Whittier Poets Athletics: A Legacy of Competition and Resilience
For over a century, the Whittier Poets have established a storied tradition of athletic excellence. Competing in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) of NCAA Division III, the school fosters a competitive environment where student-athletes strive for both physical and academic achievement.
The Poets offer a diverse array of sports programs. Current offerings include men's and women's basketball, cross country, soccer, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, lacrosse, and water polo, as well as women's softball and volleyball, and men's baseball and golf.
Key Facts
- Conference: Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC).
- Division: NCAA Division III.
- Football Legacy: 26 conference titles since 1915.
- Football Venue: Newman Memorial Field, with a seating capacity of 7,000.
- Academic Success: Men's and women's swimming and diving teams recognized as CSCAA Scholar All-American Teams in 2015.
- Football Return: Program slated to return in the 2026-27 academic year following alumni fundraising.
The Evolution of Poets Football
The football program, which began in 1907, stands as one of the most historic elements of Whittier athletics. Since the SCIAC was founded in 1915, the Poets have secured 26 conference titles. A golden era occurred between 1957 and 1964, when the team won eight consecutive SCIAC titles under the leadership of coaches Don Coryell and John Godfrey, following the tenure of George Allen.
The program's most recent championships were achieved in back-to-back seasons in 1997 and 1998. Over the years, 23 athletes have earned All-American honors, with the most recent recipient recognized in 2007. A defining feature of the program is its century-long rivalry with the Occidental Tigers, where the two teams compete for the shoes of 1939 All-American Myron Claxton.
Program Discontinuation and Revitalization
In November 2022, Whittier announced the discontinuation of several programs, including football, men's lacrosse, and men's and women's golf. However, this decision sparked significant community response. After alumni raised more than $800,000 (specifically $814,000) to support the program, the Board of Trustees voted to reinstate football, which is expected to return for the 2026-27 academic year.
Lacrosse and Aquatic Excellence
The men's lacrosse program, established in 1980, saw rapid success upon joining the Western Collegiate Lacrosse League (WCLL). Between 1980 and 1999, the Poets captured ten championships. While recognized by the NCAA in 1990, they continued in the WCLL until 2000, when they shifted focus toward the NCAA tournament. The program was discontinued following the conclusion of the 2022 season.
Whittier has also excelled in the pool. In the fall of 2015, both the men's and women's swimming and diving teams were named Scholar All-American Teams by the College Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA). This honor is reserved for teams maintaining a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. The women's team achieved this feat for the fourth consecutive year at that time.
Notable Coaching History
Whittier has been a training ground for some of the most influential figures in American football. The school's coaching history includes Hall of Fame talent and NFL legends.
| Coach | Role/Connection to Whittier | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| George Allen | Head Football Coach (1951–1956) | Pro Football Hall of Fame member; former NFL head coach. |
| Don Coryell | Head Football Coach (1957–1959) | Only coach to win 100+ games at both collegiate and NFL levels. |
| Wallace Newman | Head Football Coach (1929–1950) | American Indian Tribal leader and mentor to Richard Nixon. |
| Jerry Burns | Assistant Football Coach (1952) | Former head coach of the NFL's Minnesota Vikings. |
| Hugh Mendez | Football (1980–89) & Baseball (1971–87) Coach | Former head coach in Austrian and German Football Leagues. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which conference does Whittier compete in?
The Whittier Poets compete in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) as part of NCAA Division III.
When will the football program return?
Following a successful fundraising effort by alumni that raised over $814,000, the football program is slated to return in the 2026-27 academic year.
What is the significance of the rivalry with the Occidental Tigers?
It is a century-long rivalry where the two schools compete for the shoes of Myron Claxton, a 1939 All-American.
What academic honors have the swimming and diving teams received?
In 2015, both the men's and women's teams were named CSCAA Scholar All-American Teams for maintaining a team GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Who is the only coach to win 100 games in both college and the NFL?
Don Coryell, who served as the head football coach for the Poets from 1957 to 1959, holds this distinction.