Name: | Don Sutherin |
Birth date (M/D/YY): | 02/23/1936 |
School/Jr. Football: | Ohio State University |
Position(s): | DB & Kicker |
Years with Tiger-Cats: | 1958, 1961-1970 |
1. | Tell us about how you got started in football and your amateur career. |
Started in 6th grade and played through high school and university. Lots of practice with dad, friends and coaches. |
2. | How did you get started in the CFL? (draft, free agent, trade etc) |
I was on loan from the NY Giants for 6 games in 1958, returned to the Giants for 1959 and then to the Steelers for 2 years. Returned to the Tiger-Cats in 1961. |
3. | Do or did you hold any records? |
When I retired from the CFL in 1970 I held 18 CFL records. |
4. | Do or did you have a nickname? |
Suds Man |
5. | Tell us about some of your fondest memories with the Tiger-Cats or in the CFL. |
My playing and coaching in 16 Grey Cups while winhing 8. The participation in the Grey Cup in any way is a tremendous experience. |
6. | Who were some of the team-mates and opponents you admired the most and why? |
Hal Patterson -gret player, Russ Jackson - tough, great arm. Bernie Faloney - great leader, Tommy Grant - great hands, Angelo Mosca - mean and smart |
7. | Which coach did you respect or enjoy playing for the the most and why? |
Jim Trimble was a player coach. He let you do things you were good at. |
8. | Tell us about some of your favourite Grey Cup memories. |
The Fog Bowl in 1962, game was suspended with 9 minutes left and finished the next day. |
9. | Tell us about your life and career after playing/working with the Tiger-Cats or CFL? |
I returned to Ohio after my playing career to coach and teach high school. Then returned to the CFL coaching for 22 years and scouting for the Tiger-Cats for 4 years. |
10. | Tell us about your interests, hobbies, your passion or anything else you would like to share about yourself. |
I lke to hunt and fish and golf 5 days a week. I take a trip to Canada every year to fish. I'm getting older but smarter, ha-ha. |
11. | Share with us some of the places you've been or things you have experienced. |
Went on an Alskan cruise fo 11 days - great trip. Many celebrity golf tournaments in Canada, Ohio, Florida. Ohio State football games and many reunions. |
12. | What aspects of the Canadian game do you like the most? |
The 3 downs make it fast and exciting, the big field and 20 yard end zones. |
13. | Is there any aspect of the game you would change if you could? |
I just hope the owners and the officials don't mess the great game of Canadian football. Keep the game Canadian! |
14. | What advice do you have to either young players or those just starting out in the CFL? |
The game of football does not last forever, get an eduction and start a profession while you are playing. To Americans - don't take the CFL too lightly, its a great game, respect it. |
15. | Is there anything else you would like to share? (thoughts, advice, stories, memories) |
I spent 32 years in Canada as a player and coach, I would not change a thing. I loved my experience, meeting friends and having 2 children born in Canada. Memories of Grey Cups, fishing and hunting. Getting inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame was a great honour. Thanks for giving me a chance to become a football player in your country. |