Marv Tommervik
Football (1958)
Born April 23, 1919 and died December 29, 2003.
He enrolled at Pacific Lutheran College where he eventually became Professor of Physical Education and a Coach. Over three football seasons (1949-41) he became PLU’s most celebrated athlete. In one stretch PLU won 18 straight games including three wins over major colleges—Gonzaga twice and once against College of Pacific. He was named on the AP Little All-American first team twice (1940-41). He was an All-American in the New York Sun’s major college selection in 1940., and was offered contracts by the Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, Detroit Lions, and the New York Football Yankees, but WWII interrupted his pro plans.
He enlisted in the Navy in 1942, however he did play in one more significant game. While stationed in San Diego in 1945 he starred in the 37-6 route of the University of Southern California in the L.A. Coliseum. Playing for the San Diego Naval Base team, the headlines in the L.A. times told the whole story. “USC trampled as Tommervik has a field day.” As the left halfback, all Marv did was pass for two touchdowns and run for three more including one for 67 yards as the Blue Jackets smashed a 15-game win streak of the Trojans.
He returned to his alma mater as a successful head football and baseball coach from 1946-52. He completed his Masters degree in business administration from the University of Washington and became owner and operator of Parkland Fuel Oil Service from 1952-82. In 1962 he was inducted into the Helms National Association of Intercollegiate Football Hall of Fame. He was a Pac-8 football officials for 25 years and worked two Rose Bowl and two East-West Shrine games.
Nicknamed Tommygun, he quarterbacked the great PLC football teams in the early 40's, Played for the Tacoma Indians in 1946, Tacoma's first pro football team. Also a longtime PAC-10 football official.