Sherbeck’s Legacy Will Live On
On Saturday, August 29, 2015, legendary football coach Hal Sherbeck was remembered and celebrated as over 600 folks from around the world came to pay their respects to a man that had given so much to others.
Years after his retirement, former players and coaches of Hal Sherbeck made pilgrimages to Montana to see their retired coach. Today, the Hornet Nation made another one of those pilgrimages to pay homage to a man that influenced so many.
The day began with a celebration of Sherbeck’s life that took place in the Campus Theatre. The theatre went over its maximum occupancy (545), and folks were directed to the auxiliary theatre next door where they could watch a live video feed. The event began with a stirring benediction by former defensive coordinator Glenn Thomas, a video of Sherbeck’s life played, a remembrance speech by Eric Sherbeck (representing the family) was given, and former Hornet quarterback Jim Fassel (representing the alumni) wrapped it all up with a moving speech.
After the celebration, the crowd was taken on a walking tour of the campus library and gymnasium lobby to view the Sherbeck painting and Hall of Fame. From there, they were guided to Sherbeck Field for the statue dedication.
Former Hornet Athletic Trainer and a longtime friend of Sherbeck’s, Bill Chambers gave a rousing speech that was filled with tears and laughter about the coach. He was an excellent choice as the emcee for that portion of the event. Sculptor Don Treadway spoke along with Marvin Owens, Dave Ogas, Larry Mac Duff and Brad Williams, Lionel Punchard, Ken Allan, Victor Williams and Marvin Sampson.
It was a wonderful day to witness so much love and pride with so many Hornets old and young that were brought together to celebrate one man… the Coach.
None of this would have been possible if it weren’t for the tireless efforts of Robert Jensen. Jensen’s mammoth amount of work made the event as special as any held on the Fullerton College campus. Jensen orchestrated the day by bringing in the following people to help make it all happen: Don Treadway (famed artist and sculptor), Jay Goldstein (filmmaker), Lewis Zucker (contractor), Carl Sweet (alumni relations) and the countless others who contributed their time and money to the statue.
Coach Hal Sherbeck passed away on August 3, 2014. He will be missed by so many that knew and loved him, but he will be remembered forever on the Fullerton College campus with a statue honoring his passion as a teacher, mentor and coach.
“Once a Hornet, Always a Hornet”, Hal Sherbeck
Treadway, a retired Fullerton College sculptor, also made the busts of Rod Carew, Nolan Ryan and Jimmie Reese for Angel Stadium.
Watch the Sherbeck Celebration of Life Video
The Sherbeck Legacy
• Winningest coach in community college history (at time of retirement)
• 3 national titles (1965, 1967, 1983)
• Nationally ranked (top 25) 21 times
• 16 conference titles
• 13 bowl game appearances
• 47-game unbeaten streak (1964-1968)
• Coached more than 100 All-Americans
• Sent more than 500 players to four-year schools
• 1994 California Community College Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame Inductee
• 2001 California Community College Athletics Association Hall of Fame Inductee
• 2005 Fullerton College Athletics Hall of Fame Inductee (Inaugural class)
• 2005 University of Montana Athletics Hall of Fame Inductee
• 2014 Fullerton College Centennial Hall of Fame Inductee (Inaugural class)
View photos on the Fullerton College Facebook album for the event.
