Past Washington Huskies Looking Forward: Damon Huard

As we try to make it through the Dawg days of summer, it seemed like a good time to catch up with some Huskies of the past, and get their thoughts from the past, as well as looking forward.

This week, we were able to catch up with Husky Quarterback Damon Huard (1991-1995) after the Fourth of July holiday.

What is your best memory of being a Husky?

Wow. It’s really hard to pick just one. One of the great memories was from my Sophomore year versus Cal, and their former Husky Head Coach Keith Gilbertson. It was an away game with a tough crowd, and only my fourth or fifth start ever. Over the course of the game, I had thrown four interceptions, and we were down big.

In last two minutes, we rallied, marched down the field and scored a touchdown. We recovered the subsequent onside kick, and drove for another TD.

When it was all said and done, we ended up winning the game in great way, versus my former coach in a hostile environment. At the end of the game, my teammates carried me off the field, and I’ll never forget that.

Another great memory was the “Whammy in Miami.” We were down at the half, and it was Florida hot—considerably warmer than the fall in Seattle. In the second half, we pounded them and forced our will upon them.

Our Husky offense bullied a powerful Hurricane defense that included Ray Lewis and Warren Sapp. We sent some of them to the sidelines along the way, and beat them in their house, ending their long win streak.

What do you think is the most special thing about the UW?

Your time at University of Washington is something that you take with you for the rest of your life. So many UW alums stay active in this community. The Huskies share a special bond with this town and these people that can never be taken away. You can carry the friendships, relationships and memories with you forever. You'll always have the UW as part of you, and can share it with so many others.

What is one piece of advice that you would give Coach Sarkisian?

I’d ask Coach Sarkisian to make sure each and every one of his players knows how much he believes in them. Period.

That’s the most important message a coach can give to his players: "We're in this together, and we'll go down fighting because I have confidence in you and I have your back."

What is something about UW football that most people don’t know?

When the opposing team comes down the tunnel, the Huskies chant as the team walks by. It's a very intimidating experience.

[The contents of that chant are unprintable, both due to secrecy and the creative vocabulary utilized by the Husky players.]

What are you up to now?

Currently I work in the athletic department, specifically in the Tyee Club as major gifts officer. In that role, my major focus is on the new capital campaign—for the renovation of Husky Stadium. For me, it's come full circle—I’m back where I belong, at home, at UW.

It was really great to catch up with Damon and get his perspective—from the field level—on some of the amazing Husky games we’ve all watched in the past. As we are heading into Coach Sarkisian’s second year, we are all hopeful of seeing more memorable games like these in the future.