Sam Cathcart

Sam Cathcart C/O 1942: "Most Memorable LBP Football Experience: "The Poly-Wilson game! I caught two touchdown passes from Keith Simon on Coach Red's special motion play for that game."

Sam Cathcart has an endearing persona that engulfs those around him and a background that rivals that of a Hollywood script. Born on July 7, 1924 in Canute, OK, Sam embodies the excellence and accomplishment that is synonymous with Long Beach Poly alumni.

As a student at LB Poly from 1939-1942, Sam excelled in football and track. During his sophomore year he was a member of the “B” football and track teams, playing guard and wingback on the football team while competing in the 660, Low Hurdles, Pole Vault, and Shot Put in Track. During his junior year, he joined the varsity track team and competed in the High and Low Hurdles, Pole Vault, Long Jump and Relay. During his senior year as a Jackrabbit, Sam received numerous accolades for his athletic accomplishment. Sam was named All-City 1st Team, 2nd Team All League, and Honorable Mention CIF. As captain of the Varsity Track Team, he placed 3rd and 4th in the High and Low Hurdles as well as 4th in the Pole Vault and 2nd in the relay.

In 1942 Sam attended LBCC where he worked towards fulfilling his dream of playing with former Poly greats. In 1943 Sam joined the 75th Army Infantry Division where was a member of the 291st Regimental boxing team and the 1st US Army Track team. While participating in the 1945 Olympics held at Nuremberg Stadium in Germany, Sam meet legendary army General George S. Patton. Sam was also a member of the Army football team and received Purple and Silver hearts for combat action during several WWII battles.

After leaving the army Sam attended UCSB from 1946-1949. Sam joined the 49ers as a Running Back, Defensive Back, and Kickoff Return Back for the 1949-1953 seasons. He was named Rookie of the year in 1949. During the 1950 season he was recalled to active duty for the Korean War and missed the '51 Season.

Sam's professional accomplishments include being Chief of Special Services at the Letterman Army Hospital, coach and player for the SF Presidio, player for the SF Broncos and SF 49ers, coach of the UCSB Gauchos, Santa Barbara High School. After coaching football and track and SBHS for 30 years and leading the team to a 1960 CIF championship, Sam joined the NFL Officiating Office as an Observer and College Scout.

Sam Cathcart retired from the army reserves in 1977 after 34 years at the rank of LTC. Sam has been married to Susan Curry-Cathcart (Poly class of 1943) since May 8, 1944. The couple has three sons, one daughter, 10 grandchildren, and three greatgrandchildren. For his tremendous contribution to the history of LB Poly, LBCC, The US Army, UCSB, SBHS, and the NFL, we are extremely humbled to induct Sam Cathcart into the 2009 LB Poly Football Hall of Fame.

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