Hall of Fame
John W. Hermann began his Cal State L.A. career as the football and rugby coach from 1966-69. While coaching football, his student-athletes broke more school records than at any time in the program’s history. Hermann also introduced rugby as a club sport and guided his teams to three national championship tournament trophies.
In 1970, he became Cal State L.A.’s Athletics Director and held that position until 1980. During his tenure, Cal State L.A. earned a national championship in men’s track and field in 1978, a bid to the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament in 1974, three conference titles in baseball and two Pacific Coast Athletic Association men’s gymnastics championships.
Hermann was also instrumental in obtaining full-time positions for an Athletics Trainer and Sports Information Director, and establishing a five-year contract with the Associated Students Board of Directors. Additionally, he served as President of the California Collegiate Athletic Association and was an eight-year representative to various NCAA committees.
In 1989, Hermann achieved Professor Emeritus status as a Physical Education instructor.
