I recall the '86 Big Game. Not only was it Kapp's last game as coach, for some reason whomever was televising it locally asked the students to come early to do some manner of promotion thing. So rather than the student section filling right before pregame, it was fairly full during warm ups, and whatever cheering and such they did for the promos had them in quite a riled up state by the time the Pregame tunnel started. I could not hear the rest of the band, from within the band.
I attended several Cal football camps with Kapp as the head coach. We will NEVER have another HC who loved Cal football more than him. Unlike the head coaches that would follow him, he didn't speak "coach speak". He spoke from the heart as to what it took to be better football players. He valued taking personal responsibility for improving yourself physically, dedication to being a student of the mental parts, and playing through pain ("are you hurt or are you injured?"). Coach Kapp helped give Cal some of its greatest Big Game victories and I will always remember that.
I got Mr. Kapp's autograph on a picture of The Play and he inscribed that awesome saying, "The Bear will not quit, The Bear will not die". Also, I had the chance opportunity to bump into him at the 2018 Big Game and was lucky to get a picture with him. It's moments like these in the fandom. Seeing, larger than life legends who are so down to earth that I cherish. It is truly a sad thing though that he never got to drink that tequila again... :(
I was at a UW game in Seattle with my son when Kapp Jr. was our fullback, and there was Coach Joe in line for the family tickets. I went up and told him I was at The Play and asked if I could bother him to sign my baseball hat. He said no, because it was never a bother! Then signed my cap and laughed with me. Great guy...... My condolences to his family.
RIP Joe. More than any other athlete or figure, Joe created an identity for Cal athletics. He was also rare in that he spanned generations as both a player and coach, and then again for future generations through The Play. I know I got to hear stories about Joe from my dad and then got to root for him as a coach. Those inter-generational connections are rare and powerful. Thanks Joe.
Very sad :( Obviously I was not around for any of his games as a player or a coach, but his legend was every where from The Play to his tequila-less vigil of the Rose Bowl. RIP Coach Kapp!
RIP Joe. More than any other athlete or figure, Joe created an identity for Cal athletics. He was also rare in that he spanned generations as both a player and coach, and then again for future generations through The Play. I know I got to hear stories about Joe from my dad and then got to root for him as a coach. Those inter-generational connections are rare and powerful. Thanks Joe.
I grew up hearing about the great Joe Kapp from my parents and later had the privilege of meeting him. He coached two of the best Big Games I've ever seen, '82 and '86. He epitomized the spirt of California. Go Bears!!!
The sad loss of a Cal (and conference) great. I remember him well from his days with the Vikings. We are all better off for having had him amongst us for so long. Condolences to his family and all ones Cal.
Interesting write up. Too bad they did not include anything about our new additions. I'm glad they are high in Rohme. I like the kid but worry about him out alone at the weakside tackle position.
Hi Bob, I am not a member of Bear Insider so I will need to wait for the future transcription or video. I'll be happy to comment when I am able to read/view the info.
What a sad and lovely way to greet the day; sad for the loss of Joe Kapp and lovely for the concise, well-written reminder of what he brought to each of us and all of us. Thank you for this kind and eye-opening tribute, a reminder of a truly accomplished life. And those photos! Perfectly selected and posted in proper order; on the shoulders of his team after a spectacular victory, with our current HC and smiling to beat the band, and as a young lion with all of this before him. Rest in Peace, Coach Kapp. Today's rosary is for you and the happy repose of your soul.
I recall the '86 Big Game. Not only was it Kapp's last game as coach, for some reason whomever was televising it locally asked the students to come early to do some manner of promotion thing. So rather than the student section filling right before pregame, it was fairly full during warm ups, and whatever cheering and such they did for the promos had them in quite a riled up state by the time the Pregame tunnel started. I could not hear the rest of the band, from within the band.
I attended several Cal football camps with Kapp as the head coach. We will NEVER have another HC who loved Cal football more than him. Unlike the head coaches that would follow him, he didn't speak "coach speak". He spoke from the heart as to what it took to be better football players. He valued taking personal responsibility for improving yourself physically, dedication to being a student of the mental parts, and playing through pain ("are you hurt or are you injured?"). Coach Kapp helped give Cal some of its greatest Big Game victories and I will always remember that.
RIP Coach. Condolences sent to the Kapp family from here in his old stomping grounds of Monterey County.
Rest In Power - The Toughest Chicano from Salinas!
https://www.joekappbook.com/about-the-toughest-chicano
RIP
I got Mr. Kapp's autograph on a picture of The Play and he inscribed that awesome saying, "The Bear will not quit, The Bear will not die". Also, I had the chance opportunity to bump into him at the 2018 Big Game and was lucky to get a picture with him. It's moments like these in the fandom. Seeing, larger than life legends who are so down to earth that I cherish. It is truly a sad thing though that he never got to drink that tequila again... :(
Bigger than life; what a character!
I was at a UW game in Seattle with my son when Kapp Jr. was our fullback, and there was Coach Joe in line for the family tickets. I went up and told him I was at The Play and asked if I could bother him to sign my baseball hat. He said no, because it was never a bother! Then signed my cap and laughed with me. Great guy...... My condolences to his family.
RIP Joe. More than any other athlete or figure, Joe created an identity for Cal athletics. He was also rare in that he spanned generations as both a player and coach, and then again for future generations through The Play. I know I got to hear stories about Joe from my dad and then got to root for him as a coach. Those inter-generational connections are rare and powerful. Thanks Joe.
My condolences to his friends and family. Thank you, Coach.
Very sad :( Obviously I was not around for any of his games as a player or a coach, but his legend was every where from The Play to his tequila-less vigil of the Rose Bowl. RIP Coach Kapp!
RIP Joe. More than any other athlete or figure, Joe created an identity for Cal athletics. He was also rare in that he spanned generations as both a player and coach, and then again for future generations through The Play. I know I got to hear stories about Joe from my dad and then got to root for him as a coach. Those inter-generational connections are rare and powerful. Thanks Joe.
I grew up hearing about the great Joe Kapp from my parents and later had the privilege of meeting him. He coached two of the best Big Games I've ever seen, '82 and '86. He epitomized the spirt of California. Go Bears!!!
The sad loss of a Cal (and conference) great. I remember him well from his days with the Vikings. We are all better off for having had him amongst us for so long. Condolences to his family and all ones Cal.
Rest in peace Joe, your Golden Bear Spirit that the Bear Never Dies will live on!
Interesting write up. Too bad they did not include anything about our new additions. I'm glad they are high in Rohme. I like the kid but worry about him out alone at the weakside tackle position.
Hi Bob, I am not a member of Bear Insider so I will need to wait for the future transcription or video. I'll be happy to comment when I am able to read/view the info.
Rest in peace Joe, your Golden Bear Spirit that the Bear Never Dies will live on!
What a sad and lovely way to greet the day; sad for the loss of Joe Kapp and lovely for the concise, well-written reminder of what he brought to each of us and all of us. Thank you for this kind and eye-opening tribute, a reminder of a truly accomplished life. And those photos! Perfectly selected and posted in proper order; on the shoulders of his team after a spectacular victory, with our current HC and smiling to beat the band, and as a young lion with all of this before him. Rest in Peace, Coach Kapp. Today's rosary is for you and the happy repose of your soul.
RIP