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PAUL BRIGGS Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for PAUL BRIGGS
Frank Hoetker
February 14, 2023
Respectful memories of our great Football Coach for BHS Drillers! My distinct privilege to have been a teammate on our 1958 undefeated Driller team. Honoring Coach Briggs while he's Resting in Peace in his Heavenly paradise! Once a Driller...always a Driller!
Ed Witzke
February 19, 2022
LASTING MEMORIES...
It was my childhood dream to play for the Drillers. I was honored to play for Coach Briggs on the Driller `57 and the undefeated `58 Valley Championship Teams. Every game was like playing in the Super Bowl to "The Coach" and his players. His pre-game spirited rally calls (up in the wrestling room) prepared us to charge through bricks, if needed, in order to win the game. He taught his players the fundamentals of the game, (blocking, tackling, catching, etc.), so well that many Drillers went on beyond high school to play at the college level, myself included. His game time sideline enthusiasm sometimes overwhelmed referees...probably resulting in an occasional penalty. He was definitely "all-in" at game time as were his players. The Drillers were hard to beat and always got their opponents best effort. Championship teams were expected by fans. My Driller memories run deep and who could ever forget the cross town rivals with East and North High. Large crowds filled Memorial Stadium to enjoy Driller games. Those were really fun years. Thank you Coach Briggs for teaching us how to win/succeed in both sports and life. You will always be in my memories.
Ed Witzke #27
Class of `59
BHS Drillers 1958, undefeated SYL Champs!
Frank Hoetker
February 22, 2021
All great memories playing for Coach Briggs! He and his fellow coaches taught us about gaining success through hard work, values of teamwork and sportsmanship, that would last a lifetime! Thank you Coach! Rest in Peace, sir!
Jose Pinales
February 16, 2020
Coach Paul Briggs taught boys to become men In all aspects of life !! It was my privilege to be able to play for such a man . Thank you Coach ! 1974-75 Jose Pinales
March 22, 2011
I learned of Coach Briggs passing from another driller from another era. But Coach turned us all into men. Thank you Coach. Jerry Schroer 61
March 20, 2011
I never had him as a coach, but did have him as a PE teacher. He was tough -- but fair. He loved BHS and inspired all to do their best. Can you ask for a better teacher/coach? You will be missed Mr. Briggs.
March 12, 2011
I was fortunate to of had Coach Briggs as a teacher and a coach. He was the last of the Big three (Wesley Moore, Margo Robesky, and Paul Briggs) to leave us thus ending an era of leadership for those of us who attended BHS at the same time. We may not of known what we had then, but we know now what we lost, The greatest lesson I learned from Coach Briggs was that "the victory is in the attempt". Charles Hudek class of 59
Omer Rains
March 8, 2011
I earlier expressed sympathies and wrote briefly of Coach as part of this "Legacy." What I didn't mention is that in my Memoir that will be published within a year, my years at BHS and especially my relationship with Coach Briggs play a major role. In fact, after admitting to theft of the "Victory Bell" from EB in 1958, it was only through the intervention of Coach Briggs that I was allowed to graduate with my class later that school year. My relationship with the Coach began my freshman year and grew over 4 years. In my book, I write about that growth because the Coach helped shape my life to a greater degree than anyone else could possibly know. He was truly a giant and I've never forgotten him and what he did for me--more than once!
Phil Pegg
March 7, 2011
Extending deep and heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.
James Philip Pegg, artist
BHS Class of 1965
Cindy (Stormont)Keith-BHS'72
March 5, 2011
"We've got Briggs on our team & he's Grrreat!" RIP
Kevin Legg
February 26, 2011
Coach, your memory lives on. I am happy you are with your wife, Sally, in heaven.
jose pinales
February 25, 2011
My condolences to the family . He was MAN among men! He was able to take boys of all races and make them men and instill qualities in them as young men that they would use as men not only on the field but more importantly in life. If you played for him your know what I'm saying...... ! He made the man i am today and will always have an impact on my life! Jose A Pinales 1972-1975
Albert Williams
February 24, 2011
There were so many things about playing for the Drillers that I could say. Coach Briggs led our 1981 Driller football team on to the field at BC, where the game was sold out. There were 17,000+ fans to see the Drillers take on West. Coach Briggs had the job of telling us about winning or losing. He said "it takes a better man to lose, than to win." The game ended in a tie. It took an entire weekend for us to find out which team would win the coin toss to go on to championship game. It must have been a tough job for Coach Briggs. He will always be remembered in my heart. "Winning Ways" was a segment of our Driller Playbook--those "ways" have been with me throughout life.
Albert Williams
Class of '82
RON O'NEIL
February 22, 2011
COACH BRIGGS a great influence for me to strive for success and to my very best.''DRILLERS NEVER QUIT'' Most reasonly JUNE 2007 I trained to do my first half marathon for 5 months S.D. ROCK AND ROLL' I finish well, but it was his his voice telling me to push on and dont quit. Many of successs were due to great influence as acoach but more as a man. THANK YOU COACH BRIGGS. THANK YOU my fellow DRILLERS for this memorial for our COACH BRIGGS.
February 22, 2011
Coach Briggs made an enormous and positive impact on my life. I would say that I think about how he has impacted my life almost every day. I have never forgotten him and never will. Truly one of a kind.
With greatest appreciation.
Jim Mattly (class of 1959)
Walt Mince
February 22, 2011
I heard Coach, more than once say that he had thousands of sons and only one daughter. I'm very proud to have been one of his sons. I played on his 1955 and 1956 Valley Champion teams. Paul was not only a great coach, he was a father figure to his players. He kept track of them and helped them later in life, sometimes even financially. Other than my parents, he did more to shape me as a person and my character than anyone else. I named my yongest son after him. I am truely greatful that I was able to say my last goodby to him at the Class of 1957 50 yr. reunion.
Paula, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. If they play football in heaven, they've got a great coach.
Kay Sargent
February 22, 2011
My family will never forget Paul. He left a lasting impression on so many young men and is a legend in Bakersfield and the saying " Once a Driller always a Driller !!!! Love to Paula and his family. Kay Sargent Acosta (Bakersfield, Calif.)
Steve Alvidrez
February 21, 2011
Coach Briggs was a true legend. It was an honor to have played for him at Bakersfield High School. Coaches inspriational, pregame, halftime and after game speeches are to this day still etched in my mind. Coach Briggs not only taught football, but taught life. Except for my father, Coach Briggs opened so many doors in my life that can never be repaid. I had the opportunity to personally thank Coach Briggs several years ago for what he meant to me in my life. I am very grateful for that.
Coach Briggs is wearing that old suit he "never" lost in, clipboard in hand and smiling down upon us all! . "Once a Driller, always a Driller." God Bless you Coach and thoughts and prayers to the Briggs Family from the entire Alvidrez Family.
February 21, 2011
While many remember Paul Briggs for his coaching, I remember Commander Briggs for helping me join the Navy Reserves and start a career path after high school. A natural leader in all areas of his life, he will be remembered.
Wayne McDaniel
BHS' class of 1959
PEGGY TAYLOR
February 21, 2011
A LEDGEND, WHO WILL EVER FORGET COACH BRIGGS.NEVER A NICER MAN..........P.T.
Ann Mills-Griffiths
February 21, 2011
An amazing man, as thoughtful and kind as he was commanding and capable, CDR Paul Briggs, USRN (Ret) holds a special place in the hearts of the Mills Family, writ large. He left many memories iwth us all and will be sorely missed. Ann Mills-Griffiths, BHS Class of 1959
Allan Muller
February 21, 2011
Coach Briggs was not only known at BHS and throughout California, but his presence was felt Nationally. I was inducted into the US Navy by Coach Briggs. Later in life after starting my career in teaching and coaching I had the honor of attending 2 memorable football seminars in Boise, Idaho. His wisdom and advise, which he freely gave, allowed me to excel in these indeavors. I would like to extend my heartfelt sympathy to his family.
Allan Muller BHS 59
Omer Rains
February 21, 2011
Coach Briggs taught me lessons by which I have lived for over 50 years: Do not loaf--ever; Walk fast for aerobic reasons; Always take stairs rather than elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and the like. You will be getting exercise without feeling that you're doing anything other than going to a place you intended to go to anyway; Park your car at the first spot you find, even if it's a long way from the store or facility you're going to because almost invariably you will enter the store before the lazy and stressed out person who spends 10 minutes circling the place time and time again in hopes of finding a spot next to the entrance. Yes, Paul Briggs was a great football coach, but he also taught many of us simple lessons that lasted far beyond our football years. My sincerest condolences and blessings to the family of a great man whom I was proud to call not only Coach, but also Mentor.
Omer Rains (Class of 1959).
larry jf copeland
February 21, 2011
Coach Briggs was my first teacher to tell me the difference between boys and girls I was a dumb country boy who was not wise in the ways of the city. then i joined the army the rest is history RIP Coach Briggs
Pat Brimmer
February 21, 2011
On behalf of the BHS Class of '59, I would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family of Coach Briggs. He was very special to many members of our class and will be fondly remembered by us. Coach Briggs was very dedicated to his students and his job and his legacy will live on for many years.
"Once A Driller, Always A Driller".
Pat Brimmer ('59)
Barbara Stubblefield
February 20, 2011
Coach Briggs was a Giant, equally in height and enunciating verbally! I especially recall him telling the football team during preseason training to reach up high to the sky and kiss the Lord. Class of 1982....Remembering Coach Briggs with Admiration and his family with deepest sympathy. Barbara Stubblefield BHS'82
Barbara Stubblefield
February 20, 2011
Coach Briggs was a Giant, equally in height and enunciating verbally! I especially recall him telling the football team during preseason training to reach high to sky and kiss the Lord. Remembering Coach Briggs with Admiration and his family with the great sympathy.
Barbara Stubblefield BHS'1982
Nick Parks
February 20, 2011
He was my PE Teach in 1987. I think it was his last year at BHS. He will be missed.
Nick Parks BHS '89
Marjorie Bell
February 20, 2011
Paul was a commanding presence, even larger than life to all who knew him. My favorite memory occurred after his retirement when my journalism students from Bakersfield High were attending a convention in Orange County. Paul graciously came to the hotel where we were staying and talked to my students all gathered around at his feet; he even brought momentos from his 50th anniversary of coaching. When his talk was over, our sports editor confessed that he was so entranced by Paul's talk that he forgot to take notes! That is how Paul affected people: he was a powerful personality. Most of us at BHS really loved that guy and were inspired to be our best because of his dedication to his job, his students, and his football legacy. There will never be another Paul Briggs! Go Buffaloes! --”Margie Bell (retired BHS English/journalism teacher)
"Driller Nation.."
February 20, 2011
"...Coach Paul L. Briggs is a Driller Legend and Icon in every sense, who enriched the entire Driller Nation; past, present and future..."
We here at the "Driller Nation," would like to give and express all the respect and honor to a man who embodied the slogan, "Once A Driller Always a Driller..."
Thank you from one Driller to all Drillers,
[email protected]
"Driller Nation.."
February 20, 2011
"...Coach Paul L. Briggs is a Driller Legend and Icon in every sense, who enriched the entire Driller Nation; past, present and future..."
We here at the "Driller Nation," would like to give and express all the respect and honor to a man who embodied the slogan, "Once A Driller Always a Driller..."
Thank you from one Driller to all Drillers,
[email protected]
Don Golden
February 20, 2011
Great coach and mentor, my prayers go out to his family. Class of '68.
Rick Harrison
February 20, 2011
He was a great person,coach and mentor! Love you Coach! Rick Harrison Class of 1975
February 20, 2011
Prayers go out to the family class of 71. Diane Chavez
frank hoetker
February 20, 2011
Coach Briggs led our 1958 Driller football team to an undefeated season. I was honored to be on his team! He was a towering man in stature and persona!
I am a better human being for having experienced a prime bit of my life with the Coach!
Steven Phipps
February 20, 2011
My prayers go out to the Briggs Family. He was a Great man.
Steven Phipps class of '75'
Vicki Hicks - BHS '72
February 20, 2011
Coach Briggs had such a towering presence on the campus of Bakersfield High School. He was respected by all students. The Family of Coach Briggs have my deepest sympathy.
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