As I was sitting in the Coliseum this weekend watching what was advertised as a football contest (believe me it was no contest) between our beloved Huskies and the Trojans from USC, I started to think back. I tried to remember some of the great times, great games and exciting moments I had in my playing days as a Husky.

It made it so much easier to remember with all of the former Huskies who were there with me. Do you remember Donald Jones, Charles Mincy, Shane Pahukoa, Tommy Smith, David Kilpatrick, Lamar Lyons, Brendan Jones, Maurice Shaw, Derrell Daniels, and Ken Walker?

After USC's interception on the one-yard line squashed the Huskies' best chance of scoring, we all decided to head out to the parking lot to do a little post-game tailgating and take a walk down memory lane. 

When I think of the moments on the field that I cherish most, a few stick out in my mind. Do you remember 1990, when an undefeated and sixth ranked USC team came into Husky Stadium on a sunny Saturday afternoon, expecting to have their way with the Dawgs? By the time it was all over, we had throttled them 33-to-ZERO, and all they saw was purple. Personally, I ran for over 160 yards and also had my biggest day as a receiver to that point.

I also had a pretty good time in the Rose Bowl at the end of that season. After suffering a bad knee injury in the next to last game of the season vs. UCLA, I battled back through grueling rehab to rush for over 140 yards in the Grand Daddy of them all.

I remember the Cal game my senior year, where it seemed like every carry I had was the breaking of another Husky rushing record, my most productive day as a Dawg!

 

Here is what some of the other guys had to say: 

Charles Mincy, lock down cornerback from 1988-90, remembers that same 1991 Rose Bowl contest, as he was named Player of the Game by ABC Television. He had two interceptions, returning one for a touchdown. 

Donald Jones, outside linebacker from 1987-91, had numerous great performances, but the National Championship game where he recorded three sacks to help the Dawgs claim the ultimate prize, stood out to him. 

Shane Pahukoa and Tommy Smith, both safeties from 1989-92, said the atmosphere of the Nebraska game in 1991 was electric and catapulted the Huskies toward that magnificent 12-0 run. Shane said "the second half was the moment we knew we were the best team in the country". 

Lamar Lyons, safety and David Killpatrick, linebacker, both Huskies from 1991-94, said the 'Whammy in Miami' was the most fun they ever had on a football field. Watching the Husky faithful tear down that tomb stone marked 59 was awesome. 

Brendan Jones, safety and Maurice Shaw, running back, both with the Purple and Gold in 1998, reminisced of the 'Miracle in the Desert'. That last second pass from Brock Huard to Reggie Davis was the classic last second pass that still gets them excited today.  

Derrell Daniels, linebacker from 1997-2000 and Ken Walker, fullback from 1998-2001, said that they were in awe of Marques Tuiasosopo and some of the things he did. The Stanford game, where Marques went for 200 yards rushing and 300 yards passing was great, but the Rose Bowl performance was also a work of art.

I feel bad for the seniors on this year's team. What are going to be the 'Magic Moments' that they will forever remember? What outstanding games will they have to their credit? I know they all came to Washington because they saw some of those great teams and great games. Sadly, their careers will end without being a part of great Husky teams or of legendary plays. I do however applaud them for their never giving up, staying through the hard times and exemplifying the class and dignity that the Husky program embodies. I for one will remember them, the seniors of 2008, and I hope all Husky fans will as well.