Cal Poly Athletics Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 1988
Howie O'Daniels is a name recognized by many Cal Poly athletes, friends and alumni. Throughout his 38-year span at Cal Poly that began in 1933, he helped build the Mustang athletic program up to today's successful level as a coach for football, basketball, baseball, track & field and as an administrator.
O'Daniels was head football coach from 1933-41 and again from 1946-47, compiling a 56-33-6 record over 11 seasons. His 1933 club was 7-0 and outscored the opposition 73-0. O'Daniels also was men's basketball head coach (1941–1942) and baseball head coach (1942, 1956–57) at Cal Poly.
In the 1950s he was the line and defense coach under Roy Hughes. In 1960, after surviving the Toledo plane crash, he focused more attention on his retail businesses in Cambria and Morro Bay; volunteering time to help the Mustang football team. He was instrumental in the formation of the California Collegiate Athletic Association and was a founding member of the Mustang Booster Club.
He retired from Cal Poly in 1971 and was a generous supporter of Mustang athletics. Howie enjoyed sailing. He competed in sailing competitions from the United States to Mexico. He also traveled between Mexico and Canada often. Howie passed away in 1991 and his wife, Mary, passed away in 1996.
