1983 Southwestern Apaches football team

American college football season February 2025 1983 Southwestern Apaches football Mission Conference Mission 9–2 4–2 Bob Mears 8th Jan Chapman Sr. 1st Bing Dawson 2nd I formationhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-breeze-eccs-scott-i-told-you/163883080/ ECC's Scott: I told you so Phil Collin The Daily Breeze December 1, 1983 January 24, 2025 D2 Newspapers.com DeVore Stadium South Bay-Kiwanis Bowl champion South Bay-Kiwanis Bowl W 24–11 vs. 1983 El Camino Warriors El Camino The 1983 Southwestern Apaches football team was an American football team that represented Southwestern College as a member of the Mission Conference during the 1983 junior college football season. In their eighth year under head coach Bob Mears,Mears was hired ahead of the 1976 season.https://www.newspapers.com/article/chula-vista-star-news/163207715/ Mears readies for SC position Chula Vista Star-News December 25, 1975 January 25, 2025 C2 Newspapers.com the Apaches compiled a 9–2 record (4–2 in conference games), finished third in the Mission Conference, defeated 1983 El Camino Warriors El Camino in the South Bay-Kiwanis Bowl,https://www.newspapers.com/article/chula-vista-star-news-pierce-steals-the/163233524/ Pierce steals the show in bowl win, 24-11 Jeff Nahill Chula Vista Star-News December 4, 1983 January 24, 2025 B1 Newspapers.com and were ranked No. 21 in the final J.C. Grid-Wire poll of 1983.https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-times-advocate/163704121/ All-America team Escondido Times-Advocate December 10, 1983 January 22, 2025 A12 Newspapers.com Southwestern hosted the second annual South Bay-Kiwanis Bowl,https://www.newspapers.com/article/chula-vista-star-news-its-more-than-a-b/163882295/ It's more than a bowl for SWC Wayne Suggett Chula Vista Star-News December 1, 1983 January 24, 2025 C1, C4 Newspapers.com Renamed from the San Diego-South Bay Bowlhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/chula-vista-star-news-apaches-think-bowl/163860786/ Apaches think bowl rather than title now Wayne Suggett Chula Vista Star-News November 17, 1983 January 24, 2025 D2 Newspapers.com which pitted the team with the best record in San Diego County against an at-large team selected by the state bowl committee.https://www.newspapers.com/article/chula-vista-star-news/163854753/ SWC puts hopes on line Wayne Suggett Chula Vista Star-News November 1, 1984 January 24, 2025 D2 Newspapers.com Southwestern secured their berth with an 8–2 regular season record while El Camino earned an invitation after a runner-up finish in the Metropolitan Conference. The game was cancelled ahead of its third edition in 1984.https://www.newspapers.com/article/imperial-beach-star-news/163863178/ Bowl game canned Wayne Suggett Chula Vista Star-News November 25, 1984 January 24, 2025 D4 Newspapers.com Linebacker Harry Leomiti was selected as a second-team player on the 1983 junior college All-American football team by J.C. Grid-Wire, while wide receiver Steve Pierce received honorable mention.https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times/126555157/ San Diegan Leads JC All-Americans Mike Hiserman Los Angeles Times December 10, 1983 January 22, 2025 IA–7 Newspapers.com In addition, 10 Southwestern players were selected to the 1983 All-Mission Conference football team. Two were named to the first-team offense (Pierce and running back Darnell King) while three were named to the first-team defense: Leomiti, fellow linebacker Irwin Smith, and defensive lineman Chris Cross.https://www.newspapers.com/article/chula-vista-star-news/163883291/ Football picks announced Chula Vista Star-News December 11, 1983 January 25, 2025 B2 Newspapers.com Pierce recorded 39 receptions for 672 yards and a conference-best 11 touchdowns in the regular season, and added 13 catches for 260 yards and a touchdown in their bowl game win to earn offensive MVP honors. He later played in the NFL for the Cleveland Browns. The team played its home games at DeVore Stadium in Chula Vista, California. Schedule The annual preseason scrimmage was discontinued due to budget cuts.https://www.newspapers.com/article/imperial-beach-star-news/163725291/ Encore performance on SWC's mind (II) Rodney Arnayro Imperial Beach Star-News August 21, 1983 January 23, 2025 B2 Newspapers.com y y Pacific September 17 1983 West Los Angeles Oilers West Los Angeles<ncg> DeVore Stadium Chula Vista, CA W 18-0 https://www.newspapers.com/article/chula-vista-star-news-apache-defense-sti/163725455/ Apache defense stifles Oilers, 18-0 Jeff Nahill Chula Vista Star-News September 18, 1983 January 23, 2025 C3 Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-breeze-mistakes-costly-for-wes/163725492/ Mistakes costly for West LA The Daily Breeze September 18, 1983 January 23, 2025 D3 Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/chula-vista-star-news/163788076/ Apaches look to improve Wayne Suggett Chula Vista Star-News September 22, 1983 January 23, 2025 D1, D2 Newspapers.com September 24 at 1983 Imperial Valley Arabs Imperial Valley<ncg> Imperial, CA W 31-0 https://www.newspapers.com/article/chula-vista-star-news-southwestern-rolls/163790074/ Southwestern rolls to 31-0 victory over Imperial Valley Chula Vista Star-News September 25, 1983 January 23, 2025 C2 Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/chula-vista-star-news/163792926/ It's not easy for Mears Michael Cisneros Chula Vista Star-News September 29, 1983 January 23, 2025 D1, D2 Newspapers.com October 1 1983 Desert Roadrunners Desert<ncg> DeVore Stadium Chula Vista, CA W 51-7 https://www.newspapers.com/article/chula-vista-star-news-southwestern-makes/163794725/ Southwestern makes COD pay, 51-7 Jeff Nahill Chula Vista Star-News October 2, 1983 January 23, 2025 B3 Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-desert-sun-cods-streak-stopped-at-o/163794838/ COD's streak stopped at one Pablo Lopez The Desert Sun October 3, 1983 January 23, 2025 B2 Newspapers.com October 8 at 1983 Antelope Valley Marauders Antelope Valley<ncg> Lancaster, CA W 28-7 October 15 at 1983 Citrus Owls Citrus Azusa, CA L 0-31 https://www.newspapers.com/article/chula-vista-star-news/163803041/ Apaches get scalped, 31-0 Rodney Arnayro Chula Vista Star-News October 16, 1983 January 23, 2025 C1 Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/chula-vista-star-news-swc-hopes-to-get-o/163803700/ SWC hopes to get over 'brain fade' (I) Rodney Arnayro Chula Vista Star-News October 20, 1983 January 24, 2025 D2 Newspapers.com October 22 1983 Riverside Tigers Riverside DeVore Stadium Chula Vista, CA W 22-20 https://www.newspapers.com/article/chula-vista-star-news-pierce-catch-wins/163803783/ Pierce catch wins for Apaches on game's last play, 22-20 Rodney Arnayro Chula Vista Star-News October 23, 1983 January 24, 2025 D2 Newspapers.com October 29 at 1983 Palomar Comets Palomar San Marcos High School Stadium San Marcos, CA W 40-22 https://www.newspapers.com/article/chula-vista-star-news-chapman-leads-air/163838879/ Chapman leads 'Air Apache,' 40-22 Rodney Arnayro Chula Vista Star-News October 30, 1983 January 24, 2025 C1 Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-times-advocate-comets-win-second-h/163839390/ Comets win second half, but lose game Tom Saxe Escondido Times-Advocate October 30, 1983 January 24, 2025 D1, D4 Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/north-county-times-palomar-musters-momen/163840117/ Palomar musters momentum, but not enough Sid Steketee The Blade-Tribune October 30, 1983 January 24, 2025 13, 15 Newspapers.com November 5 1983 San Diego City Knights San Diego City DeVore Stadium Chula Vista, CA W 42-24 https://www.newspapers.com/article/chula-vista-star-news-pierce-and-tron-ho/163855637/ Pierce and Tron hook up for 42-24 win Jeff Nahill Chula Vista Star-News November 6, 1983 January 24, 2025 C2 Newspapers.com November 19 at 1983 Santa Ana Dons Santa Ana Eddie West Field Santa Ana, CA W 7-6 3,000 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-missed-field-goal/163880061/ Missed Field Goal Results in a Santa Ana Defeat, 7-6 Dan York Los Angeles Times November 20, 1983 January 24, 2025 III–16 Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/chula-vista-star-news-apaches-sneak-past/163880574/ Apaches sneak past Santa Ana, 7-6 Chula Vista Star-News November 20, 1983 January 24, 2025 D1 Newspapers.com November 24 Thursday 1983 Saddleback Gauchos Saddleback DeVore Stadium Chula Vista, CA L 7-10 1,500 https://www.newspapers.com/article/chula-vista-star-news-saddleback-gives-t/163880932/ Saddleback gives thanks for another win Rodney Arnayro Chula Vista Star-News November 27, 1983 January 24, 2025 B2 Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-orange-coast-surpr/163880995/ Orange Coast Surprises Golden West Dan York Los Angeles Times November 25, 1983 January 24, 2025 III–16 Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tustin-news-gasser-bails-out-gauchos/163881818/ Gasser Bails Out Gauchos in Thanksgiving Day Win The Tustin News December 1, 1983 January 24, 2025 A8 Newspapers.com December 3 vs 1983 El Camino Warriors El Camino<ncg> DeVore Stadium Chula Vista, CA (South Bay-Kiwanis Bowl) W 24-11 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-breeze-ecc-misses-chances-to-w/163233599/ ECC misses chances to win S.D. bowl Phil Collin The Daily Breeze December 4, 1983 January 24, 2025 D1, D3 Newspapers.com Offseason Coaching staff changes Head coach Bob Mears took on the additional role of offensive line coach when he was unable to fill the vacancy after the departure of Jay Mack,https://www.newspapers.com/article/chula-vista-star-news/163712787/ SWC's Hinzo gives up football Jeff Nahill Chula Vista Star-News August 14, 1983 January 22, 2025 A9 Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/chula-vista-star-news-apache-line-key-to/163712959/ Apache line key to '83 offensive unit Rodney Arnayro Chula Vista Star-News September 1, 1983 January 22, 2025 B7 Newspapers.com who also served as offensive coordinator.https://www.newspapers.com/article/chula-vista-star-news/163723480/ No shortage of talented backs at SWC (II) Abner Camama Chula Vista Star-News October 7, 1982 January 22, 2025 B7 Newspapers.com For Mears, it was the first time in his 20-year career that he coached the offensive line, though he was assisted by ex-Apache players Bill Dowd and Byron King. Likewise, quarterbacks coach Jan Chapman Sr. took on the additional duties of offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach.https://www.newspapers.com/article/chula-vista-star-news-newcomers-help-str/163795105/ Newcomers help strengthen SWC gridiron cause Rodney Arnayro Chula Vista Star-News October 6, 1983 January 23, 2025 D2 Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/chula-vista-star-news-swc-receiver-pierc/163794150/ SWC receiver Pierce has eyes set on 'SC Abner Camama Chula Vista Star-News September 4, 1983 January 23, 2025 D1 Newspapers.com Other coaching staff departures included running backs coach Gil Warren,https://www.newspapers.com/article/chula-vista-star-news-apache-grid-staff/163480131/ Apache grid staff: Long on credentials, short on cash Bill Ward Chula Vista Star-News August 26, 1982 January 19, 2025 B11, B12 Newspapers.com who was hired as offensive coordinator at Castle Park High School in Chula Vista,https://www.newspapers.com/article/chula-vista-star-news/163723081/ Trojans lower the boom, 37-0 Abner Camama Chula Vista Star-News September 18, 1983 January 22, 2025 C1 Newspapers.com and defensive backs coach Dan Henson, who was hired as head coach at Christian High School in El Cajon.https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-lincoln-still-the/163724209/ Lincoln Still the Team to Beat in Central League Marc Appleman Los Angeles Times September 7, 1983 January 22, 2025 III–12 Newspapers.com Player changes thumb|right|Tommy Hinzo quit the football team ahead of his would-be sophomore season to focus on baseball. Southwestern lost a majority of its starters from the previous season for a variety of reasons, including graduation, injuries, marriage, and military service. Notably, second-team all-conference running back Tommy Hinzo quit the team to focus on baseball. He went on to sign with Arizona, where he won a national title in 1986, and was selected four different times in the MLB draft before finally signing with the Cleveland Indians.https://www.newspapers.com/article/chula-vista-star-news-hinzo-doesnt-regr/163798184/ Hinzo doesn't regret decision Jeff Nahill Chula Vista Star-News June 19, 1986 January 23, 2025 D1, D2 Newspapers.com Starting quarterback and reigning Mission Conference Player of the Year Reid Sholl transferred to Colorado State.https://www.newspapers.com/article/chula-vista-star-news-the-work-never-end/163760161/ The work never ends for SWC grid program Jeff Nahill Chula Vista Star-News February 6, 1983 January 23, 2025 B1, B3 Newspapers.com The team's other Division I transfers were: running back Eric McDuffie (Cal State Fullerton), offensive linemen Bill Dowd and Dan Knight (both San Diego State), defensive lineman Steve Howe (Illinois), Tevel Holeman (Cal State Fullerton), and defensive backs Dennis Mitchell (Fresno State) and Tony Walker (San Jose State).https://www.newspapers.com/article/chula-vista-star-news-aztecs-look-to-s/163761512/ Aztecs look to S. Bay Rodney Arnayro Chula Vista Star-News September 12, 1985 January 23, 2025 D1, D2 Newspapers.com Wide receiver Steve Pierce received interest from schools such as UCLA, Arizona State, and Illinois, but chose to stay at Southwestern for another year.https://www.newspapers.com/article/chula-vista-star-news/163795862/ Pierce signs with Illinois Wayne Suggett Chula Vista Star-News December 25, 1983 January 23, 2025 D1 Newspapers.com After the 1983 season, he signed with Illinois and went on the play for the Cleveland Browns. Southwestern added multiple former Division I players: Harry Leomiti (San Diego State), Kevin Mason (Utah),https://www.newspapers.com/article/chula-vista-star-news-apache-defenders-b/163725333/ Apache defenders believe in working harder Rodney Arnayro Chula Vista Star-News September 8, 1983 January 23, 2025 D2 Newspapers.com Clyde Sewell (BYU), and Cortez Grier (Cal State Fullerton).https://www.newspapers.com/article/chula-vista-star-news/163780016/ Runners make Mears happy Michael Cisneros Chula Vista Star-News August 28, 1983 January 23, 2025 A16, A17 Newspapers.com The team also recruited four members of the 1982 all-CIF San Diego Section football team: Greg Steward,https://www.newspapers.com/article/chula-vista-star-news-apaches-score-earl/163802535/ Apaches score early and fast to defeat AVC, 28-7 Rodney Arnayro Chula Vista Star-News October 9, 1983 January 23, 2025 C3 Newspapers.com John King,https://www.newspapers.com/article/imperial-beach-star-news-encore-performa/163725250/ Encore performance on SWC's mind (I) Rodney Arnayro Imperial Beach Star-News August 21, 1983 January 23, 2025 B1 Newspapers.com Kevin Ludwig,https://www.newspapers.com/article/chula-vista-star-news-thou-shalt-not-pas/163803430/ Thou shalt not pass on Apache secondary Jeff Nahill Chula Vista Star-News September 11, 1983 January 24, 2025 D3 Newspapers.com and Jeff Overcast. The source incorrectly states that another recruit, James Kilmer, earned the same honors. See the 1982 All-CIF San Diego Section football team here:https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-times-advocate-all-cif-team/163803346/ All-CIF Team Escondido Times-Advocate December 9, 1982 January 24, 2025 D5 Newspapers.com Preseason Preseason rankings Southwestern was ranked the No. 17 team in the nation in the J.C. Grid-Wire preseason poll.https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-fresno-bee-jc-grid-wires-pre-season/163791810/ JC Grid-Wire's pre-season Top 20 The Fresno Bee September 16, 1983 January 23, 2025 E4 Newspapers.com However, the team was unranked in the California junior college preseason poll.https://www.newspapers.com/article/merced-sun-star/163792492/ JC grid poll Merced Sun-Star September 15, 1983 January 23, 2025 12 Newspapers.comAs compiled by the JC Athletic Bureau Preseason coaches' poll In the preseason Mission Conference coaches' poll, Southwestern was predicted to finish second in the conference.https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-times-advocate/163791145/ Crowds say it all: Palomar gridders are eye-openers Larry Weinbaum Escondido Times-Advocate September 29, 1983 January 23, 2025 C4 Newspapers.com Coaches' pollSouthwestern Jaguars Predicted finish Team 1 Saddleback 2 Southwestern 3 Riverside 4 Citrus 5 Santa Ana 6 Palomar 7 San Diego City Coaching staff Name Position Bob Mears Head coach / offensive line Jan Chapman Offensive coordinator / quarterbacks / wide receivers Bing Dawson Defensive coordinator / Linebackers Dawson is initially reported as the linebackers coach, and is referred to as the defensive coordinator later in the season.https://www.newspapers.com/article/chula-vista-star-news-apaches-look-like/163803599/ Apaches look like the best on paper but on the field? Rodney Arnayro Chula Vista Star-News October 13, 1983 January 24, 2025 D1 Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/chula-vista-star-news/163803717/ SWC hopes to get over 'brain fade' (II) Rodney Arnayro Chula Vista Star-News October 20, 1983 January 24, 2025 D4 Newspapers.com Mike Pompa Defensive line Pompa is initially reported as the defensive coordinator and defensive line coach, and is referred to as a defensive assistant later in the season. Walt Justice Defensive backs Bill Dowd Assistant offensive line Byron King Assistant offensive line David Prager Assistant Awards and honors All-AmericanPlayerPositionTeam Harry Leomiti LB Second Team Steve Pierce WR Honorable mention Source: All-Mission ConferencePlayerPositionTeam Darnell King RB First Team Steve Pierce WR Chris Cross DL Harry Leomiti LB Irwin Smith LB Walter Holmes RB Second Team Sam Manti TE Bill Wright DL Pat Portillo LB Byron Nichols DB Source: Notes References Southwestern Category:Southwestern Jaguars football seasons Southwestern Apaches football