California Golden Bears Athletics
Remembering American Hero, Former Bear Mark Bingham
9/11/2026 5:06 PM | Rugby
Cal Rugby Honors Bingham’s Life, Legacy And Sacrifice On The 25th Anniversary Of 9/11
On the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, California rugby remembers and honors the life of former Golden Bear Mark Bingham and the ultimate sacrifice he made.
The United States was plunged into chaos and devastation on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, as terrorists carried out attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. United flight 93 was another hijacked aircraft that posed a threat to the U.S. Capitol Building, with Bingham among the passengers on board.
Bingham, along with three other American heroes, recognized the imminent threat and made the decision to fight for control of the aircraft. They stormed the plane's cockpit and, following a physical struggle with the terrorists, succeeded in thwarting the hijackers' plans. The plane crashed into an open field in Pennsylvania, and their heroic actions saved countless lives in our nation's capital.
Bingham was a 6-foot-4 backrower for the Bears and a member of the 1991 national championship team and varsity letterwinner. He graduated from Cal in 1993 with a bachelor's degree in social sciences, with an emphasis on international relations. Following his graduation, he worked as a public relations executive before founding his own company, the Bingham Group.
Bingham has been remembered and honored in numerous ways since his tragic passing. He was posthumously awarded the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the 2002 ESPYs, and a biennial rugby tournament was established in his honor. The Bingham Cup is now recognized as one of the premier competitions for gay and inclusive rugby, a community for which Bingham was an advocate. In 2021, Bingham and Jeremy Glick, a fellow rugger and passenger on Flight 93, were presented with the Chairman's Award by the U.S. Rugby Foundation.
At Cal, Bingham's legacy continues to live on in several ways, including the Mark Bingham Award for Excellence in Achievement by Young Alumni. The University established the annual award to recognize a Cal graduate who has made a significant contribution to their community, country or the world. Cal rugby alumnus Stuart Shiff and his wife, Josie, also established the Mark Bingham Rugby Backrow Endowment, one of the positional endowments that supports the program each year. A charcoal impression of the etching of Bingham's name at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York is also on display in the Doc Hudson Fieldhouse at Witter Rugby Field.
Cal rugby members continue to honor Bingham each year, including this year's memorial run in remembrance of their fallen fellow Bear. The entire team gathered at the Simpson Center for High Performance at the top of campus before running past Berkeley landmarks, including the Campanile tower and the half-mast flag outside California Hall. The team then paused for a moment of reflection in Bingham's honor.
"It is a solemn day for us," head coach Jack Clark said. "Our remembrance of 9/11 and Mark is always difficult, and although the sorrow continues to stay with us, we are also proud of Mark and his bravery. Mark is an American hero who gave his life to save others and defeat the terrorists. His courage still speaks powerfully."
