October 30, 2011--We, at Southwestern Community College, are trying to come to grips with the sudden and unexpected loss of Southwestern Community College student-athlete Chrystal Olerich (pictured at right). Olerich, a freshman at Southwestern, and two other SWCC students—Samantha Weed and Kaley Folkerts—were involved in a one-vehicle accident early Saturday morning just outside of Hopkins, MO.
We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Chrystal’s family during this extremely difficult time. Chrystal, who wore number nine for the Spartan volleyball team, had a passion for volleyball that runs deep from her family roots. She had played the sport since she was a little girl. Coaches say she was a great teammate, did her best every day, and always accepted the assignments she was given on the court. She will be remembered by her teammates for her outgoing and friendly personality and her dedication to their sport.
Funeral arrangements for Chrystal are being handled by Farber & Otteman Funeral Homes.
Also sustaining fatal injuries in the accident was Joshua Bix, a 2009 SWCC business systems networking graduate, from Hopkins, MO. Our sympathies go to the Bix family during this time of tragic loss. Josh was a part of SWCC’s computer club and a member of the college’s cyber defense team that placed 12th nationally at the 2009 National Cyber Defense Competition.