Sid Watson

Sidney John Watson (May 4, 1932 – April 25, 2004) was an American football player and college ice hockey player and coach. He played halfback in the National Football League (NFL) for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Washington Redskins. He played college football at Northeastern University. He was also the head hockey coach at Bowdoin College from 1959 to 1983.

Early life Watson was born in Andover, Massachusetts and attended Punchard High School.

College career Watson attended and played football as a running back at Northeastern University, where he averaged more than 100 rushing yards per game and 7.1 yards per carry during his career. He played on Northeastern's 1951 undefeated team, and was chosen Little All America in 1953 and captained the 1954 team. He still holds Northeastern's school records for most single-season points (74)

Hockey coaching career On December 23, 1958, Watson was named head coach of the Bowdoin College ice hockey team for the remainder of the season. He succeeded Nels Corey, who was named head football coach. While coach, he led the Polar Bears to the ECAC 2 playoffs 16 times and won conference championships in 1971, 1975, 1976 and 1978.

Head coaching record

Administrator career From 1981 to 1999, Watson was Bowdoin's Athletic Director. He was also the chairman of the NCAA ice Hockey Rules and Tournament Committee for six years, and served as president, vice president, secretary, treasurer and a member of the board of governors of the American College Hockey Coaches Association. In 2001, he was awarded the prestigious Hobey Baker Legends of College Hockey Award.

In 1996, Bowdoin dedicated the Sidney J. Watson Fitness Facility in his honor. In 2009, Bowdoin named their new ice hockey arena the Sidney J. Watson Arena, which holds approximately 2,300 spectators and is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified.

Personal life Watson was married and had five children and 11 grandchildren. He died after suffering a Myocardial infarction in Naples, Florida on April 25, 2004.