In Memoriam: Julius ‘Julie’ Bescos, 97

May 27, 2009 2:00 PM

Julius “Julie” Bescos, one of USC’s earliest three-sport stars who also coached for the Trojans, died on May 23 in Long Beach. He was 97.

A public memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on June 3 at Grace First Presbyterian Church, 3955 N. Studebaker Road, Long Beach. In lieu of flowers, his family requests that donations be made to the Long Beach Cancer League.

Bescos, who was inducted into the USC Athletic Hall of Fame earlier this month, earned eight letters at USC in football (1932-34), basketball (1932-34) and baseball (1932 and 1934).

In football, he was a member of the undefeated 1932 national championship team and was captain of the 1934 Trojans.

As a basketball guard, he was the team’s most valuable player in 1934 and twice (1932 and 1934) earned All-Pacific Coast Conference Southern Division honors (the Trojans won the Southern Division all three years he played). He played outfield on the baseball diamond (USC won its league in 1932). He was also a skilled javelin thrower and golfer, but did not have time to compete in those sports at USC.

After his playing career, Bescos joined the USC coaching staff in 1935, working with the freshmen and junior varsity football, basketball and baseball squads. He assisted the varsity football players from 1937 to 1941 and in 1945. He also was the men’s head basketball coach in 1942, going 12-8 and finishing second in the league.

He served in the Navy during World War II. He then worked in sales with a local seafood canner and ranked among the nation’s top amateur golfers. He also served as president of the California and Southern California Golf Association.

Bescos is survived by his wife Faye; son Barry; daughters Julianne Gee and Vicki Payne; stepsons John, Steve and Joe Dallas and numerous grandchildren.

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