2015: Bill Van Leeuwen, Star on Aztecs’ Defense

Bill Van Leeuwen, a standout defensive lineman during some of the most successful years of the coach Don Coryell era at San Diego State, passed away June 10 in Wickenburg, Arizona.
 
Van Leeuwen, 66, was an undersized, cat-quick tackle in a 4-3 defensive alignment on the 1968 and ’69 Aztec teams that posted a combined record of 20-0-1.
 
Van Leeuwen concluded his four-season collegiate career having never been in a losing game.
 
A graduate of Anaheim Loara High, Van Leeuwen was a standout on Fullerton College squads in 1966 and ’67 that  were 21-0-1.
 
For the last seven years, “Coach Van,” as he was known, was a volunteer assistant coach for the Wickenburg High Wranglers.

“He was one of a handful of Division I defensive tackles that played at 205 pounds,” said teammate Del Pifer.  “Small man, big heart.”
 
“Bill Van Leeuwen was a great friend and teammate,” said Fred Dryer, who played defensive end on the ’68-69 teams before going on to a 14-year career in the NFL.  “He was an inspiration to me and to his many friends.  It truly is a sad day.”
No services were held.  A memorial is planned.

 

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0 thoughts on “2015: Bill Van Leeuwen, Star on Aztecs’ Defense

  1. Billy, So many awesome memories. Thanks for sharing these years my Bro, my Best Man….my Confidant. I will love you for all my life R.I.P.

  2. Bill was a great friend and colleague for many years . He will be missed by all.. RIP ” Van Hack”

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=
Away game
League game
>
>>,>>>,...
Overtime
2x,3x,... Overtime
I-V
A-AAA
O
Division I to V
Division A to AAA
Open Division
1T, 2T, ...
}, {
Final standing tie
Win, loss by 45 pt 'mercy' rule
*
**
***
^

^+
^^
1st round playoff
Quarterfinal playoff
Semifinal playoff
Championship
SoCal Championship
State Championship
8
8*
8**

8+
8-man team
Intraleague playoff
Southern Section playoff
8 vs 11-man team
~
-4
All boys, 2x enrollment
4 vs 3 grades, 9-12 vs 10-12
[
]
CA tiebreaker win,
loss
#, ##
!!
Forfeit win, loss
Game called, shortened or postponed
%Citrus-Desert Playoff

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