The Gridiron Story: A History of Simpson University Football
Simpson University, a private Evangelical Christian liberal arts college located in Redding, California, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1921. Originally established as Simpson Bible Institute in Seattle, the institution relocated to San Francisco in 1955 before finding its permanent home in Redding in 1989. Named after Albert Benjamin Simpson, a pioneer of the Bible institute movement and founder of The Christian and Missionary Alliance denomination, Simpson University has evolved from a small Bible institute to a comprehensive university offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. This article explores the history of football at Simpson University, tracing its evolution, challenges, and achievements.
Early Beginnings and the Transition to Redding
Simpson College was established in 1921 by W.W. Newberry with the goal of promoting spiritual growth and Christian service among its students. Initially offering only two-year programs, the school expanded its offerings over time, becoming the official western regional school of The Christian and Missionary Alliance by 1945. In 1989, a historic milestone was reached when Simpson relocated to Redding and began building a new campus.
The Red Hawks and Athletic Affiliations
Simpson University's athletic teams are known as the Red Hawks. The institution is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and primarily competes in the California Pacific Conference (Cal Pac) for most of its sports since the 1996-97 academic year. However, its men's and women's wrestling teams compete in the Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC), the swimming & diving teams compete in the Pacific Collegiate Swim Conference (PCSC), and the football team competes in the Frontier Conference. Simpson previously competed as a member of the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) from 1991-92 to 2014-15.
Simpson competes in 19 intercollegiate varsity sports, including men's baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, swimming & diving, track & field, volleyball, and wrestling; women's basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, swimming & diving, track & field, volleyball, and wrestling; and co-ed cheerleading. The university also has a co-ed bass fishing club sport.
Mascot Evolution: From Knights to Vanguard to Red Hawks
Originally, while still located in San Francisco, the school's athletes were known as the Knights. However, after the move to Redding, a conflict arose with nearby Shasta College, who were also known as the Knights. Simpson remained the Knights for the first year in Redding and then adopted Vanguard as its mascot in 1990. The university eventually transitioned to its current mascot, the Red Hawks.
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A History of Sportsmanship and Success
Between 1999 and 2017, Simpson has won the Cal Pac Sportsmanship award seven times, a testament to the character and values of its athletes and coaches. In 2011, the women's softball team secured the school's first conference title.
Trevor Utter Takes the Helm
In December, Simpson University announced Trevor Utter as the new head football coach. Utter, who most recently served as the Wide Receivers and Tight Ends Coach, has made a strong impact through his leadership, mentorship, and commitment to intentional player development within Simpson University’s Christ-centered environment.
“Trevor has a genuine gift for developing players-on the field, in the classroom, and in life,” said Rob Harley, Simpson University Athletic Director. “He leads with integrity, humility, and a heart for discipleship, which aligns directly with who we are as a University."
A former student-athlete, Utter played football at the University of Montana from 1994-1998, earning both a Bachelor of Arts in Education and a Master of Arts in Education Leadership while competing for the Grizzlies.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to lead Simpson Football and for the trust placed in me by the University,” said Utter.
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