What Is 1931 San Diego State Aztecs football

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Last updated: April 14, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1931 San Diego State Aztecs football team represented San Diego State College during the 1931 college football season, compiling a 6–3–1 record under head coach Walter Herreid. The team played as an independent and scored 151 points while allowing 80. Their season included notable wins over Whittier and Occidental.

Key Facts

The 1931 San Diego State Aztecs football team had a 6–3–1 overall record
Head coach Walter Herreid led the team during the 1931 season
The Aztecs scored 151 points and allowed 80 points in 10 games
They played as an independent with no conference affiliation
Notable victories included wins over Whittier and Occidental

Overview

The 1931 San Diego State Aztecs football team represented San Diego State College in the 1931 college football season. At the time, the school was still a two-year institution and had not yet transitioned into a four-year university, which would occur in 1935.

Under the leadership of head coach Walter Herreid, the Aztecs played a challenging schedule as an independent team, facing regional opponents across Southern California. Their season showcased a balanced offense and a resilient defense, finishing with a winning record that reflected the team's growing competitiveness.

Record: The Aztecs finished the 1931 season with a 6–3–1 overall record, marking one of their stronger performances in the early era of the program.
Head Coach: Walter Herreid was in his third year as head coach, having led the team since 1929 and helping to establish a foundation for future success.
Scoring: The team scored 151 points across 10 games, averaging 15.1 points per game, a solid output for the era.
Defense: San Diego State allowed 80 points during the season, holding opponents to under eight points per game on average.
Notable Opponents: The Aztecs defeated Whittier College 20–0 and Occidental College 13–7, both of which were strong regional programs at the time.

Season Performance

The 1931 campaign demonstrated the Aztecs' ability to compete against a mix of collegiate and junior college opponents. Their schedule included non-conference matchups, as San Diego State was not part of any formal athletic conference during this period.

Home Games: Most of the team’s games were played at San Diego Ballpark, a multi-use field that served as their home venue before the construction of Aztec Stadium.
Offensive Standout: Fullback Bill Schutte emerged as a key player, contributing significantly in both rushing and defense throughout the season.
Season Opener: The Aztecs began the year with a 19–0 shutout victory over San Diego Marines, setting a strong tone early.
Tie Game: A 7–7 deadlock with San Bernardino Junior College highlighted inconsistencies but also demonstrated resilience in come-from-behind play.
Season Finale: The team closed the year with a 20–13 win over San Diego Navy, securing a winning record and boosting morale for the following season.
Player Development: Many athletes from the 1931 squad went on to play key roles in the transition to four-year status in 1935, helping build program continuity.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1931 Aztecs compare to other seasons in the early history of the program:

Season	Record	Head Coach	Points For	Points Against
1929	4–4–1	Walter Herreid	98	77
1930	5–3–1	Walter Herreid	127	83
1931	6–3–1	Walter Herreid	151	80
1932	5–3–1	Walter Herreid	114	77
1933	5–3–1	Walter Herreid	98	61

The 1931 season stands out as the most offensively productive of the early Herreid years, with the highest point total and best defensive margin. While the win totals were similar to surrounding years, the offensive explosion and improved defense marked a peak in performance during this era.

Why It Matters

The 1931 season is a significant chapter in the evolution of San Diego State football, representing a high point before the school's elevation to four-year status. It helped solidify the program's reputation in Southern California junior college and emerging collegiate football circles.

Program Growth: The success of the 1931 team contributed to increased student interest and support for athletics at San Diego State.
Coach Herreid’s Legacy: Walter Herreid’s consistent leadership from 1929 to 1933 laid the groundwork for future conference affiliation and expansion.
Historical Benchmark: The 6–3–1 record remains one of the best in the pre-1935 era, often referenced in program retrospectives.
Transition Era: The season occurred just four years before SDSU began competing as a four-year institution, making it a bridge between junior college and collegiate football.
Regional Rivalries: Games against Whittier, Occidental, and local military teams helped establish early rivalries and fan engagement.
Foundation for Future: The team’s performance underscored the potential for SDSU to compete at higher levels, influencing future recruitment and scheduling decisions.

Though not widely remembered outside of program historians, the 1931 Aztecs represent a formative moment in San Diego State’s athletic identity. Their season reflects the ambitions of a growing institution on the cusp of major academic and athletic transformation.