CMU Football Pays Tribute To Legendary Bill Odykirk
4/22/2017 12:00:00 AM | Football
Andy Sneddon, CMUChippewas.com
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. - Central Michigan football paid tribute to one of its legendary family members on Saturday with a fitting tribute prior to the program's annual spring game.
Bill Odykirk, a dyed-in-the-wool Chippewa and the patriarch of a family with deep, deep ties to the university, was honored with a special recognition program in the track bay at the Indoor Athletic Complex on Saturday just prior to the Chippewas' annual spring game at Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
"We're here to honor a great man and a great family," CMU coach John Bonamego said as he addressed the crowd of more than 100 comprising current Chippewa players and coaches, football alumni, 1100 Club members, and the Odykirk family. "The Odykirk family to me means love, commitment, and Chippewa through and through."
They don't come any more Maroon and Gold than Bill Odykirk, who played and coached football at CMU, is a former member of the CMU Board of Trustees, and was the first director of the Chippewa Club/Athletic Development Fund.
He was the first of three generations of Odykirks to play football at CMU, followed by his son, Dan, and grandsons Conner and Colton. He introduced his family members, including his wife, Wanda, during Saturday's event.
"Soon to be 83, I've got to tell you, greatest experience of my life," said Odykirk after the ceremony, who was clearly touched emotionally by the day. "Two hitches in the services and you learn a lot about life. The words aren't there to tell you. I know what love is, I appreciate life, and I appreciate Central Michigan University and, in particular, our football program. It's in good hands; great staff.
Odykirk was presented with a commemorative jersey bearing the No. 96, the number he wore as a player at CMU.
Both Bonamego and Chippewa assistant Paul Verska spoke glowingly of Odykirk during introductory remarks.
"I've known the Odykirk family for more than 50 years," said Verska, who was coached by Odykirk at CMU. "Bill, son, student, soldier, husband, dad, father, teacher, politician, fundraiser, business man, mentor and a role model, volunteer in community.
"One title that he represents more than anything is `football coach.' We always had fun, we were always disciplined, and you always wanted more. He made us all better football players, better people, better husbands, better fathers."