Huskies notebook: Emotional night as UW honors James

SEATTLE — The University of Washington and its fans honored legendary football coach Don James on Saturday night, and those tributes were a big part — and certainly an emotional part — of the homecoming game against California at Husky Stadium.

The tributes were a fitting remembrance of James, who died last Sunday at his Kirkland home from the effects of pancreatic cancer. He was 80.

“It was a great night to honor coach James,” UW head coach Steve Sarkisian said. “He and his family deserve much more than we could’ve even done tonight.”

The James family, including wife Carol, son Jeff James, and daughters Jill Woodruff and Jeni Simmons, appeared on the field for the pregame coin toss. They were joined by 10 grandchildren and other extended family members.

Later, the entire halftime program was dedicated to James. It began with a video presentation that highlighted James’ career accomplishments at Washington. The marching band then played a selection of songs from the James era, including the Kool and the Gang classic, “Celebration,” which was a James favorite.

The halftime ceremony closed with the introduction of scores of former James players, who formed a tunnel for the Huskies as they returned to the field for the second half.

To make time for the tribute, athletic department officials moved the traditional homecoming ritual of blanket-bearing UW athletic alumni forming a corridor for the team coming onto the field from halftime to pregame.

There were also circular insignias with the initials “DJ” on both 25-yard lines.

Touchingly, the UW marching band presented the American flag on the field before the game in its traditional manner, but then lowered the flag to half staff in honor of James.

Earlier Saturday, the James family raised a large purple “DJ” flag atop the Space Needle.

James coached the Huskies from 1975 to his abrupt resignation in protest of conference sanctions against his program just weeks before the 1993 season opener. During his 18 seasons, he guided Washington to a 153-57-2 record and six Rose Bowl appearances, including four Rose Bowl wins. His 1991 team shared the national championship with Miami.

A public memorial service for James will take place at 3 p.m. today at Alaska Airlines Arena on the UW campus. Doors open at 2 p.m.

Sankey tops 1,000 yards

For the second time in his UW career, junior running back Bishop Sankey has topped 1,000 rushing yards for a season. Sankey, who finished Saturday’s 41-17 win over Cal with 241 yards on 27 carries, went over 1,000 with a 32-yard carry early in the second quarter. He is the fourth Husky running back to reach 1,000 yards twice in a career.

Sankey also had his 28th and 29th career rushing touchdowns, moving him into a tie for third place all-time with Jake Locker and Rashaan Shehee.

Charles, Shirley out

Offensive guard Dexter Charles, a Stanwood High School graduate, missed his second straight game with a shoulder injury.

Also missing was defensive end Josh Shirley, who was on the team’s depth chart before the game. Instead he watched the game in street clothes from the UW sideline, the victim of a strained calf muscle.

Big boot

UW place-kicker Travis Coons kicked a 46-yard field goal late in the first quarter. It was a career-long kick for Coons, a senior.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27

Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.