HAYWARD, Calif. — Cal State East Bay Athletics mourns the passing of Professor Emeritus Donald "Don" Sawyer, a legendary Pioneer whose extraordinary relationship with the university spanned more than five decades.
Sawyer's impact reached nearly every corner of Cal State East Bay. Throughout his remarkable career, he served the university as a student-athlete, coach, professor, administrator, mentor and trusted leader. His contributions helped shape generations of Pioneers and left an enduring mark on the institution he proudly served.
"Don Sawyer represented the very best of what it means to be a Pioneer," said Allison Kern, Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics. "His dedication to our student-athletes, our university and the greater Cal State East Bay community was unmatched. Don's legacy will live on through the countless people he mentored, the programs he strengthened and the standard of service and leadership he established."
Sawyer graduated from then-Cal State Hayward in 1968 with a bachelor's degree in physical education. As a member of the 1966 and 1967 Pioneer football teams, he helped lead the program to its first winning season and was among the university's first All-Far Western Conference selections. He was named the team's Most Valuable Lineman in consecutive seasons and served as team captain during his senior year.
Following graduation, Sawyer became the first Pioneer to sign a professional sports contract when he joined the Oakland Raiders as a free agent in 1968.
Sawyer returned to the university in 1970 as an assistant football coach while completing his master's degree at San Francisco State University. He later joined the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, beginning an accomplished academic career that spanned four decades. Sawyer earned his doctorate in education from the University of San Francisco and became a respected professor and mentor to generations of students.
His influence on Pioneer Athletics continued through his work as an assistant football coach through 1993 and as a track and field coach through 1980. Sawyer mentored 16 All-Americans, including four NCAA national champions, and was a member of the coaching staff that led the Pioneer men's track and field team to the 1977 NCAA Championship.
Sawyer holds the unique distinction of being the only individual inducted into the Pioneer Athletics Hall of Fame three times: as a student-athlete, as an assistant football coach and as a member of the coaching staff for the 1977 national championship track and field team.
Beyond athletics, Sawyer served Cal State East Bay in numerous leadership positions, including chair of the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, chair of the Academic Senate and chief of staff to the university president. Following his retirement in 2012, he continued answering the university's call, serving twice as interim director of athletics, as well as interim vice president for University Advancement and interim chief information officer.
Sawyer will be remembered not only for his historic accomplishments, but also for his humility, generosity, integrity and unwavering commitment to helping others.
Cal State East Bay extends its deepest condolences to Sawyer's wife, Linda, their family, friends, former student-athletes, students, colleagues and the entire Pioneer community.
A memorial celebration honoring Sawyer's life and legacy will be held Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, at 3 p.m. inside Pioneer Gymnasium. Members of the Cal State East Bay community, alumni, former student-athletes, and friends are invited to attend.
All attendees are encouraged to RSVP here at Don Sawyer Memorial
Don Sawyer's influence will forever remain part of the foundation, history, and spirit of Cal State East Bay.
Forever Pioneer.
