Wish For Steve Bramwell: A Recovery As Speedy As His Punt Returns

STEVE Bramwell, one of the most electrifying football players in University of Washington history, never went down easily. He always bounced back quickly. That's the hope now as he recovers from injuries suffered Thursday in a private-plane crash near Enumclaw.

Playing at 5-foot-8, 155 pounds, Bramwell was one of the great little men of the '60s, setting UW and national records as a kick returner. In his first game in 1963, he ran back a kickoff for 90 yards against Air Force. He still holds Husky career records for punt returns - 59 for 704 yards - and kickoff returns, 54 for 1,443 yards - a remarkable 26.7 average.

Bramwell epitomized the student-athlete and was named to the Academic All-American Hall of Fame.

More importantly, he never stopped giving to the Husky athletic program following graduation from the UW Medical School. The orthopedic surgeon formerly directed a UW Department of Sports Medicine that became a national model, and has continued to serve as team physician.

Bramwell - the most seriously injured of the members of his family in the plane crash - suffered head, face and chest injuries. Last night, he was listed in serious but stable condition at Harborview Medical Center.

May Dr. Steve Bramwell's recovery be as quick and successful as the kick returns that made him one of the UW's all-time gridiron

favorites.