CFL Executive Ralph Sazio Dies At 86
27/09/2008 05:02
BURLINGTON, Ont. - Ralph Sazio, who won three Grey Cups as a coach with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, has died. His son Mark says Sazio died Thursday night at his home. He was 86.
Ralph Sazio was more than a CFL player, coach, executive and builder," said CFL Commissioner Mark Cohon. "He was more than a Hall of Famer. He was a leader. And his tough-as-nails approach to leadership not only won games. It captured the mood, and epitomized the image of an entire city."
Current Tiger-Cats' owner Bob Young offered his thoughts on Sazio, who also served as the organization as a player and executive.
''I grew up on Ralph Sazio stories. Since I became involved with the Tiger-Cats, I had the great pleasure to meet with Ralph on many occasions. Even though he had a reputation for toughness as head coach and general manager, he was a genuinely kind, thoughtful and caring person,'' said Young. ''During our conversations we spent little time discussing his past career simply because he was much more interested in the current state of our favourite football team and the league. We have lost one of the great Tiger-Cats of all time. On behalf of the Tiger-Cats organization, our thoughts and prayers are with Ralph's family and friends.''
Sazio, who was named coach of the year in 1964, was also a player, general manager and president with the Tiger-Cats. He coached the team to Grey Cup victories in 1963, 1965 and 1967.
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SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
This year has been a very hard year on the CFL. The league loses yet another icon with the passing of Ralph Sazio yesterday.