Nov 18, 2018 6 min read

The success of the 1958 California State Teachers College undefeated football team might not be more aptly described than by Mike Kozloff, a starting defensive end for the Vulcans.

“We all played together,” Kozloff said. “Nobody tried to be the big shot or the standout. We all had a position to play and jobs to do and we did them. Each player did what he was supposed to do and worked the way we were coached to work. We were all proud of that.”

It was an intriguing mix of players – some fresh out of high school, some transfers and some fresh out of the military – that formed California’s legendary team.

What a team it was.

Those Vulcans went 8-0. They outscored their opposition 207-31 – scoring 25.9 points per game yielding just 2.9 points per game. There were the only undefeated college team in Pennsylvania that year.

California’s average margin of victory was 22 points. The Vulcans recorded four shutouts. Their two closest wins were by 13 points, over Indiana and Edinboro.

It was California’s second undefeated regular season – one of only three in the school’s history.

The Vulcans led the nation in rushing defense – yielding a paltry 42 yards per game – and were ranked second nationally in total defense.

“The team was a group of older players who transferred from other colleges and quite a few others who had been in the armed services,” said Bill Coleman, a defensive back on the team. “They provided the experience and maturity to help the younger players develop into outstanding football players.

“The mature individuals provided the (others) players the chance to display their athletic abilities to the fullest.

“It was one of those times, one of those teams, when everything falls into place. We had great coaches and outstanding players – who could have played on any team in the country.”

In addition to the victories over Indiana and Edinboro, California defeated Lock Haven, Shippensburg, Slippery Rock, Clarion, Susquehanna and Washington and Jefferson.

Coleman stressed that the NAIA eliminated strict “in-game” substitution rules in 1958.

“That really helped us,” Coleman said. “We could use a platoon situation. Previously, you could only substitute each player twice in a quarter. When the rule was eliminated, it allowed us to field an offensive team and a defensive team and substitute freely.”

Coleman said the team’s catalysts were Pete Petroff, an offensive lineman who transferred from Penn State, and Jack Scarvel, who returned to California after serving in the Army.

Petroff anchored the offensive line while Scarvel provided the soul of the Vulcans’ defense from his nose tackle position.

“The older guys showed the way,” Petroff said. “Jack was in the middle of everything on that defense. They were physical and smart. Offensively, we had guys who knew what they were doing and it all just came together.”

The team was coached by Ted Nemeth, His assistants were Bill Hepner, Andy Sepsi, Mitch Bailey, Fran Herron, Gary Kennedy and Steve Tselepis.

“I think everyone who played on that team would say the coaches had a great influence on us and were a big reason for the success we had,” Coleman said.

Seven Vulcans received postseason honors.

A number of players on that team are members of the Cal U Hall of Fame including, guard Fleming Mosely, Scarvel, running back Phil Clifford, defensive back Frank Bernadowski and offensive lineman Dick Fields.

Nemeth is also in the Hall of Fame. He was named the Pittsburgh Dapper Dan and Curbstone coaches Small College Coach of the Year in 1958.

Other players on the team were Joe Arrigo, Bob Bakewell, Ron Blow, Wayne Boyd, Jerry Cederlof, Curtis Calamari, Reginald Cannon, John D’Arrigo, Dick Destein, Milton Diaz, Harry Ellsworth, John Foreman, James Guibleo, Dave Hammond, Mike Hardoby, Roy Horne, Larry Hutzell, Joe Jiolo, John Kollesar, Frank Krevetski, George Kupets, Dave Lewis, Ted Lorch, Frank Marella, Art Masneri, James McCall, Charles McLean, Clark Moore, John Morgan, Jack Murray, John Poto-char, Rodger Roach, Joe Sarra, Steve Shargots, Don Skupinsky, Joe Sopcak, Tony Soukovich, Ed Stimmel, Carl Trimber, Adam Vlanich, Francis West, Harold White, and Dick Zukauckas.

Scarvel, Fields and Petroff forged outstanding careers as high school coaches.

Sarra was a long-time assistant at Penn State.

Skupinksy led the nation in punting in 1958.

“We had guys come in from all over, transfers,who really helped the team,” Petroff said. “And those guys who went to the military and came back were just rock-solid players and people.

“Early in the season, when there was some fooling around going on, the coaches called Jack (Scarvel), Trimber and myself in. They basically said ‘This is your team and you guys need to control the others.’

“There were times we had to speak out and we did. On some of the defenses we’d play, Jack worked with the coaches and asked for some of the offensive players to join the defense. That ended up working out well for us.”

Horne, who played defensive tackle, said he didn’t realize how good the team was until after years passed.

“As far as I’m concerned, we played our normal game each week,” Horne said. “I never really thought about how good were or how good we were doing until after it all ended.

“We had a goal to win and we worked hard toward that goal every day. We really came together as a team and we stayed together.”

Horne said the team should have been extended a playoff bid. It remains unclear to some why California did not progress into postseason play that year.

Coleman said it did not diminish the team’s greatness or accomplishments of the season.

“The older guys on that team made a big, positive difference for the team,” Coleman said. “Some of the guys played for big-time schools and programs.

“Our defense was unbelievable. Every one of them knew what they were doing. Jack (Scarvel) manned the middle. He was tough and really smart. Joe’s (Sarra) heart was in football. Milt Diaz and Kozloff took care of the ends. Marella was a great linebacker. It was a fantastic defense.

“Our opponents tried just about everything. It didn’t work. It was a team with a lot of enthusiasm and great chemistry that you get once in awhile. Why we didn’t get a bowl bid is beyond me.”

Kozloff said the team’s toughness and attention to details made it special. The willingness of each individual to focus on his job was integral in being able to win each game.

“We had so many good players,”Kozloff said. “But none of them ever put themselves above the team. Our guys seldom made mistakes. The pride they took in playing their positions really helped solidify the team into being as good as it was.

“We all helped one another, worked with one another for the good of the team. We were proud of each other. That made for a great football team. It is a team and a season that I will never forget.”