Remembering and missing our great friend Woodsy
Robservations ...
As much as we dearly miss Warren Woods, who spent half of his 66 years as a sportscaster in Regina, it is so comforting to hear the flood of tributes that have been given to a great friend. Since Wednesday, when it was announced that Woodsy had died, several readers have been kind enough to provide their recollections. Jeannie Mckillop echoed the sentiments of many when she wrote, via email, that “I didn't know him personally, but I felt like I did.”
From Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe on Wednesday: “I am saddened to hear of the passing of one of Saskatchewan's most popular sports broadcasters, Warren Woods. Saskatchewan lost a great friend today.”
Regina Rosemont MLA Trent Wotherspoon: “Warren Woods was not just a fixture in sports in Regina. He was a good friend to so many and our community. He was a kind, humorous and fun storyteller. Sending love to his family. He will be missed and remembered fondly by so many.”
Saskatchewan Roughriders: “Woodsy covered the Saskatchewan Roughriders for more than three decades and his passion for local sports was unmatched. We will miss his smiling face at Mosaic Stadium and send our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and loved ones.”
Former Roughriders quarterback Kerry Joseph: “Rest easily Woodsy. You will be missed by many. Prayers for his family.”
CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie: “So sad to learn of the passing of Warren Woods. A joy to work with. He will be missed. Such a loss.”
Small World, Part 1: Former Roughriders safety Bruce Bennett, who died Jan. 12, starred in football at Valdosta High School in his native Georgia before going to excel with the University of Florida Gators and in the CFL. Rhett Dawson, like Bennett a member of the Roughriders'
Plaza of Honour, also starred for the Valdosta Wildcats and played under their legendary head coach, Wright Bazemore. Bennett and Dawson are both in the Valdosta High Hall of Fame — as is Red Dawson, Rhett's older brother. Bennett and Red Dawson were teammates at Valdosta High. For a portion of the time Bennett spent with the Wildcats football team, the Dawsons' sister (Lucille) was a member of the Valdosta cheerleading squad. Lucille later became a two-time all-state basketball player.
Small World, Part 2: Bennett's coaching career included 10 years at Ware County High School in Waycross, Ga. One of his most accomplished players was Tim Mccray, who went on to star for the Roughriders and eventually join Bennett in the Plaza. Bennett helped the Roughriders win the first Grey Cup championship in franchise history on Nov. 26, 1966 — 23 years to the day before Mccray scored a touchdown during Saskatchewan's second title-winning effort.
Mccray was named the Roughriders' most outstanding player in 1989. That is a neat feat when you consider that the roster included 16 other future Plaza inductees — Kent Austin, Tom Burgess, Ray Elgaard, Don Narcisse, Jeff Fairholm, Roger Aldag, Bob Poley, Mike Anderson, Vic Stevenson, Bobby Jurasin, Vince Goldsmith, Gary Lewis, Glen Suitor, Dan Rashovich, Eddie Lowe and Dave Ridgway. In addition to rushing for 1,285 yards in 1989, Mccray caught 75 passes for 749 yards and returned 29 kickoffs for 650 yards.
Nice people who deserve a plug: Nicole Woods, Chris Woods, Sloan Woods, Jack Woods.