PULLMAN, Wash – The coach who led the Washington State football team to its first bowl game in 50 years died this week at the age of 88.
Washington State athletics announced Friday that former coach Jim Walden died this week.
Walden coached WSU from 1978 to 1986.
He stabilized a program that had three coaches in the previous three years.
Walden guided the Cougs to the 1981 Holiday Bowl, its first postseason bowl appearance since the 1931 Rose Bowl.
“We are saddened to learn of the passing of Coach Walden,” said WSU Vice President and Director of Athletics Jon Haarlow. “He will forever be remembered as a great Coug who deeply loved Washington State. Our heart is with Coach Walden’s family, friends and all the former players whose lives he positively impacted.”
WSU won 44 games under Walden. He was twice named the Pac-10 Coach of the Year.
He also coached at Iowa State, which is honoring his legacy as well.
Walden was inducted into the WSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009. He also worked as a broadcaster alongside Bob Robertson.
WSU says a memorial service will be held at a later date.
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