Posted: Nov 30, 2023

A FULLERTON COLLEGE LEGEND PASSES

It is with great sadness to report that legendary Fullerton College P.E. instructor, football coach, and mentor Al Feola passed away on November 17th at his home in Placentia, California.

Alphonse L. Feola was born in 1932 and had just celebrated his 91st birthday on November 6th.

Coach Al Feola played a huge role in the success of many individuals and sports programs at FC. Hired as an instructor and coach in 1961, Feola brought an ever-lasting energy to the Fullerton College campus that can still be felt today.

Feola helped set the tone for Hal Sherbeck's football Hornets winning three national titles in 1965, 1967, and 1983 along with 16 conference championships. Working as a defensive back coach during most of his tenure (1961-2004), Feola produced an impressive ledger of talent. He coached dozens of all-conference players and 16 All-American athletes, including a few NFL stars and FC Hall of Famers — Paul Moyer, Jaycie Pearson and Brig Owens.

Feola was also an assistant track coach at Fullerton College for 27 years under head coach Jim Kiefer. Together, both coaches built a strong track program recruiting local athletes to join both the football and track & field teams.

An impressive athlete at Alhambra High School, Feola played football and ran track before graduating in the fall of 1952. Soon, he was turning heads at Pasadena City College leading the football Lancers to a National Championship. In track, Feola was the 120-yard high hurdle champion (14.9 sec.) and finished third in 120-yard high hurdles. He also went on to letter at Pepperdine University.

Finishing off a successful collegiate career at Pasadena City College and Pepperdine in football and track, Feola went on to play for the Washington Redskins, Los Angeles Rams and Oakland Raiders in the NFL.

Feola was also a top-notch boxer and captured the Golden Gloves championship while at Pasadena City College in 1952-53. He used his vast boxing knowledge in the classroom teaching many FJC students in the old 1200 building.

With heavy hearts, the Hornet family knows that Coach Feola is looking down on with a grin growling his classic line "Great!" Once a Hornet, Always a Hornet.

Alphonse L. Feola 1932-2023.

The Al Feola Legacy

• 1952-53 Golden Gloves Boxing Champion

• 1959 Training camp with Washington Redskins, also played with Los Angeles Rams and Oakland Raiders

• 1959-60 Coach Serra High School, Gardena CA

• 3 national titles at FC (1965, 1967, 1983)

• 18 All Americans

• 20 NFL, Draftee's and Free Agents

• 4 D-1 National Championships players

• 47 game unbeaten streak

• 8 unbeaten season

• 3 National Championship runner ups