Tye Barlow shares best stadium memories

SANDPOINT — The days of the existing Barlow Stadium are numbered, with demolition slated to begin on Monday, but there is still plenty of football to be played this weekend, from the Friday night Homecoming game against Bonners Ferry to five Grid Kids football games on Saturday.

There are ceremonies in the works Friday night to recognize everyone who has ever played in front of the iconic 65 year-old wooden bleachers, which sit right on top of the field nestled on the banks of Lake Pend Oreille.

The field is named after longtime Sandpoint coach and athletic director Cotton Barlow, who was largely responsible for the construction of the bleachers. His grandson, Tye Barlow, lives in Sandpoint and is raising another generation of Bulldogs.

Tye’s father Bill Barlow taught and coached at SHS for years, and his daughter Bri is currently a Bulldog softball standout, so he’s well-versed in the history of both Sandpoint sports and the stadium. He was also instrumental in helping raise the funds to rebuild the new stadium, which should be finished before next football season.

n Tye Barlow shares his favorite memories of Barlow Stadium.

My two favorite memories of Barlow Stadium are playing in the alumni football game with my dad while he was the head football coach here in 1991. I might have let it slip to the other team that when he came in it was going to be a tight end reverse to my dad. Half the other team was there waiting for him as he got the ball and came around the corner.

As I helped him up after being tackled he asked “why are there fireworks going off from the scoreboard?” He made it to the sidelines by himself and after some choice words to me said it was the hardest he has ever been hit.

I also remember the Barlow family gathering in the stadium to say good bye to Papa Cotton after he passed. That memory is still pretty strong sometimes when I’m at games and concerts at the stadium.

Have a favorite memory of Barlow Stadium from the past 65 years to share? Send it to “eplummer@bonnercountydailybee.com” for publication on the sports page.