Fifteen years after he took his last snap at Washington, Damon Huard still has the best career completion percentage among all Husky quarterbacks.
The Tyee Club, the fundraising arm of the university’s athletic department, hopes Huard still has a pinpoint touch as it renews its attempt to secure support for a renovation of Husky Stadium.
It was announced Tuesday that Huard will be the major gifts officer for the Tyee Club. He will start his job May 3, but the 36-year-old Puyallup High School grad knows he’s facing a stiff challenge.
“We’re going to try and figure out a plan in the next few weeks,” the 13-year NFL veteran said, “whether it’s just the alumni ourselves or involving the state in some small capacity.”
Huard served in a similar role in 1997 with the organization now known as Vulcan Inc., when Seattle Seahawks owner Paul Allen tried to get public support to build Qwest Field.
Huard said he approached Washington athletic director Scott Woodward in November 2008 when the Huskies men’s basketball team was playing in the CBE Classic in Kansas City, Mo., about the possibility of working with the athletic department.
“We just got to talking, and I expressed to him my desire to be back in the Northwest someday,” said Huard, who was playing for the Kansas City Chiefs at the time. “I did mention that I worked on that stadium campaign and maybe sometime down the road I could be of assistance.”
Huard cited a list of reasons Husky Stadium required a renovation – increased revenue and a better fan experience were among them – but one stood out.
“Can’t let the Ducks have the best facility in the Pac-10, are you kidding me?” he quipped about the University of Oregon.
Matthews makes progress
When the coaching staff asked De’Shon Matthews to switch from defensive tackle to defensive end, the 6-foot-4, 261-pound senior was happy to oblige. He played the position at Laguna Creek High School and knew the basics.
“Every position on the D-line is pretty similar,” he said. “ ... I’m adjusting to it well. I’m sure by the end of spring ball I’ll be better at it.”
After missing the first couple weeks of spring practice with a tweaked Achilles’ tendon, Matthews is making progress. He worked with the first-string defensive unit during Tuesday’s practice at the Dempsey Indoor Arena.
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