Howard Lyon (2006) - Hall of Fame - Long Beach State University Athletics

Howard Lyon

Induction:
2006

A Long Beach State graduate, Howard Lyon played on the first men’s basketball team in 1950-51. Lyon played two years for the 49ers and was team captain his senior campaign. After graduation from Long Beach State with a degree and a teaching credential, Lyon was the boys basketball and baseball coach at Long Beach Poly for three years and then he moved on to Millikan High School to coach the same two sports. One of the best basketball players in the City, Lyon was named the best “B” high school basketball player in the City of Long Beach as a prep by the Long Beach Press-Telegram. In 1971, Lyon accepted the head men’s basketball coaching position at Biola University. He coached at Biola for 18 years recording a 409-163 (.715) career mark. He led Biola to 20 or more wins in 13 of his 18 years including a 1984 NCCAA Championship with a 25-6 mark. In 1981-82 his team went 39-1, losing in the NAIA National Championship game. Lyon led Biola to 11 District or GSAC Championships. He won 71% (325-133) of his high school games and 72% (409-163) of his college games. He served as the President of the NAIA National Coaches Association, was a three-time District III Coach of the Year and was selected to the SCIBCA Hall of Fame in 1977. Lyon was also heavily involved in the Long Beach Middle School Program during his time in Long Beach, helping it grow into what it is today.