As a center and linebacker, Gil Koga didn't make too many headlines playing football at The College of Idaho. But he was in the middle of the action more times than not, and that was enough for him.
"I had a lot of fun," Koga said. "There was no running the ball, no chance to really make a name for yourself, but I was an unsung hero, that's the way I like to look at it."
Koga may not have been a touchdown machine, but he did play a crucial role in one of the most memorable victories of his C of I career. The Coyotes were locked in a tight game and had just scored to draw within one point when star quarterback Charlie Alvaro made the gutsy decision to go for the win.
"We got in the huddle and Charlie, who also was our kicker, he said to me 'Gil, center the ball directly back to me.' And he told our end to run into the flat," Koga recalls. "So I centered the ball to Charlie, he threw the pass for the two-point conversion, and we won the game."
Koga graduated in 1958 with a degree in physical education and continued his winning ways as a high school coach and educator in the Treasure Valley. He taught physical education and science, worked as a counselor and coached football, basketball and baseball during a 21-year career at Emmett High School before moving on to Meridian High, where he was a counselor and administrator while also coaching football, basketball and golf.
After a 35-year career in education, Koga looks back fondly on his years at the College. He's also excited for the return of the football program as more student-athletes will be afforded the educational opportunities he enjoyed at the College.
"After being in education for so many years, I believe the one-on-one interaction with the professors and teachers is critical," Koga said. "If football is something that will entice good students and good athletes to come to the College, that's going to be a plus."
