The 1961 Sacramento State Hornets football team was an American football team that represented Sacramento State College (now known as California State University, Sacramento) as a member of the Far Western Conference (FWC) during the 1961 college football season. In their first year under head coach Ray Clemons, the Hornets compiled a 4–5 record (2–3 in conference games), tied for fourth place in the FWC, and were outscored by a total of 117 to 106.
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The team's statistical leaders included quarterback Wayne Paulk (644 passing yards), fullback Gene Reyes (462 rushing yards), and end Jim Curtis (201 receiving yards). Three Sacramento State players received first-team honors on the 1961 All-Far Western Conference football team: Adolphus McGee at back; John Moreno at linebacker; and Gil Garcia at wingback.
Junior fullback Gene Reyes led the team in rushing, tallying 462 yards on 101 carries for a 4.6-yard average. Adolphus McGee ranked second with 450 yards.[10]
Senior quarterback Wayne Paulk completed 46 of 112 passes for 644 yards. Paulk also ranked third on the team with 194 rushing yards on 77 carries for a 2.5-yard average.[10]
Senior end Jim Curtis led the team in receiving with 12 catches for 201 yards. Adolphus McGee caught 14 passes for 155 yards, and Gary Kelly followed with 11 catches for 149 yards.[10]
Awards and honors
Three Sacramento State players received first-team honors on the 1961 All-Far Western Conference football team: Adolphus McGee at back (offense); John Moreno at linebacker (defense); and Gil Garcia at wingback (defense). Three others were named to the second team: Ed Auston at tackle (offense); John Moreno at guard (offense); and Gary Vincent at end (defense).[11]
