Leon White's Holiday Bowl "Hall of Fame" Induction

Leon White was inducted into the Holiday Bowl Hall of Fame at a special dinner on June 24, 2001, followed by a golf tournament in honor of inductees at the San Diego Country Club the following day.

The Culligan Holiday Bowl, an annual college bowl game, has taken place in San Diego since 1978. The Culligan Holiday Bowl Hall of Fame honors players and coaches who have made extraordinary contributions to the history and excitement of the game. Inductions take place bi-annually in odd numbered years. There are a total of 15 members, including Leon and the three other members inducted with him, who are selected by the Culligan Holiday Bowl in conjunction with the San Diego Hall of Champions Sports Museum. To be eligible for selection, players must have participated in a Holiday Bowl game at least 10 years prior to their nomination.

Leon played in the Holiday Bowl in 1982, 1983 and 1984 as a starting linebacker for Brigham Young University (BYU). Against Ohio State in 1982, Leon recorded 8 unassisted tackles and was credited with deflecting a pass attempt. He was a key contributor in the 1983 Holiday Bowl victory over Missouri. The 1984 game against Michigan was an emotional night for Leon. He was facing the pressure of playing in the national championship game in front of a hometown crowd, and his father was on the sidelines seriously ill with cancer. He told the media at the time that he wanted to “play the best game for my dad,” and he did. Leon led BYU to a 24-17 victory over the Wolverines. He recorded 7 unassisted tackles and 2 quarterback sacks on his way to Defensive MVP honors. Leon’s three game total includes 16 unassisted tackles and 2 quarterback sacks.

“It was a great honor to be mentioned with all these great players, and especially to be only the second defensive player inducted,” says Leon. AFE is proud to have Leon on our team!