FOOTBALL: A TRUE HORNET PASSES
Monty "Bull" Bullerdick passed away just seven days before his 62nd birthday on June 23rd and will be truly missed by the Hornet Nation.
Bull was born and raised in Southern California playing football at Magnolia High School where he caught the attention of legendary head coach Hal Sherbeck. While playing for Fullerton College for two seasons (1975-76), Bullerdick re-wrote the rushing record book amassing 1,876 (4.9 avg.) career yards while becoming a two-year All-American running back. After his freshman year, Bull was tabbed by Coach Sherbeck as the team MVP after breaking the single-season rushing record with 936 yards (5.5 avg.). During his sophomore campaign, Bullerdick helped the team to a South Coast Conference championship and a 30-10 Avocado Bowl Victory over Santa Monica College in 1976. By the time Bull left the Fullerton for the University of Montana, he was the all-time rushing leader and awarded the Man of Distinction. This was quite a feat at the time considering the talent that had come through the program before winning two national championships. Currently, Bullerdick ranks fifth in all-time rushing yards.
While at Montana, Bullerdick starred again for the Grizzlies getting an All-America nod while earning the Terry Dillon Award, given to the program's most prolific offensive stars.
Monty worked as a Special Ed teacher and coach (football / track & field) for over thirty years at Magnolia High, Oceanside High, and John F. Kennedy High. He had retired to his favorite place in the world Missoula, Montana a few years back still offering his services as a substitute teacher and officer at The Moose.
"Honestly, I know it's cliché, but it's so true- they broke the mold when Bull was born. He was tough as nails and a caring person who would give you the shirt off of his back. While in Mexico in 1997, I watched Bull jump into the ring and literally grab a bull by the horns and wrestle it down- it was something I'll never forget. He truly had a zest for life", Phil Thurman, Fullerton College Sports Information Director.
Bullerdick is survived by his daughter Tawny Baxley, son Chad Bullerdick, and three grandchildren, along with his siblings Roger and Gerry Bullerdick and Laurie Houle.
A Celebration of Life for Monty Dean Bullerdick will take place Gerry Bullerdick's home this Saturday, July 21st at 11:00 am.
Once a Hornet, Always a Hornet!
