SONOMA STATE FOOTBALL
The Cossacks Famous "Alumni"
and
Notable Cossack football moments
(in no particular order)
Mike Henry- The Greatest Cossack Ever
Anybody at SSU in the mid 80's remember Mike Henry. Nice guy and awesome football player! He went on to a pro career. In his words: "I signed with the Calgary Stampeders in the spring of 1988 and promptly tore my left ACL in training camp. I stayed with the team the entire season learning a bit about the business of football. I was invited back to training camp the following year, but I was released right before the first regular season game. In the spring of 1990 I signed with the B.C. Lions, earning the starting position as the team's "rush end." Unfortunately, Mark Gastineau was on the same team and although he didn't play a down in the pre-season (I led the team in sacks in the pre-season and was named player of the game in our first pre-season game), he started the first game of the year against Calgary (my old team). I went on to start the next 8 games, leading our virtually hapless team with 5 sacks. At the time of my release I was the only starting rookie at my position on any of the eight CFL teams. Cracking the starting lineup is tough; becoming a veteran in any league is even tougher. In the spring of 1991 I began my teaching and coaching career. I've been teaching ever since."
| Larry Allen- The
Most Famous Cossack Ever Retired all-pro lineman. During his career he was the NFL's strongest man according to a Sports Illustrated poll of NFL players. #73 is now IN the NFL hall of fame! Awesome trip to Canton in summer of 2013! |
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| Freddie Bradley- One of the more infamous Cossacks ever |
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Oct. 1 2002- From MSNBC- Freddie Bradley, 32, a former football star at Hueneme High School and Moorpark College who played briefly for the San Diego Chargers, was arrested by Oxnard police on suspicion of selling rock cocaine. Also arrested was Edith Bradley, 30, his wife. She was taken into custody on suspicion of possessing rock cocaine with the intent to distribute it, Detective Mike Young said. The Bradleys are Oxnard residents. Police said they had served the couple a narcotics-related search warrant in the 800 block of Janetwood Drive on Thursday In addition to the rock cocaine, which was packaged for sale, several weapons and an undisclosed amount of money were discovered, Young said. While at Moorpark College in 1990, Bradley, a running back, broke O.J. Simpson's national junior college record for all-purpose running and scoring and touchdowns. After Moorpark, he returned to his native state of Arkansas and played one season for the University of Arkansas Razorbacks, during which he was nagged with injuries and rushed for 197 yards. Bradley transferred to Sonoma State when the University of Arkansas revoked his scholarship after he and a teammate were arrested and accused of raping a 13-year-old girl. After a two-day trial in January 1993, the players were cleared of the charges. Two years later, he was a bright spot on a Sonoma State team that won only one of nine games. He racked up 726 yards, gaining 4.7 yards per carry. His achievement caught the eye of NFL scouts. In 1996, he began a short career with the San Diego Chargers, where he played for one season. The Bradleys were booked into Ventura County Jail with bail set at $50,000. They were scheduled to be in court Monday for arraignment.
Andrew Moore, Offensive Lineman
Left SSU 1995 I think. Has played in the World League (NFL Europe) with the Frankfurt Galaxy and the Scottish Claymores. Also was in Jacksonville's camp in '95. Also played in CFL and Arena Leauge. Also in 49ers Camp 2003.
UPDATE- Received email 6/30/4. "Saw your Sonoma State football page and wanted to pass on that Andrew Moore is the starting right guard for the Calgary Stampeders in the CFL now."
| Sam Hernandez- San Jose Saber Cats Arena League |
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Info from Sanber Cats website: Enters his 12th season in the AFL and seventh with San Jose…League's career sacks leader with 54.0…The first player to post 5.0 or more sacks in six different seasons…Has 3.0 or more sacks in 10 consecutive seasons…Was tabbed the AFL's Lineman of the Year in 2000…Is one of the top lineman in AFL history…Named first-team All-AFL lineman in 2000, 1996 and 1995…A second-team All-AFL pick in 2003 and 1998…Has 2.0 or more sacks in 13 career games…San Jose's career leader in sacks with 33.5 and forced fumbles with 14…SaberCats career leader in postseason games played (10)…Named San Jose's Top Lineman in 1999 and 2000. Link to Saber Cats here. Link to Press Democrat article here.
Daryl Fortenberry - Arena league - various teams - early 1990's - Most Exciting Cossack ever
Anybody who was present at the game at UC Davis in 1992 knows how amazing this guy was. A mobile QB with a great arm he was pure excitment to watch. In the game at UCD Daryl led several comebacks and threw for 350+ yards... and all on a bum leg. He would have surgery a few weeks later. During the game his will drove the Cossacks up and down the field. Unfortunately in the end the Aggies were the last team with the ball and thus the winner. However, anybody that watched Daryl knew they were watching a special person play the game of football. In his words Daryl describes it like this: "I remember it well. It was approximately 10 minutes left going into the 3rd Quarter when I stepped on the field. We were down like 28-14.I kept playing the out come of the quarter in my head, two quick scores and we're back in this. UC Davis then kicks a field goal if I'm correct,now it's 31-14. Finally , I get on the field and I am in a zone. I quickly go to a no huddle offense and Coach Walsh & Coach Bob Cole ( offensive coordinator ) were freakin out. I could hear them faintly telling me to slow down, but I was in a zone. I couldn't control it. We went from our 20 to UC Davis 35 yard line in 40 seconds before I snapped out of it. Then they were able to get my attention. It's funny they never even mentioned anything to me about that. Most players would have gotten an earfull, but not me. I think that's why they were great coaches . They never went off on players . They always coached and let us feel the game, in my case the zone I was in. Any way I went on to throw 2 TD's, just over 250 yards passing in a quarter and a half. It's funny now that I think about it. I remember looking in everyones eyes in the huddle: Larry Allen, Charles Guy,Tony Lulumanga... and it was like they were excited and believed nothing could stop us once I got in the game. As a fan I'm sure you felt the same way. ( Not to sound arrogant ) Now that i am older I can see these visions a little more clearly and express them in words, back then it was just for the love of the game."
Daryl went on for short stays with the Birmingham Barracudas ( CFL ), Memphis Pharoahs ( AFL) in 94, San Jose Sabercats in 95, and New York City hawks 95.
Ted Popson
(Transferred from SSU to Portland State) Graduated PSU 1990
Drafted by the NY Giants in the 11th round 1990
Played for the 49ers and Chiefs
Henry Milton
Defensive Assistant San Diego Rip Tide - Arena Football
Milton brings seven years of indoor football experience to the Riptide. He played six seasons in the Arena Football League with Cleveland (1994), Arizona (1995-96) San Jose (1997, 99) and Milwaukee (1998). He set an Arena record with a 49-yard fumble return for a TD in 1996. In 2000, he played with the Fargo Freeze as a player/coach in the Indoor Football League. In 1992, he played for the World League’s Sacramento Attack.
While at Sonoma State, Milton was First team All-Northern California in his junior and season seasons at wide receiver. He has spent the Arena off-season as the Defensive Coordinator with Edison High (Fresno, CA) and Madera High (Madera, CA).
Edward Beaulac, Houston Oilers Training Camp 1990
Sam Hernandez is now the most senior veteran in Arena Football History. Not bad for a guy that could only bench 150 when he was at Sonoma State... so says Ed! Ed played with Sam and others during the 89-90 seasons. Was the placekicker at that time, set a couple of records, signed with the Houston Oilers, and promptly ripped his quad. What a great training camp. He returned to Sonoma State, concentrated on his studies, graduated, wen't to Law School, and now has his own practice in Southern California. He says his best memories will always be of his time as a Cossack.
Dennis Hochman, New York Jets Kicker 1989 or so
Did he play in a couple of strike games?
Leroy Campbell- LA Express 1985
2 catches for 54 yards
Rich Mendoza - Ram's camp 1988 or so. Not sure if he played in a game.
I received the Rich Mendoza tip from Harry Konstantinopoulos, the kicker from 1987-1988. In exchanging emails the story of his legendary kick came up. Scene was 1988 at UCSB. There was no time on the clock and Harry K. set up for a 52 yarder... and nailed it! Nice Cossack win!
Mike Williams - Sabercats 1995 and 1996
Defensive back.
Famous Cossack "Alumni" Coaches
Carl Peterson, Former President Kansas City Chiefs
Cossack line coach 1969 and head coach 1970 after the administration decided to axe the head coach after a successful first year!
Gary Patterson, Head Coach TCU
Former Cossack defensive coordinator (1989-1991) is the head coach at TCU. Will he be hired by a BIG school after his run at TCU?
Tim Walsh, Head Coach at Cal Poly SLO
Before SLO... Walsh was hired by Portland State in 1993 after lifting Sonoma State from the cellar to the championship of the California Collegiate Athletic Association. A win over Portland State the previous season helped solidify his resume, but it was Walsh's personality and campus-wide respect that proved to be major factors. Without a winning season in seven years, Walsh led Sonoma State to a 27-14 record in four years. In 1991, Sonoma State was 9-2, ending UC Davis’ 20-year reign as Northern California Athletic Conference champion. In 1992, Sonoma State finished 7-3, a record that included a 37-27 win over Portland State. That team finished eighth in NCAA II passing, sixth in passing efficiency, and 22nd in scoring. In 1990 and 1991, the Cossacks led the nation in rushing defense. Sonoma State was first in total defense in 1990 and third in 1991. The ’91 team was also 13th in pass offense. In his last two seasons at Sonoma State, the Cossacks set 63 team and individual offensive records, including passing yards, total offense, and points. Walsh was defensive coordinator at Santa Clara for one year and offensive coordinator for two years at Sonoma State before being promoted to head coach.
Dan Hawkins, Head Coach Colorado
1992 Cossack defense coach, was the head coach at high scoring Boise State U and now is in charge at the University of Colorado.
Marty Fine, Head Coach Bryant College
Division II I think
He was head coach at SSU in the late 80's.
Jesse Williams, Defensive Line Coach New Mexico State
From the New Mexico State Aggies website:
A veteran of the college game, Jesse Williams begins his first year with the
Aggies as the team’s defensive line coach.
Prior to making the move to
A college assistant the past 20 years, all on the
defensive side of the ball, Williams has also served as special teams coach on several
occasions.
Prior to UNK, the
Under the direction of head coach Sonny Lubick,
Williams helped the Rams become one of the top teams in the Mountain West Conference
during his tenure (1999-07) in
Prior to CSU, Williams spent time at
Williams has recruiting experience in
Williams and his wife, Felicia, have three
children, Jessien, Trae and A.J.
COSSACK HISTORY
| Doug Pricer, #60 left guard, checked in
with a lot of great pictures and information from the first couple of years: SSU first team was in 1969. Lloyd Helgeson was the head coach. Carl Peterson was the line coach. The team played a JV schedule and went 5-3. Our second year team also defeated Davis on their own field in 1970. That was an enormous win, Davis was a top team at the time (some things never change.) The Cossacks had to walk through their band as they entered the stadium. The "bandos" gave the Blue some trash. The result was an inspired preformance from the Cossacks that left Davis reeling on the short end of a 20-15 defeat. Truly a bright moment - and lots of fun to beat the Aggies ass. Some of the stories of that first team in '69 are hilarious. |
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| Doug Pricer and Dave Dohm | 1969 Team Photo |
Program Cover from First Game
I was at this game below... were you? Remember when they tried to take goal posts down?
In 1991, the Sonoma State University football team accomplished something that no other school had been able to do for 20 years. The Cossacks defeated UC Davis and thereby captured the NCAC title breaking the Aggies NCAA record streak of 20 straight conference championships. Led by a ferocious defensive line featuring Sam Hernandez and Corey Cheney-Rice, as well as a linebacker corps led by Greg Franklin and Ray Mosones, the Cossacks rolled to a perfect 5-0 mark in NCAC play. The undefeated conference record included the season-ending 23-12 victory over Davis that was played in front of over 4,000 fans, the largest crowd ever to witness a game at Sonoma State.
Link to SSU baseball players who have been paid to play.
Link to the Sonoma State Athletic Department Alumni Page
Information contributed by Maurice "Petaluma" Brunt
Email the webmaster with questions or additions -- the address is "info" followed by the at sign followed by palley.com (sorry I can't be more clear but too many computer spammers stealing emails in normal format)
Updated 6/6/14
