Football, Class of 2006
In a football career that spanned eight years, Dick "Litz" Litzinger compiled a number of awards, championships and achievements. Playing at Santa Ana College from 1961-62, Litzinger helped the Dons to an overall record of 17-1-1, including a perfect 10-0 record and National Championship in 1962.
Litzinger was named to the All-Eastern Conference team both years that he played at SAC, was an All-American junior college football player in 1962 and also received the Most Courageous and Most Inspirational awards.
After playing for SAC, Litzinger transferred to the University of Idaho where he continued to receive awards. He was named a coach's All-American and was a co-captain on the team. During his time at Idaho , he recorded the most tackles on kick-offs.
He then signed on to play professional football with the Calgary Stampeders. He played six games before injuring his knee. Two years later he found his way onto a football field again, being reunited with coach Homer Beatty with the Orange County Rambler. He played 14 games with the Ramblers and the team went on to win the championship game.
Litzinger also had a storied football career at Mater Dei High School, setting the record for most tackles, being named to first team All-CIF and first team All-League in both his junior and senior years. He was also named to the first team All- Orange County team his senior year. During high school he was voted as most inspirational, most valuable and most courageous.
After finishing his football career, Litzinger went on to teach and coach at Mater Dei as well as the Anaheim School District . He also coached and taught in Spokane , Washington up to his retirement in 1979.
Litzinger then went on to work in the insurance business and live with his wife, Bev, in Ladera Ranch. Dick and Bev had two children who both married.