Brenham -- Retired NFL referee Red Cashion will be the keynote speaker for the Buccaneer All Sports Banquet, a fund-raiser for Blinn College athletics set for Sept. 8 at 6:30 p.m. at Brenham Fireman’s Training Center.
Cashion, who was known by National Football League players, coaches and fans for his signature first down call in which he would enthusiastically drawl “First dowwwwwn” out to the crowd, will headline an evening that will include dinner and silent and live auctions.
The benefit for the men’s and women’s intercollegiate athletic programs at Blinn is being coordinated by the Buccaneer Alumni Lettermen Association. Tickets are $30 per person or $55 per couple. Corporate-sponsor tables for eight are $500.
For ticket or table reservations make checks made payable to the Buccaneer Alumni Lettermen Association and mail to Blinn College Athletics, 902 College Ave., Brenham, TX 77833.
Cashion started officiating in 1952 while attending Texas A&M University, and then worked for various high school and college football conferences, most notably the Southwest Conference. From 1972 to 1997 he officiated in the NFL and was the referee in Super Bowls XX and XXX.
He has also provided the voice of the referee for several versions of the Madden NFL video game.
Cashion, who lives in Bryan, was inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in 1999.
For more information about the sports banquet, contact the Blinn College Athletic Office at 979-830-4170, Nathan Winkelmann at 979-830-1619 or Tommy Lange at 979-836-0200 or email mfranke@blinn.edu.