My column space is usually reserved to discuss fly fishing tips or to share some goofy story about fishing for cutthroat trout, but instead, I have been asked by the mighty Eagle to write something about my dad, who recently passed away.
My dad was Jack Gotta, and I will miss him dearly, and I am sure there are others in the Cochrane community who feel the same.
I would like to take you back to a time when polyester, plaid and bad haircuts ruled the day. I am talking about the years during the 1970s and the early ‘80s.
I was born in Ottawa in 1969. That was the same year my dad won his second Grey Cup with Ottawa when he was an assistant coach to Frank Clair. In 1970 my dad took over the reins as head coach and went on to win his third Grey Cup in 1973. Do I remember those days? No, I was too young, but I have many photographs to go with the stories Jack told me.
My memories start when we moved to Birmingham, Alabama. I can remember being in kindergarten and attending Grade 1 when my dad went on to win a championship with the Birmingham Americans in the World Football League. Later, the Chicago Bears offered him a job, but his goal was to have professional football thrive in Birmingham so we stayed.
His goal never materialized, and in late 1976 my dad returned to the CFL to coach the Calgary Stampeders. I think this was the time when my dad was most noted for. We didn’t win a championship, but my dad turned the team around and Calgary was once again a competitive team in the CFL and in the playoffs. The biggest battles were against Warren Moon and the Edmonton Eskimos. I still can’t stand them, but they did go on to win five Grey Cups during the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. My father also won coach of the year in 1978, which he had been awarded in 1972 and 1973 in Ottawa as well.
There are so many achievements that my dad reached, but I want to talk to you about the other things that happened in our lives. Moving from Alabama back to Canada in 1977 was the best thing for our family. I could go on and on about what it was like for a 10-year-old kid to be in the locker room after a game, or to be on the sidelines when we played in Winnipeg. The concerts that came to McMahon Stadium during those days were crazy. I remember seeing Alice Cooper and The Eagles when they toured for their Hotel California album.
My favourite times with the family were up at Fortress Mountain, and I think Jack loved those days too. Skiing has been a huge part of my life and the main person I can thank for that is my father. There were other things my dad really enjoyed – food in particular. He would have friends and his coaching staff meet for Chinese food at the Hi-Ho restaurant across from McMahon Stadium on many occasions. Dad would take my two older brothers and I out to a pizza place on 16th Avenue and 9th Street in the northwest of Calgary. I remember it was so dark in there you could barely see what you were eating. Jack also frequented Nick’s Steakhouse and Pizza. If you are there for a bite, you can see my dad’s photos on the Stampeder wall of fame. My dad loved his ice cream, too. I think that was probably his way of winding down the day.
Watching football together on TV was a big deal at our Bearspaw home. Friday nights were dedicated to the CFL, Saturdays went all day long with college football games, and Sundays were always for the NFL.
My dad was a great player too, and in 1957 he was a Western All-Star with the Calgary Stampeders. He led the West division in receptions with 39 catches for 652 yards and two touchdowns, while adding five interceptions when he played on the defensive side of the ball.
There are so many memories and so many people my dad touched. Too many to mention I guess, but I want to recognize a couple players who played for my dad. Guys like kicker J.T. Hay and running back Willie Burden who was one of the classiest guys in football. There are some great coaches my dad worked with as well, like George Brancato, Frank Clair and Marvin Bass. There were also several media personalities, like writer Allan Maki from the Globe and Mail, sportscaster Mike Lownsbrough and the late Billy Powers.
I will end this story here and let you know that I had the best father ever. He was a guy who loved his wife and his children very much and gave us every opportunity to excel in this life.
I will miss you dad, thank you for all that you have given to me.
