Long Beach State University Athletics
In Memoriam: John Kahler
10/7/2014 12:00:00 AM | General
Kahler was an outstanding local football player, garnering not only entry into the Long Beach State Hall of Fame but also the Wilson High School Hall of Fame.
After graduating from Wilson, Kahler spent one season at Long Beach City before transferring to Long Beach State, where he was a three-year letterwinner and star on the defensive line for the 49ers. A two-time All-PCAA selection in 1970 and 1971, Kahler was named a second-team All-American after his senior season, and went on to be drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs.
As important as the individual accolades were, Kahler's biggest legacy likely comes as part of the team success of the 1970 sqaud, the best in school history. As a defensive leader, Kahler helped Long Beach State post a 9-2-1 record and a first-place finish in the PCAA as the 49ers reached their only bowl appearance in school history. Playing in the Rose Bowl, Kahler and the 49ers finished off the season with a 24-24 tie in the Pasadena Bowl.
Over his three years at Long Beach State, the 49ers went 25-9-1, the most wins over a three-year span in school history.
Kahler remained in the Long Beach area, living in Los Alamitos with his wife Shari.
