Coach Ward shares memories of Cotton Barlow, stadium

SANDPOINT — The final football game that will be played in front of the 65 year-old wooden bleachers of Barlow Stadium is officially one week away, when Bonners Ferry comes to Sandpoint for the Homecoming game on Sept. 16. The following Monday, demolition of the stadium is set to begin and a new Barlow Stadium will take its place the following year.

The Bee is asking readers to submit their favorite memories of the iconic stadium, with former Bee sports editor Mark Nelke set to weigh in with a wealth of memories next week.

Today’s submission comes from Sandpoint native Duane Ward, a standout athlete and member of the SHS Hall of Fame who is currently the varsity girls basketball head coach at his alma mater. He played for legendary coach Cotton Barlow, who was instrumental in the building of the stadium.

Ward was also part of a committee that bestowed the name Barlow Stadium upon the grandstands at War Memorial Field years ago, paying homage to his former coach.

n Duane Ward shares his favorite memories of Barlow Stadium at War Memorial Field.

First of all, I would like to thank Eric Plummer and the Bee for my trip down memory lane. Wow!

I have many fond memories and experiences connected to Barlow Stadium. Here are a few:

I played football for Coach Barlow for three years, but the best year was my senior year of the 1960-61 season. We gave coach the first undefeated season in Sandpoint football history and his 100th victory. Hearing the bell ring after all those wins was memorable, since our class (1961) built the Victory Bell. It still rings today. We are having our 55th class reunion this weekend.

I was hired as a teacher and an assistant football and basketball coach in 1966, 50 years ago. Being on the field again, coaching, was a dream come true.

I was privileged to be athletic director when with the help of the city, the county and the VFW, the football field was named Barlow Stadium at War Memorial Field in honor of coach Barlow. I’ll always remember coach riding around the field waving at the fans on the night of the dedication. No one will ever duplicate what Cotton Barlow did for Sandpoint football.

The wonderful memories keep growing. We watched our sons, Jeff and Paul play football on the field, and watched our grandchildren Dakota, Taylor and Hattie playing lacrosse and soccer.

As if this isn’t enough memories, I married the prettiest cheerleader on the football field.

Do you have a favorite memory of the 65 years of Barlow Stadium to share? Email “eplummer@bonnercountydailybee.com” for publication in the Bee sports.

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