What Is 1970 Cal Poly Pomona Broncos football

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1970 Cal Poly Pomona Broncos football team represented California State Polytechnic University, Pomona in the 1970 NCAA College Division football season, compiling a 4–6 record under head coach Roman Gabriel. The team competed in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA), finishing with notable wins over Chico State and Humboldt State. This season marked the final year of football at Cal Poly Pomona before the program was discontinued in 1972.

Key Facts

The 1970 Cal Poly Pomona Broncos football team had a 4–6 overall record
Head coach Roman Gabriel was in his second season leading the team
The Broncos played in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA)
The program was discontinued after the 1972 season
Home games were played at Kellogg Field on campus

Overview

The 1970 Cal Poly Pomona Broncos football team represented California State Polytechnic University, Pomona during the 1970 NCAA College Division football season. Competing in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA), the team was led by second-year head coach Roman Gabriel, a former NFL quarterback who brought professional experience to the collegiate level.

The Broncos struggled to find consistent success that season, finishing with a 4–6 overall record and a 2–3 mark in conference play. Despite the losing record, the team showed flashes of competitiveness, particularly in victories over regional rivals like Chico State and Humboldt State. The 1970 season is remembered as part of the final chapter of Cal Poly Pomona football, which was discontinued just two years later.

Record: The team finished the season with a 4–6 overall record and a 2–3 mark in CCAA conference play.
Head Coach: Roman Gabriel, a former NFL Pro Bowler, served as head coach in his second season at the helm.
Home Field: The Broncos played their home games at Kellogg Field, located on the university campus in Pomona, California.
Conference: They competed in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA), a Division II-level conference.
Program End: The 1970 season was part of the final phase before the football program was discontinued in 1972.

Season Structure and Performance

The 1970 season followed a traditional fall schedule, featuring a mix of conference and non-conference opponents across California. The Broncos faced a challenging slate, including matchups against established programs in the NCAA College Division.

Non-Conference Opponents: The team played schools such as Chapman University and San Diego State College, losing most of these high-profile games.
CCAA Wins: Victories over Chico State and Humboldt State highlighted their conference performance and provided key momentum.
Defensive Struggles: The Broncos allowed an average of 23.4 points per game, indicating difficulties in maintaining consistent defensive pressure.
Offensive Output: They averaged 18.1 points per game, reflecting a modest but often inconsistent offensive attack.
Final Game: Their last game of the season was a loss to Cal State Northridge, ending the campaign on a low note.
Roster Size: The team operated with a relatively small roster compared to larger programs, limiting depth and substitution options.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1970 Broncos are best understood in comparison to both their contemporaries and the program’s earlier years.

Category	1970 Broncos	1969 Broncos	CCAA Average (1970)
Overall Record	4–6	5–5	5.8 wins
Conference Record	2–3	3–2	3.1 wins
Points Scored	181 (18.1/game)	198 (19.8/game)	20.4/game
Points Allowed	234 (23.4/game)	187 (18.7/game)	21.2/game
Head Coach	Roman Gabriel (2nd year)	Roman Gabriel (1st year)	N/A

This comparison shows that the 1970 Broncos slightly regressed from the previous season in both wins and scoring efficiency. While they remained competitive within the CCAA, they fell short of the conference average in wins and offensive output. The data also reflects the growing challenges of sustaining a football program at the university, which ultimately led to its discontinuation.

Why It Matters

The 1970 Cal Poly Pomona Broncos football season holds historical significance as a transitional moment in the university’s athletic history. Though not a championship season, it captures the end of an era and the shifting priorities in collegiate sports during the early 1970s.

Program Legacy: The 1970 team is part of the final chapter of Cal Poly Pomona football, discontinued in 1972 due to budget and Title IX considerations.
Coaching Pedigree: Roman Gabriel’s tenure brought national attention, linking the program to professional football success.
Historical Context: The season occurred during a period of NCAA restructuring and increasing financial pressure on smaller programs.
Regional Rivalries: Games against Chico State and Humboldt State helped define the CCAA’s competitive landscape.
Athletic Evolution: The end of football led to greater investment in non-revenue sports, aligning with Title IX mandates.
Alumni Memory: Former players and fans remember the 1970 season as a symbol of school pride during a transformative time.

Today, the 1970 Broncos are remembered not for dominance, but for their role in a broader narrative of change in college athletics. Their story reflects the realities faced by many small programs balancing tradition with institutional priorities.