Virgen: Rich Saul’s legacy is strong
Jackie Slater remembers Rich Saul as a mentor when Slater, the Hall of Fame offensive tackle, began with the Los Angeles Rams in 1976.
Slater also remembers the late Saul as a close family friend and loved the Rams center as a man who always “had a way of making people feel good about themselves,” Slater said.
Slater, along with a few other former Rams, gathered at Pelican Hill Golf Club on Monday to participate in the 34th annual Rich Saul Memorial Golf Classic, which benefits Childhelp, a charity aiding victims of child abuse.
Their efforts, along with the guidance of Saul’s wife, Eileen, and strong community support, raised just over $500,000 at the event.
“When I came to the Rams, [Saul] was a veteran ball player,” Slater said of the lovable big man who died after a six-year battle against leukemia in 2012. “I had to learn how to be a pro. He was one of those great examples that was there and taught me how to do that. I just kind of gravitated to him. He had a great, welcoming personality.”
Slater also holds Saul in high regard because Saul helped his son, Matthew, with encouragement.
“Rich started his pro career as a special teams guy covering kicks,” Slater said. “My son that’s what he does for a living [for the Patriots]. With my son Matthew, Rich had that ability to make him feel that what he was doing was special. And that he was doing good with a career just doing that. He just encouraged him to be good at what he’s doing.”
In addition to the Hall of Famer, Saul touched many lives. Many of them were there to support the golf tournament on Monday.
The former Rams also included LeRoy Irvin, Lawrence McCutcheon, Nolan Cromwell and Vince Ferragamo. Slater, Irvin, McCutcheon and Ferragamo live in Orange County and all expressed excitement that the Rams have returned to play in Los Angeles.
Slater, who lives in Orange, played 20 seasons with the Rams, 19 in Los Angeles and one in St. Louis. He smiled about the thought of the Rams’ return. As did Irvin, the former Rams cornerback who lives in Anaheim Hills.
“All the Rams old guys, we’re getting the band back together again and we’re going to have a party,” said Irvin, who wasn’t shy about his golf skills on Monday. “I’m a great golfer. I had to carry some guys. You know? But I can’t do it all by myself.”
McCutcheon, who lives in Huntington Beach, also enjoyed his day on the course. He said he enjoys playing in the tournament each year.
“He was just an enjoyable, likable guy,” McCutcheon, the former running back, said of Saul. “He kept everything loose. Great teammate. He knew when to be serious. He knew when to crack a joke and put you at ease. And that was besides being a great football player.”
In addition to the golf tournament, the event also featured silent auction items and live auction to build up the fundraising.
“It certainly was an amazing day and evening and I am very proud of the work of Childhelp and the continuation of the legacy of Rich’s involvement with the organization,” Eileen Saul said in an email.
