Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 1991
Lindgren was the most valuable player on Long Beach State's 1959 state championship team, but his real contribution has been as the 49ers' water polo coach for 24 seasons. He finished his men's career seventh all-time in career wins and took over the women's program on an interim basis in 2006. Lindgren served as a men's Olympic coach in 1980, 1984 and 2000 and as an Olympic official in 1996. Lindgren led the 49ers to seven NCAA appearances (1975, 1981, 1983, 1985, 1988, 1989, 1991) and was a three-time coach of the year (1981, 1983, 1988).The 49ers best finish came in 1981, when they were second at nationals. He also won five conference titles. During his time on the sidelines, Lindgren coached 34 All-Americans, and had eight "A" Team Olympians, including Doug Kimbell, Azevedo and Kyle Kopp. Previously, Lindgren coached CS Fullerton's water polo team from 1971 to 1974, as the Titans won league championships all four seasons and finished third in the NCAA Tournament in 1971 and fourth in 1974. He went to go 335-338-3 in 24 seasons at LBSU. Lindgren has been teaching mathematics, including Long Beach State, for over three decades, starting in the 1960's at Cerritos College. A member of both the LBSU and U.S. Water Polo Hall of Fame, Lindgren was a 1960 graduate of The Beach.
