Okay, I think this is a pretty good honoree for homecoming. John Woodruff who won the 800 meter in the 1936 Berlin Olympics is coming.

Woodruff will travel from Fountain Hills, Ariz., with his wife, Rose, to attend the event as well as other homecoming festivities, including the Oct. 21 Pitt-Rutgers football game. (During the game, Pitt will recognize Woodruff’s presence and the 70th anniversary of his Olympic victory.) The world premiere of the short film Footsteps of a Giant: The John Woodruff Story (Sugar Camp Productions) will take place during the AAAC reception.

A 1935 graduate of Connellsville Area Senior High School in Southwestern Pennsylvania, Woodruff earned the Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology in 1939 at Pitt and went on to receive a master’s degree in sociology from New York University.

Back in August, Woodruff wasn’t expected to be able to make the trip because of his health and age. This is great to read.

As for the game itself. Both Pitt and Rutgers have their game notes (PDF).