What Is 1963 Long Beach State 49ers football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1963 Long Beach State 49ers football team represented California State University, Long Beach during the 1963 NCAA College Division season, finishing with a 7–3 record under head coach Don Reed. The team played its home games at Veterans Memorial Stadium and competed as an independent. Notable wins included a 28–6 victory over Cal Poly Pomona.

Key Facts

The 1963 Long Beach State 49ers finished the season with a 7–3 overall record
Head coach Don Reed led the team in his third season at the helm
The 49ers played home games at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Long Beach, CA
They defeated Cal Poly Pomona 28–6, one of their most dominant wins
Long Beach State competed as an NCAA College Division independent in 1963

Overview

The 1963 Long Beach State 49ers football team represented California State University, Long Beach during the 1963 NCAA College Division football season. Competing as an independent program, the team was led by head coach Don Reed, who was in his third year at the university and continued to build a competitive program in Southern California.

Playing their home games at Veterans Memorial Stadium, the 49ers posted a solid 7–3 overall record, showcasing improvements on both offense and defense. While not ranked nationally, the team earned respect through consistent performances and key victories over regional opponents, laying groundwork for future success in the program’s early years.

7–3 record: The 1963 season marked one of the stronger campaigns in early 49ers history, with seven wins and only three losses, reflecting steady program growth.
Don Reed as head coach: In his third season, Reed emphasized discipline and fundamentals, shaping a team known for its balanced offensive attack and aggressive defense.
Veterans Memorial Stadium: The team played all home games at this 15,000-seat venue in Long Beach, which served as the 49ers’ primary home field through the 1990s.
Independent status: Without a conference affiliation, the 49ers scheduled a mix of local colleges and emerging programs, including Cal Poly Pomona and San Diego State.
Key victory: A 28–6 win over Cal Poly Pomona stood out as a dominant performance, highlighting the team’s ability to control both lines of scrimmage.

How It Works

The 1963 Long Beach State 49ers operated within the structure of NCAA College Division football, which preceded the modern Division II and Division III classifications. As an independent, the team had full control over its schedule and relied on regional matchups to build credibility and fan interest.

Season Structure: The team played a 10-game schedule from September to November, with games typically held on Saturdays and broadcast locally via radio.
Recruiting Strategy: Focused on local Southern California talent, the program prioritized high school athletes from Long Beach, Los Angeles, and Orange County.
Offensive Scheme: Utilized a balanced attack with both a strong running game and intermediate passing, tailored to player strengths and defensive tendencies.
Defensive Alignment: The 49ers ran a 4–3 defense, emphasizing speed and gap control, which proved effective against run-heavy opponents.
Game Preparation: Practices were held in the afternoons, with film study and playbook sessions integrated three times per week during the season.
Player Eligibility: Athletes had to meet NCAA academic standards and maintain amateur status, with no athletic scholarships offered at the time.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1963 Long Beach State 49ers are best understood in context with peer programs from the same era. The table below compares key metrics.

Team	Record (1963)	Coach	Stadium	Division
Long Beach State 49ers	7–3	Don Reed	Veterans Memorial	College Division
Cal Poly Pomona	3–6	Don Warhurst	Kellogg Field	College Division
San Diego State	7–3	Al Kincaid	SDCCU Stadium	College Division
UC Santa Barbara	4–5	Jack Curtice	Cuyamaca Field	College Division
Fresno State	6–4	Dave Serrano	Ratcliffe Stadium	College Division

This comparison shows that Long Beach State performed on par with regional peers, matching San Diego State’s 7–3 record and outperforming several nearby rivals. The lack of a formal conference did not hinder competitiveness, as independent programs like the 49ers could still schedule meaningful games and develop strong rosters through local recruiting.

Why It Matters

The 1963 season was a pivotal chapter in the early development of Long Beach State football, helping establish traditions and momentum that would carry into the 1970s. Though the program was eventually discontinued in 1991, seasons like 1963 are remembered for building identity and community pride.

Foundation for growth: The 7–3 record demonstrated progress under Don Reed, setting expectations for future seasons and increased fan engagement.
Local identity: The team strengthened ties with Long Beach by featuring homegrown players and hosting community events around game days.
Recruiting model: The focus on Southern California talent became a blueprint for later programs seeking cost-effective, high-commitment rosters.
Media exposure: Games received coverage in the Long Beach Press-Telegram, increasing visibility for the young university.
Program legacy: Though football was later dropped, the 1963 team is cited in university archives as a marker of athletic ambition.
Historical context: The season reflects the era’s transition in college football, with smaller programs striving for recognition before scholarship expansion.

Understanding the 1963 Long Beach State 49ers offers insight into the evolution of mid-tier college football and the regional dynamics that shaped athletic development in California.