With Gary Libey’s help, you nailed the essence of Jim Walden. I met with Jim in 1982 when WSU Athletics was instituting a football donor seating program. I wanted his take on what a fair allocation of seats between donors and students would look like. Back then he knew WSU needed more revenue in order to compete so he urged a compromise. Then he said, “Pete, I want those students as close [along the sidelines] to my team as possible! I want my boys to feel the energy of the Cougs.”
Nicely done John - I’m going to miss the monthly lunches with Coach. He was authentic, and a coach without a filter - such a great loss for Cougar Nation - and everyone he encountered and befriended throughout his journey.
He was beloved. Remember getting to the Holiday Bowl in 1981. Cougs started to believe they belonged and could have real success. Jim was the catalyst. Great piece!
WOW! What a great tribute to a GREAT American on our 250th birthday! Would love to hear some of his famous stories in print if you can do them justice.
Jim Walden was so great for Cougar athletics and for college football in general. Just a great guy and a very creative coach. WSU was fighting an uphill battle when he took the head job. Some games were in Spokane, including the Apple Cup. USC wouldn't come to Pullman, everything felt like a battle. Walden brought games to Pullman, some wins in the Apple Cup, and in USC's first trip to the Palouse in decades, WSU defeated the Trojans.
Jim was just a genuine great guy. Thanks for the memories, Jim. You lived a very rich life.
A great tribute to an unforgettable football coach and human. It was really good to get Judge Libey's memories for this piece. Thanks, John. Appreciate it.
They just don't make the Jim Walden's, Mike Leach's or Dee Andros's anymore. College football is running out of true football coaches and the country/college football is the poorer for it. As a Beaver fan, I LOVED listening to Coach Walden call a game! So raw and honest. He wore his heart on his sleeve no matter what. We desperately need more Jim Walden's in this world!! RIP Coach, the world is a better place because you were in it.
I can't find the kleenex to blow my nose and wipe my eyes. Another great story!!
I have to admit I thought of you when reading the paragraph, "We write checks to hear him talk because we loved him so much." Kinda reminds me of how we readers feel about you....how we partially fund your projects just to hear you talk! LOL
My prayers go out to the Walden family--and the Libey family!!
Loved the guy. The Don James - Jim Walden relationship provided a plethora of classics like when James said, “getting a degree from WSU is a good thing - it teaches you not to expect too much in life.” He was a dude.
Your ability to write on such a personal level makes me wish I had known Coach Walden. Although I feel like I kind of do now. Thanks John and Happy 4th to everyone.
With Gary Libey’s help, you nailed the essence of Jim Walden. I met with Jim in 1982 when WSU Athletics was instituting a football donor seating program. I wanted his take on what a fair allocation of seats between donors and students would look like. Back then he knew WSU needed more revenue in order to compete so he urged a compromise. Then he said, “Pete, I want those students as close [along the sidelines] to my team as possible! I want my boys to feel the energy of the Cougs.”
Thanks for the wonderful tribute to a great COUG.
Love this. Thanks Dan.
An appropriate read in the 4th of July. Something all-American in the Walden story ..... nice tribute, John.
A slice of Americana.
Nicely done John - I’m going to miss the monthly lunches with Coach. He was authentic, and a coach without a filter - such a great loss for Cougar Nation - and everyone he encountered and befriended throughout his journey.
You get it. Thank you for this.
Was at WSU from 1980 - 1984. Tremendous memories.
He was beloved. Remember getting to the Holiday Bowl in 1981. Cougs started to believe they belonged and could have real success. Jim was the catalyst. Great piece!
validated the program.
WOW! What a great tribute to a GREAT American on our 250th birthday! Would love to hear some of his famous stories in print if you can do them justice.
Thank you, Don.
Jim Walden was so great for Cougar athletics and for college football in general. Just a great guy and a very creative coach. WSU was fighting an uphill battle when he took the head job. Some games were in Spokane, including the Apple Cup. USC wouldn't come to Pullman, everything felt like a battle. Walden brought games to Pullman, some wins in the Apple Cup, and in USC's first trip to the Palouse in decades, WSU defeated the Trojans.
Jim was just a genuine great guy. Thanks for the memories, Jim. You lived a very rich life.
Nice--so glad he and team got a win at home against USC!
RIP Coach ...
A great tribute to an unforgettable football coach and human. It was really good to get Judge Libey's memories for this piece. Thanks, John. Appreciate it.
That intersection fascinates me.
An ode to a friend, so incredibly poignant.
Good friendship.
I sure do enjoy your personal stories about life and down to earth people. They are the best of you for me and us I suppose.
Thank you Steve.
They just don't make the Jim Walden's, Mike Leach's or Dee Andros's anymore. College football is running out of true football coaches and the country/college football is the poorer for it. As a Beaver fan, I LOVED listening to Coach Walden call a game! So raw and honest. He wore his heart on his sleeve no matter what. We desperately need more Jim Walden's in this world!! RIP Coach, the world is a better place because you were in it.
Dang it, John.....
I can't find the kleenex to blow my nose and wipe my eyes. Another great story!!
I have to admit I thought of you when reading the paragraph, "We write checks to hear him talk because we loved him so much." Kinda reminds me of how we readers feel about you....how we partially fund your projects just to hear you talk! LOL
My prayers go out to the Walden family--and the Libey family!!
thank you for posting here
One of the best and certainly a true “unforgettable”
Signed Lifelong HuskyFan
Loved the guy. The Don James - Jim Walden relationship provided a plethora of classics like when James said, “getting a degree from WSU is a good thing - it teaches you not to expect too much in life.” He was a dude.
Your ability to write on such a personal level makes me wish I had known Coach Walden. Although I feel like I kind of do now. Thanks John and Happy 4th to everyone.
You hit the nail on the head by linking friendship and humor in your column. Thank you for sharing two men who defined the Pac 12.