Biography

Although overshadowed by Hall of Fame teammates, Ed Urquhart was an outstanding player on two of Attleboro's finest teams that recorded a total of 14 victories, 3 defeats and one Bristol County League Championship. A two-year starter at guard and linebacker, Urquhart was a classic teammate who gave 100% on every play. Whatever Ed lacked in size at 5'9" 156 lbs, he made up in toughness, aggressiveness, and great football instincts. One of the fastest players on the Bombardier squad, Uquhart was a ferocious offensive blocker who used his great speed to beat his opponent off the ball, cut down the linebacker, or pull out and lead the Attlbeoro backs down field on one of its patented and powerful end runs. As a defensive linebacker, Urquhart had few peers. By using his great football instincts and outstanding speed, Ed seemed to be able to anticipate the opponents' next move.

As a senior in 1960, it was Urquhart' task to inspire a very inexperienced Bombardier defense to a Bristol County League Championship. And he met the challenge. As is the case with most linemen, it is difficult to find his name in the game writeup, never mind the headlines. But his teammates knew his value to the team and game films tell the whole story. In a huge 1960 rebound victory over defending Class C State Champion Coyle, the Bombardiers avenged their only loss in 1959, when Urquhart recorded the first 11 unassisted tackles in the game. As Hall of Fame player and legendary Attleboro coach, Jim Cassidy repeatedly rewound the game film, Ed's teammates roared out the incredible number of consecutive tackles as the "fired up" Urquhart completely destroyed and demoralized the powerful Coyle offense. Never the "rah rah type" Urquhart led by example.

Fortunately his hard work and consistently great play did not go unnoticed by the sports media, the coaches, and especially his teammates. A second team All Bristol County Selection in 1960 and a First Team All-Sun District selection in the days when only 11 players from the area were selected, the Attleboro Sun stated that "Urquhart was overshadowed by his well-known teammates but his play all year was steady and consistent." When a teammate was recently advised of Ed's selection to the Hall of Fame he commented that "what I remember most about Ed Urquhart is that he played every down with a fire and passion that most players don't have."