Washington State University Athletics

LaVern “Torgie” Torgeson, who played linebacker and center for the Washington State Cougars from 1948-50, had a playing and coaching career in football spanning more than three decades.  Torgie was captain of the 1950 Cougar team, received first-team all-conference and All-West Coast honors. That same year he was awarded the J. Fred Bohler Award by teammates for exemplifying inspiration on the field. Torgeson played in the National Football League for the Detroit Lions and Washington Redskins from 1951 to 1959 and was awarded All-Pro honors four times and selected to the Pro Bowl three times. He was a starter and captain for the world champion Detroit Lion teams in 1952 and 1953. Torgeson has been inducted into the Inland Northwest Sports and State of Washington Sports Halls of Fame.  In 1959, following his playing career, Torgeson began a long career as an NFL coach, including stops in Washington, Pittsburgh and the Los Angeles Rams.