1988: Player is player in Century league

Lincoln coach Vic Player, on his 100th career victory:

“It’s wonderful to reach a milestone and be considered among the elite coaches in San Diego County.  It’s great to be up there with coaches I admired when I was young and first came to San Diego from Chicago, people like Duane Maley (San Diego), Bennie Edens (Point Loma), and Herb Meyer (El Camino).”

A 14-0 loss to Point Loma in Week 2 left Player with 99 wins. The loss was reversed early in Week 7 after a decision came down against the Pointers, who forfeited because they had used an ineligible player in the game against Lincoln.

Before he coached, Player (left) starred in 1960 St. Augustine backfield with Tom Procopio, Mike Moses, and quarterback Oliver Walker.

Although Player’s team had scored three victories in the next four games, Player considered the 28-6 triumph over Hoover in Week 7 to be as meaningful.

“We got the word that the loss became a victory but we still stuck to business, stayed focused,” said Player.

Lincoln finished with a 9-2 record, losing 40-29 to San Pasqual in the AA semifinals.

Player, who had stepped aside for three seasons in the mid-‘eighties, coached through 1993.  His 17-season record was 131-58-2, a .691 winning percentage.