UW to unveil Don James statue on Friday

SEATTLE — The University of Washington is unveiling a new statue Friday honoring legendary Huskies football coach Don James.

The statue was funded by James’ former players, fellow coaches, family and friends.

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The statue was sculpted by Lou Cella, who also created a statue of former Mariners broadcaster Dave Niehaus and Baseball Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr.

Standing at 8 feet 6 inches and weighing about 500 pounds, the sculpture will be installed to face the Northwest Plaza’s rose garden.

Friday’s event will be hosted by broadcaster Bob Rondeau and include remarks from Washington athletic director Jennifer Cohen, Husky Hall of Famer Warren Moon and former coach Gary Pinkel.

The university is encouraging fans to attend the public dedication at 5 p.m. Friday in the Northwest Plaza outside of Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium.

James served as the Washington head football coach for 18 seasons from 1975 to 1992. He led the Huskies to the 1991 National Championship, four Rose Bowl victories, an Orange Bowl victory and a career record with Washington of 153-57-2. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1997.

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James died from pancreatic cancer at his home in 2013. He was 80.

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