An Open Letter to Jim Lambright: By Doug Parris

On learning of his battle with cancer, I wanted to thank Coach Lambright for the inestimable contribution he made as a coach at the UW.

First and foremost Jim heroically absorbed a huge amount of the impact of unscrupulous leadership from the Athletic Director’s office. It was clear to those of us familiar with the stratagems of the politically corrupt that there was a war going on, initially from the office of the President on down, against the legacy of traditional American character that had been long established in the football program. Jim’s steady hand and level-headed reactions, even while under attack were exceptional. They clearly contributed to the conditions that made it possible for the Providential justice that was meted out this year. The architects of the Persecution have been banished, their legacy of shame exposed. Thank you, Jim.

The success on the field under Coach Lambright, even under extraordinarily adverse circumstances, puts his record among the very top football coaches in the school’s history. And this, at a school with a very long and rich football tradition, that holds an NCAA record for consecutive victories. That this record of success was accomplished under the circumstances of severe and unjustly levied penalties, a dishonest and viciously hostile local media, and an Athletic Director who acted in league with the football program’s antagonists, makes it all the more outstanding. The University has no comparable accomplishment. Thank you, Jim.

Jim’s ongoing work at the Lambright Foundation deserves mention as an example of the man’s character, but never let it be forgotten that beyond the character, beyond his patient endurance of the hardships of persecution and slander, Jim Lambright was a great football coach.

The clouds that gathered over the program at the departure of Mike Lude are finally dissolving. Now we may openly proclaim Jim Lambright as one of the great Huskies, his successes undiminished by those whose actions, from within the University, worked mightily towards the program’s demise.

For all of us: Thank you, Jim.

Doug Parris  

www.TheReaganWing.com

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Editor's note, Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us, Doug.