What Is 1947 San Diego State Aztecs football

Overview

The 1947 San Diego State Aztecs football team represented San Diego State College during the 1947 college football season. Competing as a member of the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) at the time, the team played independently without formal conference alignment in football.

Under the leadership of first-year head coach Charles E. Peterson, the Aztecs finished the season with a 4–5 overall record. The team played its home games at the on-campus Aztec Bowl, a venue that hosted San Diego State football from 1936 through 1966.

• Record: The 1947 Aztecs finished with a 4–5 overall record, marking a modest performance in Peterson’s inaugural season.
• Head Coach:Charles E. Peterson took over as head coach in 1947, beginning a tenure that would last until 1954.
• Home Stadium: The team played at Aztec Bowl, a 12,500-seat stadium located on the San Diego State campus.
• Opponents: The Aztecs faced a mix of local colleges, including Cal Poly, Whittier, and San Francisco.
• Wins: Victories were recorded against Willamette (13–0), Whittier (20–13), Cal Poly (20–14), and San Francisco (20–13).

How It Works

The 1947 season reflected a transitional period for San Diego State athletics, as the college expanded its football program amid post-war growth in higher education and collegiate sports.

• Independent Status: The Aztecs competed as an independent in 1947, meaning they were not part of a formal football conference, allowing scheduling flexibility.
• Season Duration: The season spanned from September to November 1947, typical for college football at the time.
• Roster Size: The team roster included approximately 30–35 players, mostly local recruits and returning veterans.
• Game Format: Each game consisted of four 15-minute quarters, following standard NCAA football rules of the era.
• Scoring System: Teams earned 6 points for a touchdown, 1 for an extra point, and 2 for a safety, consistent with modern rules.
• Travel: Most opponents were within 150 miles of San Diego, reducing travel costs and logistical challenges.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1947 Aztecs to other seasons highlights trends in early program development.

The table illustrates consistency in performance from 1945 to 1949, with San Diego State hovering around a .500 win rate. The shift in coaching from Schutte to Peterson in 1947 did not significantly alter the team’s record, suggesting continuity in program strength. These years laid the foundation for future competitiveness as the college moved toward stronger conference affiliations in the 1950s.

Why It Matters

The 1947 season is a key chapter in the evolution of San Diego State football, reflecting the program’s post-war growth and institutional development.

• Program Identity: The Aztecs nickname was firmly established by 1947, contributing to long-term school spirit and branding.
• Coaching Transition: Charles E. Peterson’s arrival marked a new era in leadership after Bill Schutte’s departure.
• Facility Use: Playing at Aztec Bowl connected the team to campus culture and student life.
• Recruitment: The season helped attract local talent and build regional interest in the program.
• Historical Context: The team operated during the post-WWII expansion of higher education, influencing enrollment and athletics.
• Foundation for Growth: The consistent performance laid groundwork for future conference alignment and national visibility.

The 1947 San Diego State Aztecs may not have achieved national acclaim, but their season contributed meaningfully to the long-term trajectory of the football program, setting the stage for future success in the decades to come.