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Lions |
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All Star Football Game |
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1996 |
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Lions game dedicated to Woody
TODD SHURTLRFF/Corning Observer A tribute to former Corning resident Joshua Woody, U.S. Airman 1st Class, who was killed June 25th in a bomb explosion while stationed at a U.S. military base In Saudi Arabia, was held Saturday night before the kickoff for the Lions All Star High School football game In Redding. A former football standout Woody played for the North team in the 1994 Lions game. Bernie Beekman (center of photo) next to one of the officials on the field before the game at the coin toss. The tribute also Include the playing of “Taps” and a moment of silence from the crowd of more than 3,000 that was on hand for the game.
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The following is the text of the dedication program handed out at the Lions All Star Game held at Shasta College in Redding, California, August 6, 1994: In Memory of
Joshua Edward Woody, born October 6, 1975, in San Jose, died June 25, 1996, in the truck bomb attack at a U.S. military complex in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. Joshua was serving as Airmen First Class in the United States Air Force, in the 33rd Fighter Wing. As a student, Joshua played football all four years at Corning High School. He was all-league his junior and senior years, a second-team all Northern Section defensive tackle as a senior in 1993. He was also a member of the wrestling team. “He was the kind of kid you’d like to have 200 of,” said Corning Principle Mike Henry. “Josh was a genuine person. A good heart and soul. There wasn’t a bad bone in his body,” said Corning math teacher and coach Tim Keating. “He was a great player at defensive end, a happy go lucky and easy going guy,” said defensive coordinator of the 1994 All Star team Jerry Vallotton. “He was my friend,” said coach Bob Hall. “If there was a ‘good’ to this tragedy, it would be that Josh will forever be a role model for the Corning student body and a hero to the community of Corning,” said Mike Flaherty, friend of the family.
1994 Lions All Star Football - North Team
Lions 1994 North All Star Football Team Josh Woody selected to 1994 Lions All Star
Football – North Team Though many area football fans may not have heard of Woody, a Corning High grad, he made himself known to Foothill during the final game of the Westside League season. “I had to block that guy, and I can tell you he had a great game,” said North safety Wes Johnson. “He was pretty incredible that night.” In a 33-30 Foothill win, Woody says he felt like he was “in on every play.” Though he’s not that big (6-1, 191), he’s quick to the ball and one of the North’s best-conditioned athletes. Woody has been working hard to keep fit because he’s joining the Air Force in August. The physical tests you have to pass, you have to be in great shape.” He said. “I think I’m in good shape.” And so, it would appear, is the North defense. Josh gives up his number Early in practice for the Lions All Star Football Game a north team player, number 54, was injured and would not be able to play in the game. The north team was in desperate need of a running back but a running back could not wear number 54. Josh volunteered to give up his number, the number 88 he wore at Corning, and take the number 54 so that his former Corning Cardinal teammate, Earl Murr, could join the team. Earl went on to be selected the MVP of the game in a 44 - 14 north victory. Josh's
game stats: Josh had 4 solo tackles, 4 assists and 1 1/2 QB sacks in the game.
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