University of Richmond Athletics
Richmond Football Mourns Passing Of Edward "Sugar" Ralston
Sept. 16, 2010
UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND - A former football standout and member of the University of Richmond Athletics Hall of Fame, Edward "Sugar" Ralston passed away Wednesday night at the age of 86.
A Richmond native and graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School, Ralston enrolled at the University of Richmond in 1942, entered the service in 1943 and returned to the Spiders in 1946. He graduated in 1949.
"The University of Richmond has lost a great man and a special friend," said Director of Athletics Jim Miller. "There was no one more excited to see Spider Football come to campus than Sugar. We are deeply saddened by his passing and will miss him."
"Sugar was a great man," said head coach Latrell Scott. "He was here during Training Camp and saying how excited his was to see the first game at Robins Stadium. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Ralston family. He will be greatly missed."
Ralston was both a linebacker and a fullback during his three years with the Spiders, earning a spot on the All-UR Football Team as a running back, which was selected in November 1990. He gained 1,192 yards rushing and scored 15 touchdowns in his career.
A long-time football season ticket holder and member of the Spider Club, Ralston was inducted into the Athletics of Fame in the 1977-78 class.
The University of Richmond will observe a moment of silence in Ralston's honor prior to Saturday's game. A memorial service is planned for Monday at 11 a.m. at the River Road Baptist Church, located at the corner of Ridge and River Roads in Richmond.