Eastern Washington University Athletics

Woodward was head of Eastern’s department of physical education and health for 23 years from 1927 to 1950. He was insistent that every interested student should have the opportunity to engage in competitive sports through intramural activities. He endeared himself to students, and, as a result, Woodward Field was named in his honor in 1932. He also established the physical education program at North Central High School in Spokane. During World War I he was in charge of physical fitness work for the Navy in the Puget Sound area, and spent eight years as director of physical and health education for Tacoma public schools. Woodward passed away of a heart attack on Feb. 2, 1950, just a short time after attending a convocation and rally honoring the Eastern basketball team.  When the field was dedicated in his honor, Eastern was known as Cheney Normal before going through three name changes (Eastern Washington College of Education, Eastern Washington State College and Eastern Washington University). The stadium originally was located in two different sites, but was moved to its present location in 1967. A plaque commemorating the 78 years the stadium was named Woodward Field has been placed on the new entrance to what is now known as Roos Field.