40 Year Football Program Reunion
Cuesta College is gearing up to host a reunion 40 years in the making – the first-ever Cuesta College Football Stars Reunite. Set to take place April 21, the college is currently seeking former players and supporters to attend the event.
“We are really excited to get as many players, coaches, cheerleaders, booster club members, and fans together as possible to celebrate the college’s football program, which ended 40 years ago,” said Cuesta College Superintendent/President and former Assistant Coach Dr. Gil Stork, who will host the event alongside former Head Coach and Cuesta College Athletics Director Warren Hansen.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun, and we already have folks traveling in from all over the country to participate and help us get the team back together.”
The Cuesta College Football Program began one year after the college opened in September of 1965 and ran through 1978. The early years of the program involved the players practicing on a dirt field and beginning each practice by walking from one end to the other, kicking rocks off the field. The very first team had about 60 football athletes from San Luis Obispo County high schools try out; by the end of the first season, it is estimated that the team was comprised of only 16 players.
“The three football coaches met every day through July getting ready for our September start,” recalled Hansen, who retired as athletic director from Cuesta College in 2001. “We didn’t have any equipment. We didn’t have our (play) books prepared. We didn’t have any kids on the team. We didn’t even have a practice field.”
The football program posted an overall record of 40-72-2, with only two winning seasons. However, at the end of its 13-season run in 1977, the program achieved a title it still maintains.
“Cuesta currently has a very robust and successful 15-sport athletic program today. When asked about our football program, it is fun to say, ‘We have been undefeated since 1977!’” said Dr. Stork.
