Early life, playing career, education, and military service
White was born on February 21, 1922. He attended Escondido High School in Escondido, California, where lettered in football, basketball, and track. In football, he played as an end and was voted most valuable player. White was captain of the basketball team for two season and earned three letters in track, competing in the half-mile and high hurdles.[1]
White's college career was interrupted by military service during World War II. He served in Europe as a lieutenant in the United States Army with the 12th Armored Division.[1] After the war, White matriculated at the University of Southern California (USC), playing football in 1946 and earning a Bachelor of Arts in 1948. He added a Master of Education from USC in 1955.[5]
Coaching career
White began his coaching career in 1948 as an assistant football coach at Hoover High School in San Diego.[6] In 1949, he moved to La Jolla High School, serving as an assistant football coach and head baseball coach for three years. White returned to his alma mater, Escondido High School, as head football coach in 1952.[1] He led the Escondido Cougars to a record of 6–3 in the fall of 1952.[7]
In 1960, White was hired as head track coach and assistant football coach under Warren B. Woodson at New Mexico State University.[10] He was an assistant football coach at West Texas State University—now known as West Texas A&M University—under Joe Kerbel from 1962 to 1963 and at the University of California, Berkeley from 1964 to 1966 under Ray Willsey.[11][12] In 1967, White was hired as head football coach and assistant professor of health, physical education, and recreation at Eastern New Mexico.[5] He resigned as football coach following the 1969 season.[13] He posted a record of 8–20–1 in three seasons and was succeeded by Jack Scott.[14]
