Long Beach State University Athletics
Former Track and Field Coach, Ralph Lindeman, Passes Away
3/7/2022 10:33:00 AM | Cross Country, Track and Field
Lindeman served as the cross country and track and field head coach of Long Beach State for five years from 1985-89.
Former track and field and cross country coach, Ralph Lindeman, has passed away. He served as the track and field head coach from 1985-89 as well as the cross country head coach from 1987-88.
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He took over as the LBSU head coach after two years as an Assistant Coach at the University of Arizona to begin his collegiate coaching career.
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With the Beach, he was the 1989 Big West Coach of the Year, taking his team to a runner-up finish in the conference. Overall, he led Long Beach State to three top three finishes in his five years in the conference and had 17 individual Big West champions.
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Ralph was shaped by his experience at Long Beach State and refined his skills during his 33 years at the Academy. Â As a result, his experience at Beach translated into unprecedented success at the helm of the Falcons.
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Outside of the college ranks, he was a mentor and coach for Olympians and saw two of his athletes win gold and five win silver in 2004. Lindeman is also a member of the Arizona Track Coaches Hall of Fame after 11 years of coaching at the high school and college levels of the sport.
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Quote from Director of Track and Field, Andy Sythe:
"Ralph was a mentor and true friend. Since his departure to the Air Force Academy, he has always remained part of this Beach Family. Â His friendship, guidance and positive influence over the years has been a driving force for me, translating into every accomplishment I have achieved leading this program these past 33 years. Â Ralph loved his time at Long Beach State and has returned every year with his Academy teams to compete at our university.
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Through connections with Ralph, and with his wife Cindy's coxing, I was introduced to my wife Maribeth. Â The impact he has had in my life is profound. I am so very grateful to him on so many levels and this loss truly hits me in the core of my soul.
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Our prayers go out to Ralph's wife Cindy, son Brian, daughter Jennifer, and his grandchildren as they go through this difficult time."
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He took over as the LBSU head coach after two years as an Assistant Coach at the University of Arizona to begin his collegiate coaching career.
Â
With the Beach, he was the 1989 Big West Coach of the Year, taking his team to a runner-up finish in the conference. Overall, he led Long Beach State to three top three finishes in his five years in the conference and had 17 individual Big West champions.
Â
Ralph was shaped by his experience at Long Beach State and refined his skills during his 33 years at the Academy. Â As a result, his experience at Beach translated into unprecedented success at the helm of the Falcons.
Â
Outside of the college ranks, he was a mentor and coach for Olympians and saw two of his athletes win gold and five win silver in 2004. Lindeman is also a member of the Arizona Track Coaches Hall of Fame after 11 years of coaching at the high school and college levels of the sport.
Â
Quote from Director of Track and Field, Andy Sythe:
"Ralph was a mentor and true friend. Since his departure to the Air Force Academy, he has always remained part of this Beach Family. Â His friendship, guidance and positive influence over the years has been a driving force for me, translating into every accomplishment I have achieved leading this program these past 33 years. Â Ralph loved his time at Long Beach State and has returned every year with his Academy teams to compete at our university.
Â
Through connections with Ralph, and with his wife Cindy's coxing, I was introduced to my wife Maribeth. Â The impact he has had in my life is profound. I am so very grateful to him on so many levels and this loss truly hits me in the core of my soul.
Â
Our prayers go out to Ralph's wife Cindy, son Brian, daughter Jennifer, and his grandchildren as they go through this difficult time."
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