Cal Poly Mustangs football

University football team

Cal Poly Mustangs football

| | 2024 Cal Poly Mustangs football team

|

First season| 1915; 109 years ago (1915)
Athletic director| Don Oberhelman
Head coach| Paul Wulff
2nd season, 6–16 (.273)
Stadium| Alex G. Spanos Stadium
(capacity: 11,075)
Field| Mustang Memorial Field Presented by Dignity Health French Hospital Medical Center
Field surface| FieldTurf
Location| San Luis Obispo, California
NCAA division| Division I FCS
Conference| Big Sky Conference
All-time record| 515-440-20 (.538)
Bowl record| 0-1 (.000)
Claimed national titles| Division II: 1 (1980)
Conference titles| 20
Rivalries| UC Davis (rivalry)
Sacramento State
Fresno State
UCSB (Defunct)
Colors| Poly green, copper gold, and stadium gold[1]

Fight song| Ride High, You Mustangs
Mascot| Musty the Mustang
Marching band| Cal Poly Mustang Band
Outfitter| Adidas
Website| gopoly.com

The Cal Poly Mustangs are the football team representing California Polytechnic State University located in San Luis Obispo, California.

The team plays its home games at Mustang Memorial Field, at the NCAA Division I FCS level in the Big Sky Conference. The current head coach is Paul Wulff, who began his tenure in December 2022.

## History

[edit]

See also: List of Cal Poly Mustangs football seasons

Football was first played on the Cal Poly campus in 1916. At that time, Cal Poly was a vocational school, as it did not become a four-year college until 1941.

### 1915 to 1940s: The beginning

[edit]

The California Polytechnic School played mostly high school teams and college freshmen teams for its first 16 seasons. In 1933, the Mustangs enjoyed their first undefeated season under coach Howie O'Daniels. During the 1933 campaign, the Mustangs did not allow a single point during that season.[2] Cal Poly officially became a four-year school in 1941 and posted a 5–3–1 record under O'Daniels. Football was put on hold during World War II ('43 and '44) and resumed in 1945.

### 1950s: Jeter, Madden, Beathard leave legacy

[edit]

Under coach LeRoy Hughes, Cal Poly experienced its second undefeated season in 1953. In the decade of the 1950s, the Mustangs posted a record of 67–29–1. During this time, All-American Stan Sheriff became Cal Poly's first player to join an NFL roster, beginning with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1954.[3] Hughes' teams also included future Chicago Bears running back Perry Jeter and future Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee John Madden, who was known as a bruising tackle. Upon graduation, Madden was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles.

Of Jeter, legendary Bears founder George Halas commented in 1954: "Never have we received a more accurate appraisal (in promotional assessment) of a player than LeRoy Hughes gave us on Jeter."[4] Joining Madden and Jeter on the Mustang roster was quarterback and defensive back Bobby Beathard, who would be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018 as the architect and general manager responsible for building the Washington franchise into a perennial Super Bowl-winning and contending dynasty.[5]

### 1960s: Tragedy strikes Cal Poly; Harper brought on

[edit]

Main article: Cal Poly football team C-46 crash

Tragedy struck in 1960 following a game at Bowling Green State University on Saturday, October 29, 1960, when a plane leaving Toledo Airport crashed, killing 22 people. This included 16 Mustang football players and the team manager. The next seven seasons produced a 22–45 record. Joe Harper, then a Colorado assistant, was hired as Mustang head coach on February 7, 1968. Harper, a former offensive guard for UCLA (1956–58), directed Cal Poly to 7–3 and 6–4 seasons to end the decade, respectively. In the final year of the decade, Cal Poly upset Fresno State 21–17, leading the Mustang Daily campus newspaper to publish a rare all-capped double-truck headline declaring the game as "One of the Greatest Wins in Poly Grid History".[6] At the time, Harper told the Fresno Bee the win was "the greatest game I have ever been involved with." The result also made the sports section of the San Francisco Chronicle, which noted the Mustangs' first win over the Bulldogs in 12 years.[7]

### 1970s: Harper builds a dynasty

[edit]

Gary Davis, whose Cal Poly Hall of Fame plaque is shown in 2023, set numerous Mustang rushing records in the 1970s before going on to play four years for Don Shula's Miami Dolphins in the NFL.

Under Harper, Cal Poly produced an 8–0–1 regular-season record in 1972 and received a trip to the Camellia Bowl to play in the Western Regional Championship Game of the NCAA's College Division. Cal Poly was ranked No. 3 in the division by both the AP and UPI polls heading into the postseason.[8] They would end up losing 38–21 to the University of North Dakota (North Central Conference co-champs) in the bowl game hosted in Sacramento's Hughes Stadium, telecast regionally on ABC.[9] In 1978, the Mustangs would make it to the NCAA Division II playoffs but lost to Winston-Salem State.

Another highlight during the decade was Cal Poly's most recent football victory over Fresno State, which came 26–0 on Oct. 6, 1979. The score marked, at the time, the first shutout in the 57-year history between the two programs.[10] Mustang safety Chris Jones had two interceptions in the game, while fullback Paul Dickens led the offense by rushing for 163 yards on 35 carries.[11]

Each of the ten Mustang football teams in the 1970s posted a winning season.

### 1980s: Mustangs win national title

[edit]

1980 would be one of the most memorable seasons for the Cal Poly Mustangs, as they went on to win the NCAA Division II National Football Championship under Harper. Cal Poly defeated Eastern Illinois in the championship game[12] on ABC and would finish the season with a 10–3 record that included a win over eventual-Division I-AA national champion Boise State. Never before or since has a D-II team defeated the eventual I-AA national champion and won a D-II national title in the same year.

During the 1980 season, running back Louis Jackson led the nation at the Division II level with 1,424 rushing yards on 287 carries.[13]

Robbie Martin, who starred in the NCAA championship win,[14] compiled a career punt-return average of 16.9 yards per runback, graduating after the 1980 title season with the third-best PR average in division history at the time.[15]

Commemorated in the Cal Poly Hall of Fame, Mel Kaufman helped lead the Mustangs to a 1980 national championship before becoming a starting linebacker for Washington in the NFL, winning two Super Bowl rings.

Following the national title, the Mustangs were honored with a parade through downtown San Luis Obispo on December 15, 1980. The parade traveled down Higuera Street before a rally held in Mission Plaza.[16] Then-mayor Lynn Cooper spoke at the celebration.

On November 20, 1982, Cal Poly's Clarence Martin set an all-time Division II single-game record[17] for most yards per kickoff return (minimum of three returns), averaging 71.7 yards (215 total) on his three KRs vs. then-rival Pomona. The record was finally broken after 39 years by Carson-Newman return specialist DeQuan Dudley in 2021.[18]

### 1990s: The move to Division I

[edit]

In 1990, coach Lyle Setencich would lead the Mustangs to another playoff appearance before losing in the second round to powerhouse North Dakota State. The 1990 Mustangs yielded just 11.3 points per game, the best defensive average throughout Division II for the year.[19] The defensive front was led by lineman Pat Moore, who received an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine after compiling 67 tackles and 9.5 sacks during the 1990 season.[20] Also aiding the defense was punter Doug O'Neill, who in 1991 led the nation in punting average, with 45.1 yards per punt,[21] while earning first-team All-American honors from the AP.

In 1994, Cal Poly would make the jump to Division I-AA (now Football Championship Subdivision) with head coach Andre Patterson at the helm. The Mustangs would see moderate success, posting a 7–4 record in Patterson's first year followed by two 5–6 seasons before Patterson departed for a position as an NFL line coach.

In 1997, Larry Welsh took over the program and led the Mustangs to a 10–1 record and a national ranking of 18th. The season was highlighted by a 38–35 win at FBS-level New Mexico State.[22] However, still only in its fourth year in the I-AA ranks at the time, Cal Poly was not extended an invitation to the national playoffs. Welsh (a 2017 inductee to the CIF Southern Section Hall of Fame[23]) would follow that season with three 3–8 seasons and was not contractually renewed by then-athletic director John McCutcheon.[24] The 1997 team's omission from the postseason was referred to as a "snub" by the Los Angeles Times following the regular season.[25]

The 1997 squad finished ranked No. 16 in the TSN Division I-AA media poll and No. 17 in the USA Today coaches Top 25.[26] Cal Poly quarterback Alli Abrew compiled a passer-efficiency rating of 179.5 in 1997, leading the nation at the I-AA level.[27]

### 2001–2008: Rich Ellerson era

[edit]

Rich Ellerson, credited by Sports Illustrated for his role in refining Arizona's versatile "Desert Swarm" defense[28] featuring Tedy Bruschi, was introduced as Cal Poly's new head coach on December 6, 2000.[29] In 2001, his first year, he led the Mustangs to a 6–5 season. Two years later, the program earned its second modern-day win over an FBS opponent, routing UTEP 34–13 on September 6, 2003.[30]

Coach Ellerson would emphasize defense and, by 2004, not only did his 9–2 Mustangs secure their first of three Great West Conference football titles, but linebacker Jordan Beck would win the Buck Buchanan Award as the nation's best defensive player in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision. In 2004, Beck led the nation at the Division I-AA level in both solo tackles per game (8.82) and forced fumbles per game (0.55).[31]

Chris Gocong, who helped lead Cal Poly to an FCS playoff win over Montana in 2005, was drafted in the third round by the Philadelphia Eagles, and played six years in the NFL.

Following a 6–0 start to the 2004 season, Cal Poly found itself ranked ahead of 32 FBS-level teams in the Jeff Sagarin NCAA Football Ratings, an index which combined all Division I-A and I-AA programs into one ranking system.[32] Fan interest crested as the Mustangs moved to 7–0, with the upcoming week's rivalry game against UC Davis sold-out on campus well in advance of game day[33] (ultimately won by the Aggies, snapping Cal Poly's win streak despite breaking then-stadium attendance records in back-to-back games[34]). In 2004, the Mustangs ranked No. 1 in the country for rushing defense, giving up 84.3 yards per game on the year.[35]

During the next two years, Cal Poly would experience continued success on the field and another NCAA first as two more players would win the Buchanan Award: Chris Gocong in 2005 and Kyle Shotwell in 2006.[36] In 2005, the 9-4 Mustangs also earned their first FCS playoff berth and victory with a 35–21 win over Montana. A key to the playoff victory over the Grizzlies was running back James Noble, who scored four touchdowns in the game.[37] (Noble had arrived at Cal Poly after setting the San Bernardino County single-season rushing record, amassing 2,256 yards at Barstow High in 2003, fourth-most in the entire state.[38]) Cal Poly was then knocked out in the quarterfinals by Texas State on ESPN2 in a 14-7 defensive battle.[39] Gocong's 23.5 sacks during the 2005 season remain an all-time FCS/I-AA single-season record.[40]

The 2008 season would prove to be another exciting season for the Mustangs, whose victories included a road win over FBS San Diego State[41] (the program's second in a three-year stretch[42]) as well as a heartbreaking 36–35 overtime loss to the bowl-bound Wisconsin Badgers in Madison.[43] The 2008 Mustangs also made the playoffs but lost a shootout in the first round against Weber State. The 2008 season saw Cal Poly lead the country in both total offense at the FCS level, totaling 487.5 yards per game, and total scoring (44.4 points per game).[44] One of several keys to the prolific offense was center Stephen Field, selected as an All-American in back-to-back seasons.[45]

During the 2008 season, Cal Poly matched its highest ranking in the FCS to date,[46] voted No. 3 in The Sports Network poll on November 4, and maintaining the No. 3 ranking over the next three weeks. During the year, student-printed T-shirts were distributed in the student section declaring "Throw it to Ramses!" in reference to the team's record-breaking wide receiver, Ramses Barden.[47]

Barden, as well as cornerback Courtney Brown, Gocong, defensive back David Richardson, defensive back Asa Jackson and Beck were all developed by Ellerson and his staff during the decade and all joined NFL rosters after being drafted or signing as free agents. At the conclusion of the 2008 season, with three conference titles, two postseason appearances, multiple All Americans developed and a record of 56–34, Ellerson departed California's Central Coast as he accepted an offer to become the head coach of Army.[48]

As of 2021, Barden still held the all-time FCS/I-AA record for consecutive games during a career with a TD catch (20, from 2007 to 2008).[49]

### 2009–2019: Tim Walsh era

[edit]

In 2009, Tim Walsh, the offensive coordinator for the Army Black Knights during the 2007 and 2008 seasons, was hired as Cal Poly's 16th head coach.

On November 12, 2011, Cal Poly set an all-time single-game FCS/I-AA record for most team rushes, running 95 times for 405 yards against Eastern Washington.[50]

Linebacker Nick Dzubnar helped lead Cal Poly to a share of the 2012 Big Sky Conference football title before going on to play for the San Diego Chargers and Tennessee Titans in the NFL.

The 2012 season proved to be the most successful of Walsh's coaching career, as his Mustangs finished 9–3, in a three-way tie for the Big Sky Conference football title and earned and an NCAA FCS playoff invitation. During the year, the Mustangs picked up a 24–22 win over FBS-level Wyoming.[51] Cal Poly fell in the first round at Sam Houston State, 18–16.

During the 2012 season, Cal Poly peaked in the national FCS rankings at No. 11 on October 22,[52] although the Jeff Sagarin Ratings ranked the Mustangs second in the FCS in the week of October 24.[53] Midway through the 2012 season, running back Deonte Williams was added to the Walter Payton Award Watch List.[54]

In 2014, Cal Poly quarterback Chris Brown became the first player in the school's Division I-era history[55] to throw for a touchdown and score TDs on both a run and a reception in the same game, as he achieved the rarity in a 30–24 victory at Weber State.[56]

The Mustangs returned to the playoffs in 2016 with a 7–4 record. On October 15, 2016, Cal Poly set a Big Sky single-game record for passing accuracy, as former MaxPreps National High School Player of the Year[57] Dano Graves led a 13-of-14 day for a .929 completion percentage[58] in a 55–35 win over Portland State.[59]

During the 2016 season, Cal Poly was ranked as highly as No. 14 in the FCS STATS poll, on both October 24 and October 31. They lost in the first round to the University of San Diego, 35–21. Following the 2016 season, Walsh was awarded a five-year contract extension; however, after going 1–10, 5-6 and 3–8, Walsh elected to retire following the 2019 campaign with a 59–66 record while at Cal Poly.

In 2018, Cal Poly's Joe Protheroe led the country in rushing yards at the FCS level, gaining 1,810 yards on 363 carries.[60] The 2018 season also saw Cal Poly defensive back Dominic Frasch lead the nation in passes defended (a statistic which combines interceptions and pass breakups) for the year in the FCS, totaling 19.[61] Also in 2018, Mustang quarterback Khaleel Jenkins set an all-time single-season Big Sky Conference record for TD/pass attempts/INT ratio, not throwing any interceptions among his 89 passes[62] (nine of which went for touchdowns,[63] including four to J. J. Koski, who went on to play for the L.A. Rams[64]).

### 2020–present: Baldwin to Wulff era

[edit]

A new surface, FieldTurf Super Elite Vertex Prime, was installed to Alex G. Spanos Stadium at Cal Poly in 2022. With the addition, Cal Poly joined all 11 fellow Big Sky Conference football universities with modern turf field surfaces.

Former FCS national championship-winning Eastern Washington head coach Beau Baldwin was announced as Cal Poly's new head coach on December 11, 2019.[65] Baldwin, who coached Cooper Kupp at EWU,[66] began to implement a "multiple" offensive scheme,[67] and Cal Poly thereafter saw its passing yardage per game increase by 52.1 percent from 2019 to the shortened 2021 spring season, and then increase by another 18 percent in the fall of 2021.

The program dealt with multiple starts, stoppages and restarts to practice schedules amid COVID-19,[68] going a combined 2-12 during the next 24 months overall, beginning with the lack of a traditional spring calendar in 2020.[69] Senior linebacker Matt Shotwell was named to the Associated Press All-American Third Team[70] in December 2021.

Two Cal Poly freshmen, edge Elijah Ponder and punt returner Giancarlo Woods, were selected to the Phil Steele Magazine Freshman All-America Team in January 2022.[71] Then, in April 2022, Cal Poly held its first uninterrupted spring practice season in three years.[72]

In June 2022, a replacement of the then-Alex G. Spanos Stadium field was completed, as Cal Poly joined the rest of its peers in the Big Sky as having a turf surface.[73] The conversion was assisted by Diversified Project Services International.[74]

Signage announcing the construction zone for Cal Poly's upcoming John Madden Football Center is shown at the San Luis Obispo campus in May 2023.

Cal Poly started the 2022 season 1-1, with quarterback Jaden Jones winning the Big Sky Conference Offensive Player of the Week award for September 12.[75] Jones, however, who began the year with a 5-to-0 touchdown-to-interception ratio, was lost to a season-ending leg injury during the third week.[76]

Midway through the year, the university announced the upcoming addition of a John Madden Football Center, a total $30-million training facility adjacent to the stadium, set to complete construction in 2024.[77] The 30,000-square-foot facility will furnish a new locker room, weightlifting stations, a nutrition area, study lounge and film-review theater.[78][79]

Cal Poly prepares to receive the kickoff from Northern Colorado during a 2023 Big Sky Conference win.

Meanwhile, the Mustangs also suffered more injuries across the lineup, and started a combined seven total backup linemen the rest of the fall, ultimately finishing 2–9 in closing the year with a 49–42 victory over Portland State.[80] Baldwin then accepted a position as offensive coordinator at Arizona State early in the offseason,[81] and incumbent assistant offensive line coach Paul Wulff was promptly elevated to head coach on December 6, 2022.[82]

One of the team leaders in 2022 was wide receiver Chris Coleman, selected to the East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 watch list in the preseason, before going on to finish with 939 receiving yards. Coleman signed an undrafted free-agent contract with the Miami Dolphins in late April 2023.[83]

## Affiliation history

[edit]

### Classifications

[edit]

* 1937–1972: NCAA College Division
* 1973–1993: NCAA Division II
* 1994–present: NCAA Division I–AA/FCS

Cal Poly's offense prepares to snap the ball against the Northern Colorado defense during a 2023 Big Sky Conference home victory.

### Conference memberships

[edit]

* 1915–1921: Independent
* 1922–1924: California Coast Conference
* 1925–1945: Independent
* 1946–1981: California Collegiate Athletic Association
* 1982–1992: Western Football Conference
* 1993–1995: American West Conference
* 1996–2003: NCAA Division I–AA Independent
* 2004–2011: Great West Conference
* 2012–present: Big Sky Conference

## Championships

[edit]

### National championships

[edit]

Season  | Coach  | Selectors  | Record  | Bowl

|
|
|
|

1980 | Joe Harper | Division II | 10–3 | Won Division II Championship
National Championships | 1

### Conference championships

[edit]

Year  | Coach  | Conference  | Overall record  | Conference record

|
|
|
|

1952 | LeRoy Hughes | California Collegiate Athletic Association | 7–3 | 4–0
1953 | 9–0 | 5–0
1969 | Joe Harper | 6–4 | 2–0
1970 | 8–2 | 3–0
1971 | 6–5 | 3–0
1972† | 8–1–1 | 3–0
1973 | 9–1 | 4–0
1976 | 7–1–1 | 2–0
1977 | 6–4 | 2–0
1978 | 7–3 | 2–0
1979 | 7–3 | 2–0
1980 | 10–3 | 2–0
1982 | Jim Sanderson | Western Football Conference | 6–5 | 4–0
1990† | Lyle Setencich | 10–2 | 4–1
1994 | Andre Patterson | American West Conference | 7–4 | 3–0
2004 | Rich Ellerson | Great West Football Conference | 9–2 | 4–1
2005† | 9–4 | 4–1
2008 | 8–3 | 3–0
2011† | Tim Walsh | 6–5 | 3–1
2012† | Big Sky Conference | 9–3 | 7–1
Conference Championships | 20

† Co-champions

## Head coaches

[edit]

No.  | Coach  | Tenure  | Seasons  | Record  | Pct.  | Bowls/Playoffs  | Conference Titles

|
|
|
|
|
|
|

1 | D.W. Schlosser | 1915–1917 | 3 | 4–3–1 | .563 | 0 | 0
2 | H. Hess | 1919–1920 | 2 | 4–4 | .500 | 0 | 0
3 | Al Agosti | 1921–1932 | 11 | 32–44–5 | .425 | 0 | 0
4 | Howie O'Daniels | 1933–1941, 1946–1947 | 11 | 56–33–6 | .621 | 0 | 0
5 | Bob Dakan | 1942 | 1 | 4–3 | .571 | 0 | 0
6 | Ron Henderson | 1945 | 1 | 1–5–1 | .167 | 0 | 0
7 | Chuck Pavelko | 1948–1949 | 2 | 7–11 | .389 | 0 | 0
8 | LeRoy Hughes | 1950–1961 | 12 | 72–38–1 | .647 | 0 | 2 (1952, 1953)
9 | Sheldon Harden | 1962–1967 | 6 | 17–42 | .288 | 0 | 0
10 | Joe Harper | 1968–1981 | 14 | 96–43–4 | .662 | 2 (1978, 1980) | 10 (1969–1973, 1976–1980)
11 | Jim Sanderson | 1982–1986 | 5 | 26–27 | .491 | 0 | 1 (1982)
12 | Lyle Setencich | 1987–1993 | 7 | 41–29–2 | .583 | 1 (1990) | 1 (1990)
13 | Andre Patterson | 1994–1996 | 3 | 17–16 | .515 | 0 | 1 (1994)
14 | Larry Welsh | 1997–2000 | 4 | 19–25 | .432 | 0 | 0
15 | Rich Ellerson | 2001–2008 | 8 | 56–34 | .622 | 2 (2005, 2008) | 3 (2004, 2005, 2008)
16 | Tim Walsh | 2009–2019 | 11 | 59–66 | .472 | 2 (2012, 2016) | 2 (2011, 2012)
17 | Beau Baldwin | 2020–2022 | 3 | 4–21 | .160 | 0 | 0
18  | Paul Wulff | 2023–Present  | 1  | 3-8  | .272  | \-  | \-

## Division II Playoffs results

[edit]

The Mustangs have appeared in the Division II playoffs three times with an overall record of 4–2. They were National Champions in 1980.

Year  | Round  | Opponent  | Result

|
|
|

1978 | Quarterfinals | Winston-Salem State | L, 10–17
1980 | Quarterfinals
Semifinals
National Championship Game | Jacksonville State
Santa Clara
Eastern Illinois | W, 15–0
W, 38–14
W, 21–13
1990 | First Round
Quarterfinals | Cal State Northridge
North Dakota State | W, 14–7
L, 0–47

## Division I-AA/FCS Playoffs results

[edit]

The Mustangs have appeared in the I-AA/FCS playoffs four times with an overall record of 1–4.

Year  | Round  | Opponent  | Result

|
|
|

2005 | First Round
Quarterfinals | Montana
Texas State | W, 35–31
L, 7–14
2008 | First Round | Weber State | L, 35–49
2012 | Second Round | Sam Houston State | L, 16–18
2016 | First Round | San Diego | L, 21–35

## Bowl games

[edit]

Date  | Bowl  | Coach  | Opponent  | Result

|
|
|
|

December 9, 1972 | Camellia Bowl | Joe Harper | North Dakota | L, 21–38

## Home stadiums

[edit]

* 1915-1934

Various Sports Fields -San Luis Obispo, CA

* 1935-current

Mustang Memorial Field Presented by Dignity Health French Hospital Medical Center
Capacity (11,075)

Main article: Alex G. Spanos Stadium

Mustang Memorial Field, formerly known as Mustang Stadium and then Alex G. Spanos Stadium, is an 11,075-seat multi-purpose stadium on the campus of California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly). It is the home field of the Cal Poly Mustangs football and soccer teams. The stadium was renovated largely from funding via the late Alex Spanos, a Cal Poly alumnus, American billionaire real estate developer, founder of the A. G. Spanos Companies, and then-majority owner of the Chargers of the National Football League (NFL).

Alex G. Spanos Stadium grandstand

Originally opened 89 years ago in 1935 with a capacity of 8,500, the stadium was expanded in 2006 to its current capacity and, following the completion of a $21.5-million renovation, was then renamed Alex G. Spanos Stadium [84][85] Previous expansions to the stadium's steel east-side grandstands were completed in 1972[86] and 1979.[87] In 2013, Cal Poly replaced the south end zone rented stands with permanent aluminum stands improving handicapped access. Additionally, Cal Poly renovated the lower portion of the older east-side bleachers to add handicapped seats and improve accessibility and egress. The new south endzone stands increased capacity by 345 seats.[88] Artist renderings of further increasing the stadium's capacity to 25,000 were released in 2010.[89] The playing field is aligned north-northwest to south-southeast at an approximate elevation of three hundred feet (90 m) above sea level. Formerly natural grass, FieldTurf was installed in 2022. In November 2022, the university announced the facility would be renamed Mustang Memorial Field Presented by Dignity Health French Hospital Medical Center, reflecting a new 10-year naming rights agreement between the college and the healthcare organization.[90]

## Rivalries and yearly matchup trophies

[edit]

### UC Davis

[edit]

"Battle for the Golden Horseshoe"

Main article: Battle for the Golden Horseshoe

Cal Poly's most prominent current rivalry in football is with in-state FCS opponent UC Davis, commemorated by the Battle for the Golden Horseshoe trophy. In the series dating to 1939, the Aggies hold the lead, 27–20–2.

### Sacramento State

[edit]

While not commemorated with a trophy, Cal Poly and Sacramento State are designated as 'protected rivals' in scheduling by the Big Sky Conference, meaning they are guaranteed to play each other in foreseeable schedules.[91] From 1967 to 2024, the Mustangs and Hornets have met 43 times, as Cal Poly leads the series 22–21.

### U. of San Diego

[edit]

USD and Cal Poly have a regional rivalry, as both schools are in-state FCS opponents south of the Bay Area, despite residing in different conferences.[92]

### Fresno State

[edit]

From 1956 to 1975, Cal Poly and Fresno State traded the Victory Bell trophy, which was donated to Cal Poly in 1952.[93] The trophy, which weighed about 200 pounds,[94] was ultimately retired due to repeated theft.[95] The two programs didn't play each other from 1986 through 2009, but brought back matchups in 2010,[96] 2013,[97] 2021[98] and 2022.[99] In the 46-game all-time series, Fresno State leads 34–10–2.

## Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees

[edit]

Name  | Position  | Years  | Inducted

|
|
|

John Madden | DT | 1957–58  | 2006
Bobby Beathard | QB | 1956–58  | 2018

## Professional alumni

[edit]

See also: List of Cal Poly Mustangs in the NFL draft

### All-Time NFL players

[edit]

* Ramses Barden — Walter Payton Award finalist/WR, New York Giants
* Jordan Beck — Buck Buchanan Award winner/LB, Atlanta Falcons
* Alex Bravo — DB, Los Angeles Rams
* Courtney Brown — DB, Dallas Cowboys
* Seth Burford — QB, San Diego Chargers
* Sal Cesario — OL, Dallas Cowboys
* Jimmy Childs — WR, St. Louis (Arizona) Cardinals
* Gary Davis — RB, Miami Dolphins
* Nick Dzubnar — LB, L.A. Chargers/Tennessee Titans
* Freddie Ford — RB, Buffalo Bills/L.A. Chargers
* Chris Gocong — Buck Buchanan Award winner/LB, Philadelphia Eagles
* Bob Howard — DB, San Diego Chargers/New England Patriots
* Asa Jackson — CB, Baltimore Ravens/Detroit Lions/San Francisco 49ers
* Louis Jackson — RB, New York Giants
* Perry Jeter — RB, Chicago Bears
* Damone Johnson — TE, Los Angeles Rams
* Mel Kaufman — LB, winner of two Super Bowl rings and Captain of Washington
* J. J. Koski — WR/ST, Los Angeles Rams
* Kamil Loud — WR, Buffalo Bills/Atlanta Falcons
* Robbie Martin — WR/KR, Detroit Lions/Indianapolis Colts
* LeCharls McDaniel — CB, Washington/Super Bowl XVII champion
* Don Milan — QB, Green Bay Packers
* Dana Nafziger — LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
* Kassim Osgood — Pro Bowl special teamer, San Diego Chargers
* David Richardson — DB, Jacksonville Jaguars
* Brian Roche — TE, San Diego Chargers
* Stan Sheriff — C/LB, Pittsburgh Steelers/San Francisco 49ers[100]
* Paul Sverchek — DL, Minnesota Vikings
* Chris Thomas — WR, San Francisco 49ers/Kansas City Chiefs
* Cecil Turner — WR/KR, Chicago Bears
* James Tuthill — K, Washington
* Fred Whittingham — LB, New Orleans Saints

### Canadian Football League players

[edit]

* Alli Abrew — QB, Saskatchewan
* Vic Buccola — G, Saskatchewan[101]
* Chris Coleman — WR, Hamilton
* Burton DeKoning — LB, Ottawa[102]
* Chris Judge — Edge, 2019 CFL Draft, 8th Rd. (71st pick[103]) – Saskatchewan
* Gary Kerr — WR, Calgary; nominee for 1972 Rookie of the Year[104]
* Pat McGuirk — DB, Winnipeg (also AFL/WLAF)
* Marty Mohamed — LB, Hamilton[105]
* Cameron Ontko — LB, Calgary/Saskatchewan[106]
* Steve Prejean — DE, Toronto[107]
* Mark Restelli — LB, Edmonton[108]/Montreal
* Chris Santini — OLB, Ottawa[109]
* Jeff Smith — WR, Toronto (also USFL)[110]
* Bob Trudeau — RB, Toronto[111]
* Antonio Warren — RB, Calgary/BC[112]
* Chris White — DL, Hamilton Tiger-Cats[113]

### NFL Preseason/Practice Squad/Mini-Camp veterans

[edit]

* Chris Brown — QB/WR, Dallas Cowboys[114]
* Charles Daum — DT, Dallas Cowboys[115]
* Sullivan Grosz — NT, Houston Texans[116]
* Dominique Johnson — WR, Minnesota Vikings[117]
* Chris Jones — FS, Dallas Cowboys[118]
* Dustin Kroeker — OT, Seattle Seahawks/Detroit Lions/Rhein Fire (NFL Europe)[119]
* Josh Letuligasenoa — OLB/DE, Green Bay Packers[120]
* Rich Max — C, Oakland Raiders[121]
* Johnny Millard — ILB, St. Louis Rams[122]
* Brian Moore — C, San Francisco 49ers[123]
* Patrick Moore — DT, Chicago Bears[124]
* Joe Protheroe — RB/FB, San Francisco 49ers[125]
* Marshall Samuels — DT, San Francisco 49ers
* Kyle Shotwell — Buck Buchanan Award recipient/ILB, Oakland Raiders[126]/Indianapolis Colts[127]
* Cole Stanford — WR/all-purpose, Kansas City Chiefs/New England Patriots[128]
* Greg Thompson — DB, Denver Broncos[129]
* Tre'dale Tolver — WR/PR, Cleveland Browns[130]
* Garrett Weichman — OL, Indianapolis Colts[131]
* Deonte Williams — RB, Oakland Raiders[132]
* Scott Winnewisser — OT, New Orleans Saints[133]

### Additional pro alumni

[edit]

* Andre Broadous — QB, Spokane/Tri-Cities (AFL)
* Jonathan Dally — QB, Danube[134] (Austria)/Milano[135] (Italian Football League)
* Mike Daum — OT, Oakland Invaders (USFL)[136]
* Freddie Gaines — S/OLB, Bay Area Panthers (IFL)
* Adam Herzing — WR, Rhein Fire/Frankfurt Galaxy (NFL Europe)
* Vaughn Jarrett — CB, San Jose (AFL)
* Darrell Jones — WR/KR, Arizona (AFL)[137]
* Kyle Lewis — WR/RB, San Diego Fleet[138] (AAF)
* Dan Loney — OL, San Jose[139] (AFL)
* Ryan Shotwell — DE, Sollerod (DAFF)[140]
* Fred Stewart — OG, Honolulu[141] (World Football League)
* DJ Stuckey — OL, Quad City (IFL)

### International Federation of American Football Team USA members

[edit]

* Kenny Chicoine — S, 2007 World Championship gold medalist (Kawasaki, Japan)

### Head coaching/football executive/athletics director alumni

[edit]

* Marijon Ancich — FB/DB/LB, second-winningest high school football coach in CIF history[142] behind Bob Ladouceur (De La Salle HS, Concord)
* Bobby Beathard — Hall of Fame general manager/executive, Washington/San Diego
* Carl Bowser — 1988 CCCAA championship-winning head coach for Bakersfield College/1996 Kern County Sports Hall of Fame inductee
* Jim Criner — 1980 Boise State championship-winning head coach/Las Vegas Outlaws (XFL) head coach
* John Madden — Oakland Raiders Super Bowl-winning head coach/Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee/Emmy Award-winning broadcaster/video game entrepreneur
* Tyler Mariucci — California Baptist athletics director
* Carl Smith — Seattle Seahawks associate head coach[143]
* Gil Stork — CCCAA Board of Directors member[144]
* Ted Tollner — USC/San Diego State head coach

### Alumni in NFL media

[edit]

* Cam Inman, San Francisco 49ers beat reporter/columnist for Bay Area News Group/author of The Best Bay Area Sports Arguments book[145]

## "Pride of the Pacific" marching band routines

[edit]

Cal Poly's band is a popular staple at home football games, performing a wide variety of halftime shows and postgame renditions, along with in-game music following first downs, touchdowns and significant defensive plays. On football gamedays, the band's rehearsals, for a playbook of roughly 70 charts, typically start at about 9 a.m. on campus.[146] The band members take a Field Show Marching Skills class as part of their curriculum.[147]

## Future non-conference opponents

[edit]

Announced schedules as of August 11, 2024.[148]

2024  | 2025  | 2026  | 2027  | 2028  | 2030  | 2032

|
|
|
|
|
|

at San Diego | at Utah | at Colgate | at Arizona State | at Fresno State | at San Jose State | at Wyoming
at Stanford |  | at San Jose State |  |  |  |
Western Oregon |  |  |  |  |  |

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Cal Poly Athletics Brand Guidelines" (PDF). February 9, 2019. Retrieved December 5, 2022.
2. ^ Cal Poly Football - 100 Seasons of Football "The 1930s", September 11, 2018, retrieved June 13, 2022
3. ^ "Stan Sheriff Stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved June 13, 2022.
4. ^ "'Rookie of Year' Honors Seen for Ex-Poly Halfback". San Luis Obispo Telegram-Tribune. October 25, 1956. p. 10.
5. ^ "Bobby Beathard Describes The Thought Process Over Trading First Round Draft Picks". www.commanders.com. Retrieved June 13, 2022.
6. ^ Ramos, George (October 21, 1969). "ONE OF GREATEST WINS IN POLY GRID HISTORY". Mustang Daily. p. 8.
7. ^ "Cal Poly (SLO) Raps Fresno St". San Francisco Chronicle. October 19, 1969. pp. 10 (C).
8. ^ "Mustangs receive Camellia Bowl bid against North Dakota". Mustang Daily. November 21, 1972. p. 1.
9. ^ Noland, Eric (December 1, 1972). "Camellia Bowl here we come!". Mustang Daily. p. 13.
10. ^ Nettleship, Johnny (October 8, 1979). "Poly blanks Bulldogs". San Luis Obispo Telegram-Tribune. p. 18.
11. ^ Wise, Kellye (October 9, 1979). "Dickens and defense whip Fresno". Mustang Daily. p. 6.
12. ^ Cal Poly Football: 40th Anniversary of the 1980 NCAA Division II National Championship Game, December 11, 2020, retrieved June 12, 2022
13. ^ "Football Records Books (since 2004)". NCAA.org. Retrieved June 14, 2022.
14. ^ "Eastern Illinois Toppled, 21-13; Miss Serrat Wins Slalom; First Victory in 5 Years". The New York Times. December 14, 1980. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved June 15, 2022.
15. ^ "2020 NCAA Football Records". NCAA.org. Retrieved June 15, 2022.
16. ^ Burdick, Eric (December 15, 1980). "Football champs honored". San Luis Obispo Telegram-Tribune. p. 1.
17. ^ "2021 NCAA Football Records". NCAA.org. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
18. ^ "Dudley earns second team all-region honors as a return specialist". December 3, 2021. `{{cite journal}}`: Cite journal requires `|journal=` (help)
19. ^ "2019 NCAA Football Records". NCAA.org. Retrieved June 15, 2022.
20. ^ Seratti, Geoff (April 30, 1991). "Standout Poly lineman signs with NFL Bears". Mustang Daily. p. 1.
21. ^ "2021 NCAA Football Records". NCAA.org. Retrieved July 13, 2022.
22. ^ foxsports. "New Mexico State plays Cal Poly in opener on FOX Sports Arizona". FOX Sports. Retrieved June 13, 2022.
23. ^ "Hall of Fame / Distinguished Service". CIF Southern Section. Retrieved June 14, 2022.
24. ^ "Cal Poly Coach Won't Return". AP NEWS. Retrieved June 14, 2022.
25. ^ Najarian, Ara (December 3, 1997). "Cal Poly SLO (10-1) Riding Low in Saddle After Snub". Los Angeles Times.
26. ^ "2021 NCAA Football Records". NCAA.org. Retrieved June 14, 2022.
27. ^ "2017 NCAA Football Records". NCAA.org. Retrieved June 26, 2022.
28. ^ Layden, Tim. "RAISING ARIZONA". Sports Illustrated Vault | Si.com. Retrieved June 14, 2022.
29. ^ Milne, Brian (January 8, 2001). "New coach takes over Cal Poly football". Mustang Daily. pp. 7–8.
30. ^ "Cal Poly vs. UTEP - Game Recap - September 6, 2003 - ESPN". ESPN. Retrieved June 13, 2022.[dead link‍]
31. ^ "2021 NCAA Football Records". NCAA.org. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
32. ^ "Cal Poly Ranked 5th, 6th in Polls". The Tribune (San Luis Obispo, CA). October 19, 2004. pp. C1.
33. ^ Milne, Brian (October 30, 2004). "Mustang Mania". San Luis Obispo Tribune. pp. A1.
34. ^ Milne, Brian; Fahey, Andy (October 31, 2004). "Second Consecutive Record Crowd Watches Classic". San Luis Obispo Tribune. pp. C3.
35. ^ "Football Records Books (since 2004)". NCAA.org. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
36. ^ "Shotwell takes 1-AA defensive honor". UPI. Retrieved June 13, 2022.
37. ^ "Cal Poly knocks off Montana for first time in 11 games | The Spokesman-Review". www.spokesman.com. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
38. ^ "State Football Rushing Yards Leaders". ESPN. June 27, 2012. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
39. ^ "Cal Poly vs. Texas State - Game Recap - December 3, 2005 - ESPN". ESPN. Retrieved June 13, 2022.[dead link‍]
40. ^ "2021 NCAA Football Records". NCAA.org. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
41. ^ "Cal Poly vs. San Diego State - Game Recap - August 30, 2008 - ESPN". ESPN. Retrieved June 13, 2022.[dead link‍]
42. ^ "Aztecs Fall To Cal Poly, 16-14". SDSU Athletics. October 28, 2006. Retrieved June 13, 2022.
43. ^ "Wisconsin 36, Cal Poly 35, OT". Twin Cities. November 20, 2008. Retrieved June 13, 2022.
44. ^ "2021 NCAA Football Records". NCAA.org. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
45. ^ Bailey, Joe (April 13, 2022). "Stephen Field named head football coach at Nipomo High". Santa Maria Times. Retrieved July 13, 2022.
46. ^ "Throwback Team Thursday: Mustang Football Team Ranked No. 3". Cal Poly. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
47. ^ Scroggin, Joshua D. (November 17, 2013). "Kupp Joins Barden in FCS lore". The Tribune (San Luis Obispo, CA). pp. S11.
48. ^ "Army hires Cal Poly's Ellerson". SFGATE. December 27, 2008. Retrieved June 13, 2022.
49. ^ "2021 NCAA Football Records". NCAA.org. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
50. ^ "2021 NCAA Football Records". NCAA.org. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
51. ^ "Cowboys Fall to Cal Poly, 24-22". University of Wyoming Athletics. Retrieved June 13, 2022.
52. ^ "Cal Poly Ranked in Top 10 By Several Computer Polls". Cal Poly. October 24, 2012. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
53. ^ Scroggin, Joshua D. (October 24, 2012). "Walsh isn't sure Mustangs are properly ranked at 7-0". The Tribune (San Luis Obispo, CA). pp. S1.
54. ^ jlpennington (October 23, 2012). "Big Sky's Williams named to Payton Watch List". SB Nation Denver. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
55. ^ "Cal Poly Defeats Weber State 30-24, Improves to 2-1 in Big Sky Games". Cal Poly. October 11, 2014. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
56. ^ Cal Poly at Weber State - Big Sky Football Highlights, October 13, 2014, retrieved June 12, 2022
57. ^ "U.S. Air Force Player of the Year: Dano Graves - MaxPreps". MaxPreps.com. January 12, 2011. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
58. ^ 2021 Big Sky Conference Football Media Guide/Record Book (PDF). Ogden, UT: Big Sky Conference. 2021. p. 41.
59. ^ "Cal Poly vs. Portland State - Box Score - October 15, 2016 - ESPN". ESPN. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
60. ^ "2021 NCAA Football Records". NCAA.org. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
61. ^ "2021 NCAA Football Records". NCAA.org. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
62. ^ 2021 Big Sky Conference Football Media Guide (PDF). Ogden, UT: Big Sky Conference. 2021. p. 38.
63. ^ "Cal Poly - Cumulative Season Statistics". calpoly_ftp.sidearmsports.com. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
64. ^ "J.J. Koski (WR): Bio, News, Stats & more". www.therams.com. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
65. ^ "Cal Poly Names Beau Baldwin as its 17th Head Football Coach". Cal Poly. December 11, 2019. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
66. ^ "Cal Poly students react to Beau Baldwin's connection with Cooper Kupp". news.yahoo.com. February 2022. Retrieved June 14, 2022.
67. ^ Bailey, Joe (December 11, 2019). "Cal Poly football: Beau Baldwin brings track record of success to Mustangs". Santa Ynez Valley News. Retrieved June 14, 2022.
68. ^ Alley, Dave (February 10, 2021). "Cal Poly pauses football practice due to COVID-19 concerns". News Channel 3-12. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
69. ^ "Cal Poly Football Team Opens Summer Access Period at Doerr Family Field". Atascadero News. July 14, 2020. Retrieved June 14, 2022.
70. ^ "2021 AP FCS All-America team". AP NEWS. December 14, 2021. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
71. ^ "Five Lions Earn Phil Steele FCS All-America, Freshman All-America Notice". Southeastern Louisiana University Athletics. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
72. ^ "Scrimmage Wraps Up First Cal Poly Spring Camp in Three Years". Cal Poly. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
73. ^ "Installation of FieldTurf at Alex G. Spanos Stadium is Complete". Cal Poly. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
74. ^ Pope, Kailyn. "Spanos Stadium Upgrades". Diversified Project Services International. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
75. ^ Burdick, Eric (September 12, 2022). "Cal Poly's Jaden Jones named Big Sky Offensive Player of the Week". Santa Ynez Valley News.
76. ^ Bandanza, Nick (October 7, 2022). "Brasch is back: Cal Poly Football quarterback returns to starting role". Mustang News.
77. ^ Koons, Zach (October 4, 2022). "Cal Poly Names New Football Center After Alumnus John Madden". Sports Illustrated.
78. ^ Bonagura, Kyle (October 1, 2022). "Cal Poly unveils plans for construction of John Madden Football Facility". ESPN.
79. ^ "Cal Poly to build John Madden Football Center". Sports Business Journal. October 2, 2022.
80. ^ Ho, Matthew (November 21, 2022). "Cal Poly ends season on high note with comeback win". San Luis Obispo Tribune. pp. 1B.
81. ^ Ho, Matthew (December 7, 2022). "Cal Poly promotes Wulff to new football coach". San Luis Obispo Tribune. pp. 1A.
82. ^ Baker, Dusty (December 6, 2022). "Paul Wulff reacts to promotion as Cal Poly Football Head Coach". KSBY TV. Retrieved December 8, 2022.
83. ^ "Miami Dolphins Sign 21 Undrafted College Free Agents". Miami Dolphins Press Releases. May 12, 2023.
84. ^ Milne, Brian (November 18, 2006). "Notebook". The Tribune (San Luis Obispo, CA). pp. D2.
85. ^ "Cal Poly Dedicates Alex G. Spanos Stadium Nov. 18". Cal Poly News & Events. November 22, 2006. Archived from the original on June 21, 2010. Retrieved October 7, 2009.
86. ^ Nicholls, Wayne (August 21, 1972). "1,500 new seats added to stadium". San Luis Obispo Telegram-Tribune. p. 7.
87. ^ Rosenberg, Mark (September 27, 1979). "Poly stadium enlarged". San Luis Obispo Telegram-Tribune. pp. B-10.
88. ^ "More seats in Spanos Stadium | Cal Poly | SanLuisObispo". Archived from the original on November 3, 2014. Retrieved November 3, 2014.
89. ^ "Cal Poly releases sketch of field of dreams". Archived from the original on November 3, 2014. Retrieved November 3, 2014.
90. ^ "Cal Poly's Football and Soccer Stadium Has a New Field Name". Cal Poly Athletics. November 11, 2022. Retrieved November 13, 2022.
91. ^ frank.gogola@406mtsports.com, FRANK GOGOLA Missoulian (July 31, 2021). "Montana, Montana State get new protected rivals in Big Sky Conference play for 2022-24 seasons". 406 MT SPORTS. Retrieved June 26, 2022.`{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
92. ^ "USD Football: Should the Toreros Consider a Move to the Big Sky Conference?". November 29, 2017.
93. ^ Buck, Claudia (October 3, 1975). "For Whom The Bell Tolls? Not For Fresno, Says Poly". Mustang Daily. p. 3.
94. ^ "Fresno trip holds thrills". El Mustang. October 14, 1966. p. 1.
95. ^ Beck, Stan (2013). College Sports Traditions. Scarecrow Press. p. 255\. ISBN 978-0810891203.
96. ^ "'Dogs pick up third win, 38-17". The Collegian. October 3, 2010. Retrieved June 27, 2022.
97. ^ "A Burse of Speed: Bulldogs cruise past Cal Poly in 41-25 win". The Collegian. September 8, 2013. Retrieved June 27, 2022.
98. ^ "Fresno State vs. Cal Poly: Bulldogs Take Care Of Business". Mountain West Wire. September 12, 2021. Retrieved June 27, 2022.
99. ^ "Cal Poly vs. Fresno State - Game Summary - September 1, 2022 - ESPN". ESPN. Retrieved June 27, 2022.
100. ^ "Quarterback Y.A. Tittle and Stan Sheriff of the San Francisco 49ers..." Getty Images. November 13, 2017. Retrieved July 20, 2022.
101. ^ "Cal Poly's Vic Buccola Signs Contract With Pro Grid Club". San Luis Obispo Telegram-Tribune. May 11, 1956. p. 9.
102. ^ "Burton De Koning". CFL.ca. Retrieved June 13, 2022.
103. ^ "2019 CFL Draft Archives". CFL.ca. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
104. ^ "CFL Awards". Calgary Stampeders. Retrieved June 18, 2022.
105. ^ "Hamilton Tiger-Cats". Retrieved July 13, 2022.
106. ^ "Cameron Ontko". CFL.ca. Retrieved June 13, 2022.
107. ^ "Prejean and Kroeker Sign Pro Deals". The Tribune (San Luis Obispo, CA). April 5, 2002. pp. C2.
108. ^ "Esks bring back Restelli; sign a pair; release four". CFL.ca. September 12, 2011. Retrieved June 13, 2022.
109. ^ Former Cal Poly linebacker Chris Santini signs with Ottawa Redblacks, May 14, 2018, retrieved June 18, 2022
110. ^ "Jeff Smith CFL Stats - Pro Football Archives". www.profootballarchives.com. Retrieved June 13, 2022.
111. ^ "Trudeau signs with Canadian football club". San Luis Obispo County Telegram-Tribune. May 3, 1978. p. 16.
112. ^ "Antonio Warren football Statistics on StatsCrew.com". www.statscrew.com. Retrieved June 13, 2022.
113. ^ "Hamilton Tiger-Cats". Retrieved June 12, 2022.
114. ^ "Chris Brown hopes to turn tryout into lasting impression". ESPN. May 7, 2016. Retrieved June 18, 2022.
115. ^ "Sports Briefs". UPI. Retrieved July 6, 2022.
116. ^ Starr, Patrick D. (June 18, 2014). "Texans Release Two Rookies in Coyle and Grosz". Sports Illustrated Houston Texans News, Analysis and More. Retrieved June 18, 2022.
117. ^ "Dominique Johnson Stats, News, Bio". ESPN. Retrieved June 18, 2022.
118. ^ "Poly gridders sign pro pact". Mustang Daily. May 6, 1981. p. 9.
119. ^ "Lions put OL Rogers on IR". UPI. Retrieved June 18, 2022.
120. ^ "Philadelphia Green Bay NFL | KRAUSE SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY". krausebrad.photoshelter.com. Retrieved June 18, 2022.
121. ^ "Rich Max Given Ax by Raiders". San Luis Obispo Telegram-Tribune. July 21, 1960. p. 8.
122. ^ Lyons, Joe (June 15, 2014). "Cal Poly LB Millard looking to make the most of a chance with the Rams". STLtoday.com. Retrieved June 18, 2022.
123. ^ "Cal Poly's Moore waived by 49ers". San Luis Obispo Telegram-Tribune. July 31, 1985. p. 9.
124. ^ Wallner, Peter (July 10, 1991). "Former Poly players to meet in Berlin while NFL job hunting". San Luis Obispo Telegram-Tribune. p. 9.
125. ^ "Football's Joe Protheroe participates in 49ers Rookie Minicamp". Mustang News. May 4, 2019. Retrieved June 26, 2022.
126. ^ James, Marty (August 7, 2007). "Ex-Cal Poly star becomes NFL student". Napa Valley Register. Retrieved June 18, 2022.
127. ^ "Indianapolis Colts Kyle Shotwell during an NFL preseason football..." Getty Images. March 25, 2021. Retrieved June 18, 2022.
128. ^ "Patriots release rookie WR Cole Stanford". www.patriots.com. Retrieved June 18, 2022.
129. ^ "Broncos release Poly free agent Thompson". San Luis Obispo Telegram-Tribune. August 1, 1986. p. 14.
130. ^ "Tredale Tolver Cleveland Browns Freeagent Wide Editorial Stock Photo - Stock Image". Shutterstock. Retrieved June 18, 2022.
131. ^ "First Look: 2024 Rookie headshots". Indianapolis Colts.
132. ^ Damien, Levi (May 7, 2013). "Raiders UDFA profile: Deonte Williams". Silver And Black Pride. Retrieved June 18, 2022.
133. ^ "New Orleans Saints Sign OL Scott Winnewisser". www.neworleanssaints.com. Retrieved June 18, 2022.
134. ^ "Jonathan Dally Photos - Free & Royalty-Free Stock Photos from Dreamstime". Jonathan Dally Photos - Free & Royalty-Free Stock Photos from Dreamstime. Retrieved June 13, 2022.
135. ^ "Milano Seamen Win Italian Championship in front of 4,500". American Football International. July 6, 2015. Retrieved June 13, 2022.
136. ^ "OAK_84". United States Football League - Revisited. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
137. ^ "Darrell Jones football Statistics on StatsCrew.com". www.statscrew.com. Retrieved June 18, 2022.
138. ^ "Fleet Roster Moves: Re-sign Kyle Lewis | East Village Times". February 23, 2019. Retrieved June 13, 2022.
139. ^ "Dan Loney | ArenaFan.com". www.arenafan.com. Retrieved June 13, 2022.
140. ^ Anders Møllenberg (October 4, 2010). "Magtforholdet i amerikansk fodbold er tippet fra Vejle til Søllerød". vafo.dk (in Danish). Retrieved July 20, 2022.
141. ^ "Fred Stewart inks pact with Hawaii". San Luis Obispo Telegram-Tribune. March 28, 1974. p. 13.
142. ^ "Marijon Ancich, second-winningest football coach in California high school history, dies". Los Angeles Times. December 9, 2018. Retrieved June 13, 2022.
143. ^ "Seattle Seahawks". www.seahawks.com. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
144. ^ "Cuesta College names gymnasium after longtime president and former CCCAA Board of Director, Dr. Gil Stork". February 6, 2019. `{{cite journal}}`: Cite journal requires `|journal=` (help)
145. ^ "From Coast to Coast: Cam Inman and his Pursuit of Journalism Excellence". Front Office Sports. February 20, 2017. Retrieved June 26, 2022.
146. ^ "Mustang Spotlight: 'One Band, One Sound'". Cal Poly. Retrieved June 26, 2022.
147. ^ "Mustang Band - Music Department - Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo". music.calpoly.edu. Retrieved June 26, 2022.
148. ^ "Cal Poly Mustangs Football Future Schedules". FBSchedules.com. Retrieved August 11, 2024.

## Externally links

[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Cal Poly Mustangs football.

* Official website

* v
* t
* e

Cal Poly Mustangs football

Venues|

* Alex G. Spanos Stadium (1935–present)

Bowls & rivalries|

* UC Davis: Battle for the Golden Horseshoe

Culture & lore|

* Musty the Mustang
* "Ride High You Mustangs"
* Mustang Band
* Cal Poly football team C-46 crash

People|

* Head coaches
* NFL draftees

Seasons|

* 1915
* 1916
* 1917
* 1918
* 1919
* 1920
* 1921
* 1922
* 1923
* 1924
* 1925
* 1926
* 1927
* 1928
* 1929
* 1930
* 1931
* 1932
* 1933
* 1934
* 1935
* 1936
* 1937
* 1938
* 1939
* 1940
* 1941
* 1942
* 1943–1944
* 1945
* 1946
* 1947
* 1948
* 1949
* 1950
* 1951
* 1952
* 1953
* 1954
* 1955
* 1956
* 1957
* 1958
* 1959
* 1960
* 1961
* 1962
* 1963
* 1964
* 1965
* 1966
* 1967
* 1968
* 1969
* 1970
* 1971
* 1972
* 1973
* 1974
* 1975
* 1976
* 1977
* 1978
* 1979
* 1980
* 1981
* 1982
* 1983
* 1984
* 1985
* 1986
* 1987
* 1988
* 1989
* 1990
* 1991
* 1992
* 1993
* 1994
* 1995
* 1996
* 1997
* 1998
* 1999
* 2000
* 2001
* 2002
* 2003
* 2004
* 2005
* 2006
* 2007
* 2008
* 2009
* 2010
* 2011
* 2012
* 2013
* 2014
* 2015
* 2016
* 2017
* 2018
* 2019
* 2020
* 2021
* 2022
* 2023
* 2024

National championship seasons in bold

* v
* t
* e

Big Sky Conference football

Teams|

* Cal Poly Mustangs
* Eastern Washington Eagles
* Idaho Vandals
* Idaho State Bengals
* Montana Grizzlies
* Montana State Bobcats
* Northern Arizona Lumberjacks
* Northern Colorado Bears
* Portland State Vikings
* Sacramento State Hornets
* UC Davis Aggies
* Weber State Wildcats

Championships and awards|

* All-time standings

Seasons|

* 1963
* 1964
* 1965
* 1966
* 1967
* 1968
* 1969
* 1970
* 1971
* 1972
* 1973
* 1974
* 1975
* 1976
* 1977
* 1978
* 1979
* 1980
* 1981
* 1982
* 1983
* 1984
* 1985
* 1986
* 1987
* 1988
* 1989
* 1990
* 1991
* 1992
* 1993
* 1994
* 1995
* 1996
* 1997
* 1998
* 1999
* 2000
* 2001
* 2002
* 2003
* 2004
* 2005
* 2006
* 2007
* 2008
* 2009
* 2010
* 2011
* 2012
* 2013
* 2014
* 2015
* 2016
* 2017
* 2018
* 2019
* 2020
* 2021
* 2022
* 2023

* v
* t
* e

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

Academics|

* Architecture and Environmental Design
* Orfalea College of Business
* Engineering

Student life|

* Alumni
* The "P"
* Cal Poly Universities Rose Float
* KCPR
* Mustang Band
* Mercy Bowl

Campus facilities|

* Alex G. Spanos Stadium
* Leaning Pine Arboretum
* Robert A. Mott Athletics Center
* Robert E. Kennedy Library
* Robin Baggett Stadium
* University House

Athletics|

| Programs|

* Cal Poly Mustangs
* Baseball
* Men's basketball
* Women's basketball
* Football
* Men's soccer

|

Rivals|

* UC Davis
* Battle for the Golden Horseshoe
* UC Santa Barbara
* Blue–Green Rivalry

*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template