Former Long Beach State Men's Head Coach Sandefur Dies

Release Courtesy of Long Beach State

Former Coach Randy Sandefur, the first head men’s volleyball coach at Long Beach State, passed away on the evening of Thursday, March 15.

Sandefur was a two-sport athlete and coach for the 49ers, playing volleyball from 1959-61, and basketball for two seasons. He coached the 49er basketball team one season in 1967-68 guiding the team to a 12-13 record.

Sandefur enjoyed his greatest success at Long Beach State as the men’s volleyball coach from 1969-75. Sandefur led the 49ers to two NCAA runner-up finishes in 1970 and 1973, as well as third-place finishes in 1971 and 1972. His overall record was 35-29 (.547), with one conference title, won in 1973 when the 49ers went 15-3; their best mark under Sandefur.

Sandefur was a head coach for the U.S. Olympic Volleyball Development program in 1970, and coached the U.S. team at the World University Games in Turin, Italy that same year.

"This is a very sad day for the Long Beach State Athletics Department and especially, the men’s volleyball program," said current 49er men's volleyball Head Coach Alan Knipe, who will be the U.S. men’s head coach at the 2007 World University Games. "He was a very humble man who gave all the credit to others; however, none of us would have had the opportunity to be involved with this great program without Coach Sandefur.

“I feel very fortunate to have known Coach and even more fortunate to be current head coach of the program he created. His coaching, vision and sacrifice gave hundreds of student-athletes and thousands of fans lifelong experiences and memories. On behalf of the men’s volleyball program and our Alumni, I would like to pass along my most sincere condolences to his family and friends."

Sandefur was inducted into the Long Beach State Hall of Fame in 1999, becoming the 21st coach and the fifth men’s volleyball player to earn such an honor.

Donations can be made in Sandefur’s name to the Memorial Medical Center Foundation for Cardiology, PO Box 1428, Long Beach, CA 90801.