akron, Summit, Ohio, United States
Registration Date: 03 Oct 2001
Residence Place: Licking, Ohio, United States
Address: 3936 Hankinson Rd Ne
Residence Postal Code: 43023
Within City Limits: No
Gender: Male
Age: 18
Marital Status: Single
Race: White
Education Level: 12
Military Service: No
Birth Date: 15 Apr 1983
Birthplace: Newark, Licking, Ohio, United States
Father's Surname: Senn
Mother's Surname: Scully
Injury in Ohio: Yes
Hospital Status: Hospital/Inpatient
Referred to Coroner: Referred to Coroner
Autopsy Performed: Autopsy performed
Method of Disposition: Cremation
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