A Legacy of Leopards: The History of University of La Verne Football
The football program at the University of La Verne boasts a rich and storied history spanning 98 years. This article delves into that legacy, from its early beginnings to its period of dominance in the 1990s and the aspirations of the current program.
Early Years and the "60 Years of Football" Celebration
In the early days of the program, the University of La Verne celebrated its "60 Years of Football" with a special banquet. Alumni from all walks of life and spanning six decades gathered to reminisce about the program's heritage since 1921.
Vernon “Red” Weybright (class of ’31) served as the master of ceremonies, introducing speakers and keeping them within their time limits. The Rev. Charles Rose (’55) commenced the evening with an invocation. Bert Betts, La Verne’s first football captain (’25) and co-chairperson of the 60 years of football committee, was the first speaker.
Remembrances of the past dominated the night, with speakers sharing anecdotes and stories from their respective eras. Roland Ortmayer, the 1981 head football coach and his wife Cornelia, were also in attendance. Ortmayer spoke of the opportunity La Verne football participants, past and present, had to meet with each other and relate stories. Ortmayer received a standing ovation when he was through speaking. Weybright commented that “La Verne College has quite a combination,” speaking of Ortmayer and his wife Cornelia (Corni). Ortmayer mentioned that “the longer we stay here; (he and his wife), the more we get in debt (to the institution).” He said that he owes the college for all his years at ULV. Corni was then presented with a gift- a diamond necklace. “Corni had been saving up for a new stove and oven. When she had just enough money, the archery equipment at the school was stolen. So Ort used that money to replace the stolen equipment. At that time, a large gift was wheeled from behind a blockade.
The 1961 Season: A Glimpse of Success
The 1961 season provides a snapshot of the team's performance during that era. Here's a recap of the games and their outcomes, as reported by various news outlets:
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- September 19: Leopard Coach Optimistic About Team's '61 Outlook
- September 24: Leos Nip Pomona
- October 1: La Verne Romps Past Stags, Scores Second Straight Win
- October 6: Homecoming Tilt Tomorrow: Cal Western Looms As Toughie for Leos
- October 8: Leos Romp, 35-0
- October 13: Leopards Put Perfect 3-0 Record on Line
- October 15: Leopards Edge Riverside
- October 20: Leopards Tabbed Over Caltech Club
- October 22: Leos Notch Fifth Win, Clip Caltech
- October 29: Leopard '11' Falls To Westminster
- October 30: Parsons Upset LaVerne
- November 3: Azusa Eyes Upset Of La Verne Club
- November 5: La Verne Returns To Win Column, Tops Azusa 46-20
- November 8: Leopards Working on Upset Plans of Potent Redlands
- November 11: RedlandsU.R.
- November 13: Bulldogs, trailing 28-8 at half, rally to win
- November 17: Leopards' Best Year To End in Rose Bowl
- November 18: vs. RedlandsU.R.
- November 19: Leopards Score 35-8 Victory In Season Finale
The Dominant 1990s
The 1990s stand out as a golden era for La Verne football. From 1991 to 1996, the Leopards achieved a remarkable 46-8-1 record. This period included three consecutive SCIAC (Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) championships from 1993-95, along with two consecutive unbeaten regular seasons. The team also earned the school's first-ever NCAA playoff berth in 1994. During this time, La Verne was a dominant force within the SCIAC and the West Region.
The Current Era
Head coach Chris Krich aims to build upon these rich traditions while introducing new strategies to drive future success. The current Leopard regime looks to recapture the on-field success of 1990's when the Leopards were a dominant force within the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and West Region.
Program Philosophy and NCAA Division III Athletics
The La Verne football program places a strong emphasis on academics, campus involvement, and community service. The program's core values include:
- Graduation within four years
- A well-rounded, diversified education
- Active participation within all aspects of the campus community
- Overwhelming success both on and off the football field
As an NCAA Division III member, La Verne does not offer scholarships based on athletic ability. The athletic program is dedicated to developing scholar-athletes who demonstrate a commitment to academic and athletic success. Approximately 30% of traditional-age undergraduates participate in intercollegiate athletics annually. Leos engage in significant and qualitative community service, while earning academic results that meet or exceed those of the general student population.
Historical Records Against Other Universities
The University of La Verne football program has a history of competition against various universities and colleges. Here's a summary of their overall records against some of these institutions:
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- Azusa Pacific University: 0-2 (Away: 0-1, Neutral: 0-1)
- California Lutheran University: 5-18 (Conf: 5-17, Home: 3-8, Away: 2-10)
- Cetys University: (No record provided)
- Chapman University: 4-20 (Conf: 1-13, Home: 3-9, Away: 1-11)
- Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Colleges: 3-10 (Conf: 3-10, Home: 3-3, Away: 0-7)
- George Fox University: 2-0 (Home: 1-0, Away: 1-0)
- Menlo College: (No record provided)
- Occidental College: 6-9 (Conf: 6-9, Home: 3-5, Away: 3-4)
- Pacific Lutheran University: 0-2 (Home: 0-1, Away: 0-1)
- Pomona-Pitzer: 10-14 (Conf: 10-14, Home: 6-6, Away: 4-8)
- University of Puget Sound: 2-4 (Home: 1-2, Away: 1-2)
- University of Redlands: 1-22 (Conf: 1-22, Home: 0-12, Away: 1-9, Neutral: 0-1)
- University of San Diego: (No record provided)
- University of St: (No record provided)
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