SAN FRANCISCO – In a ceremony held yesterday afternoon in front of the SF State's Main Gymniasum, the Gator Department of Athletics unveilled a statue of former Gator football head coaches Dr. Vic Rowen and the late Joseph Verducci as a gift from former colleagues, players, alumni and family. Designed by international artist Ilaman Sabirov, the statue will be unveiled at a ceremony on Saturday, June 4, 2011, in front of the SF State Main Gymnasium. Former player Jim Sochor, Gator All-America quarterback -- along with current Philadephia Eagles' head coach Andy Reid, were among the speakers that spoke at the ceremony.
“Joe Verducci and Vic Rowen were innovative and successful football coaches, tremendous teachers and beloved mentors,” Dr. Simpson said. “They garnered the respect of their students and athletes and provided the inspiration that helped them to succeed. This tribute, initiated by their players, was well-deserved and overdue.”
Rowen, now 91, was honored, along with his family and the family of his friend and mentor, Joe Verducci, who died in 1964 at the age of 53.
The statue was conceived, created and paid for by former players, colleagues and friends and coordinated by a volunteer committee comprised of alumni and staff. Artwork was commissioned by the committee, and executed by international sculptor and artist Mr. Ilaman Sabirov. An honorary committee of distinguished friends and colleagues of Vic Rowen and Joe Verducci, encouraged and supported the process.
Prominent protégés of Rowen and Verducci, who are now nationally known college and professional head coaches include Andy Reid, head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles; Mike Holmgren, president of the Cleveland Browns; Jim Sochor retired head coach and athletic director at the University of California at Davis; Bob Toledo, head coach at Tulane; Dan Ferrigno, assistant coach at the University of Michigan; LaVell Edwards, retired head coach of Brigham Young University and numerous others.
For those who wish to donate to the "Vic Rowen & Joe Verducci Tribute", please send checks to Doug Hupke, Director, Alumni Relations and Annual Giving, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Ave, San Francisco, CA 94132.
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