Don James Statue Dedication Announced for October 27
October 22, 2017 | Football, General
The University of Washington department of athletics has announced details on the unveiling of a new statue honoring legendary Huskies head football coach Don James.
Fans are encouraged to attend a public dedication on Friday, October 27 at 5 p.m. in the northwest plaza outside of Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium.
Bob Rondeau will host the dedication, which will include remarks from Director of Athletics Jennifer Cohen, Husky Hall of Famer Warren Moon and former coach Gary Pinkel.
Sculpted by artist Lou Cella (Timeless Creations and Fine Arts Studio of Rotblatt- Amrany, Highwood, IL), the statue captures James in a posture familiar to many longtime Huskies fans; determined, with arms crossed and wearing his signature purple cap with gold "W". The statue was funded by Coach James' former players, fellow coaches, family and friends.
The statue, standing at 8'6" and approximately 500 lbs, will be installed to face the Northwest Plaza's rose garden, paying homage to James' longstanding focus and determination to guide Washington to the Rose Bowl, where he led the Huskies to four victories in six appearances.
ABOUT DON JAMES
A native of Massillon, Ohio, James served as the head football coach at the University of Washington from Dec. 1974 to Aug. 1993 (18 seasons). During his tenure, James led the Huskies to the 1991 national championship, four Rose Bowl victories, an Orange Bowl victory, and a then-record 98 wins in Pac-10 conference play, en route to a career record of 153-57-2, and a .722 winning percentage. In 1997, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. James died of pancreatic cancer in 2013 at the age of 80.
