Cheney, WA – The week before Washington and Eastern Washington are scheduled to play for the first time, both programs will mourn the loss of Brent Wooten.
Wooten, 72, passed away Monday (Aug. 29) and had an impact at both Washington- based institutions.
A running back and a defensive back at Washington, Wooten helped the Huskies to a pair of Rose Bowls, including a victory over then No. 1 ranked Minnesota in 1961. Wooten caught a touchdown pass in the 17-7 victory and was later enshrined, along with the whole 1960 team, into the Washington Athletics Hall of Fame.
Following his playing career Wooten served as an assistant coach for five seasons at Eastern Washington, before taking over as head coach from 1968 to 1970.
"He was a player-oriented coach," Dick Zornes, one of Wooten's former players, said. "He formed a tight bond with his players and was very good to us. He helped us in a lot of ways, not only football but academically and away from the field."
In addition to coaching football, Wooten also served stints at athletic director (1968-70), wrestling coach (1963-68) and swim coach (1972-73).
Following his tenure in the athletic department, he continued to teach at Eastern Washington, where he spent more than 30 years as a professor in the Eastern Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Athletics department.
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