Years ago, former Ansonia state Sen. Gary Hale recalled Friday, Hale asked legendary Ansonia football coach Charles “Boots” Jarvis who was the best athlete who ever played for him.
“Boots never hesitated,” Hale said. “Boots said Roger — Roger Goodson.”
On Friday Goodson, who many consider the best athlete Ansonia has ever produced, was honored with a citation from the state’s general assembly during a ceremony in Hamden which Hale emceed.
The citation, sponsored by state Senator Joe Crisco and Rep. Linda Gentile, was presented to Goodson on his 91st birthday, as family and friends looked and spoke in glowing terms of a man that many simply referred to as a legend.
Goodson is now a resident at the Hamden Rehabilitation & Health Care Center, where the citation presentation and birthday celebration was held.
Goodson is known as being the first African-American high school athlete to be voted to the New Haven Register’s All-State Football team.
He did that in 1942, when he was a star running back for Jarvis’ team.
But Goodson, a member of the Ansonia football Hall of Fame, set an example beyond his athletic abilities.
“Roger Goodson is simply one of the finest human beings I have ever met in my life,” Hale, the former Valley politician, said.
The article continues after a 2012 WFSB report on Goodson being made a honorary captain of the football team for that year’s Thanksgiving matchup with Naugatuck.
Goodson’s wife and two sons were in attendance on Friday.
His son, Steve, said he was very proud of his father’s accomplishments – and not just on the football field.
Roger Goodson was a decorated World War II veteran and also went on to become one of the state’s first African-American correction officers, working in Cheshire, at the state’s reformatory for male youths ages 16 to 24.
Article continues after contributed photo showing Goodson with former Ansonia Police Chief James McGrath, a longtime friend who attended the ceremony honoring Goodson.
Gentile said she was honored to present the state citation to Goodson, which said, in part: “In recognition of your 91st birthday. You have led a long life of distinguished service to the nation, state and community.
“We applaud your World War II service, your outstanding contribution to state government, your spectacular athletic accomplishments.
“An Ansonia legend, you have earned the community’s deepest gratitude for the positive influence you have made in the lives of children, encouraging young people in their education and their involvement in sports.’’
Pastor Alfred Smith, of the Macedonia Baptist Church on Pershing Drive in Ansonia, seemed to speak for all in attendance when he said: “Today we are honoring an absolute living legend.”
