Mark and Sherry Rotruck, center, stand with a photo of Andrew and daughters, Brandy Crawford, left and Brean Mumaw at the 13th annual Andrew Rotruck Scholarship Bingo fundraiser. Angela Surratt, the Rotruck’s third daughter, was not present. Photo by Toni Milbourne

SHEPHERDSTOWN–For 13 years, one Jefferson County family has kept the memory of their son alive while working to give back to a part of the community he loved the most.

Andrew Rotruck, a member of the 2007 state championship Jefferson High School baseball team, was killed in an automobile accident in Cumberland, Maryland on Sept. 2, 2008. At the time of his death, Andrew had moved from Jefferson and was playing his beloved sport, baseball, at Potomac State College; however, he continued to be a part of his hometown community. The loss shattered hearts in Jefferson County, leaving an empty spot that still brings tears today.

To honor their son’s memory, Mark and Sherry Rotruck began a scholarship in his name to assist future Jefferson High baseball players with their educational futures. This year marks the 13th year the family and other supporters have hosted the Andrew Rotruck Memorial Scholarship bingo fundraiser at Shepherdstown Fire Hall. As is the case each year, the firehall was packed on Sunday, with those who came out to support the cause and raise funds to keep the scholarship alive.

Speaking to those gathered for some games of chance, Mark Rotruck shared that since the inception of the fundraiser, they have been able to donate between $90,000 and $100,000 of funds to both the Jefferson High School baseball program and to scholarships for those who played ball at the school and who will play ball at the collegiate level.

As in past years, multiple businesses and individuals stepped up with donations of baskets, door prizes and their time to help make the event a continued success. While today’s players on Jefferson’s team have no recollection of Andrew Rotruck, they learn his story as they practice in the Andrew Rotruck batting facility that was dedicated in his name. In the facility his jersey, #24, now retired, can be seen on display.

Sunday, during the bingo games that, for the most part, paid out $100 to the winner, an additional $100 was given by a supporter of the event, when the winning player called bingo on I-24. There were four different games where I-24 was the winning number–something that is totally by chance as the numbers pop up at random in the bingo machine.

Any who wish to donate to the Andrew Rotruck Scholarship Fund may contact Jefferson High School for specific information on how to do so.