Azusa Pacific University - Tavaleph Yearbook (Azusa, CA)

Page 53 text:

Gary Lenhart, Danny Grant and Dave Meade debate means of con- tainment in a tough game vs. Red- lands. Football A f Contenders t3

Page 52 text:

8-2 Season Best Record Ever Willingness to work, determination to be a good team, and striving to glorify God — these all describe the character of the APC football team. The upcoming season was looked at with a sense of optimism as pre-sea- son practice began at the end of August. The coaching staff knew that the 1980 edition of the Cougar Foot- ball would be a step above the teams of the past. However, the perform- ance by the Cougars during the 1980 season far exceeded any pre-season predictions. By finishing the cam- paign with an 8-2 record, the team became the most successful football squad in the history of the school. The character of the team was brought forth early in the season in a game against Occidental. In one of the poorest games of the year, a stal- wart defensive performance allowed the Cougars to come from behind to pull out a victory. The team contin- ued to show improvement as the sea- son progressed. Included in a string of strong performances was a victory over a tough Redlands University squad and a big win over University of San Diego in the annual Home- coming game. The best all-around effort of the year was a road victory over Sonoma St. A shattering loss to Cal Lutheran finished the season and all hopes of playoff ' s. The real suc- cess of the team is not measured by a win-loss record, but by the growth in the hearts of the individuals involved, and much was gained in 1980. Jim Milhon 1980 NAIA III Coach of the Year Front Row: E. leMasters, R. Clark, K. Saramuro, |. Anderson, T. Hankins, R. Carl, T. Nelson, C. Lenhart, R. Cochran, S. Francis, M. Karahadian, M. Barnett, D. Barnett. second row: D. Roller, S. Stupport, |. Burch, |. Valletton, R. Ponciano, I. Nixon, D. Johnson, G. West, M. Hause, T. Thayer, J. Gustin. third row: B. Jackson, D. Meade, R. Carl, M. Owens, M. Wells, J. Johnson, D. Casebier, P. Hafner, D. Howse, M. Bryant, fourth row: P. Nath, D. Williams, J. Milhon, P. Bravo, J. Beaty, G. Grandell, K. Landenberger, T. Mullins, D. Rawlings, E. Peterson, R. Martin, fifth row: V. Harding, F. Fontes, R. Twist, D. Pearson, D. Grant, N. Slosted, T. Fincher, B. Peterson, C. Pruitt, D. Russell. A Q l oofbail T ' O Contenders

Page 54 text:

Running Backs Key to Offense Offensively the Cougars were a more balanced teann than in past sea- sons. Freshman quarterback Dave Williams fueled a passing attack that was able to come up with valuable yardage when needed. His main tar- gets were Paul Nath, John Burch and Dave Pearson. The running game was where the strength of the attack was spear-headed, made possible by inte- rior linemen, )im Gustin, Randy Twist, Greg Grandell, )im Beatty and Don Casebier. The offensive line was considered to be the best combina- tion ever assembled. This was evi- dent in the performance of the run- ning backs who in no doubt were the best in the district. Rod Martin, Tim Thayer, Mike Wells, and Mike Bar- nett, provided Gougar fans with many long and exciting runs this year. Rod Martin sprints around the right side for a twenty-yard gain against Chap- man. Cougars prevailed 51-7. Jim Beatty drenches himself seeking refreshment from the tough work at strongside tackle. 50 Offense Contenders Drew Howse displays his driving quickness against Sonoma State.