Dan Goich was a remarkable athlete, a passionate supporter of West Hills Athletics, and a generous benefactor to the football program at his alma mater. Throughout his life, Goich demonstrated a strong work ethic, a competitive spirit, and a commitment to excellence, making him a beloved figure in sports and beyond.
Born in Chicago in 1944, Goich grew up playing football and basketball. He attended Mt. Carmel High School, where he stood out on the football team. After graduating in 1962, he enrolled at West Hills College in Coalinga, California, where he played for the Falcons football team. As a defensive lineman, Goich was known for his strength, agility, and tenacity. He was an all-conference selection in 1964 and led the Falcons to an 11-1 record and a victory in the Lions Bowl in 1964, where he was named defensive MVP.
After two successful seasons at West Hills, Goich transferred to the University of California, Berkeley, where he played for the Golden Bears in 1965 and 1966. He continued to excel as a defensive tackle. The Detroit Lions selected him in the seventh round of the 1966 NFL Draft.
Goich spent five seasons in the NFL, playing for the Detroit Lions, New Orleans Saints, and New York Giants. He was a dependable, hardworking player known for his toughness, discipline, and leadership. He played in 60 games and made ten career sacks, but his impact on the field was far more significant than his statistics suggest. He was a respected teammate and opponent, and his peers and coaches recognized his contributions to the game.
After retiring from football in 1971, Goich returned to California and began a career in education. He earned a master's degree UC Berkeley in Criminology and a Master's in Business and a teaching credential from University of Nevada Las Vegas. He began teaching at Rancho High School in Las Vegas, Nevada. He taught physical education and coached football and track. His colleagues and students admired him for his dedication, enthusiasm, and kindness.
Throughout his life, Goich remained closely connected to West Hills Athletics. He supported the football program in numerous ways, attending games, hosting fundraisers, and making generous donations. In recognition of his achievements and contributions, he was inducted into the West Hills College Coalinga Hall of Fame in 1998, and the 1964 Falcons football team was inducted in 2007.
In March 2021, Goich passed away at his home in Las Vegas. His death greatly affected his family, friends, colleagues, and the West Hills community. However, his legacy lives on through the many lives he touched and the lasting impact of his generosity and excellence.
"Dan was not only an outstanding athlete but also a good person who cared deeply about his community and his alma mater," said Alex Perez, Executive Director of the West Hills Community College Foundation. "We are honored to have had Dan as a West Hills Falcon family member."
In his final act of generosity, Goich left a $75,000 gift to the West Hills Foundation in his estate plan to support the Football program at West Hills. These funds will be used to purchase much-needed equipment, update the locker room facilities, and cover other football program expenses. This gift will impact the program and the student-athletes who will benefit from it for years.
"Dan's generous gift to West Hills is a powerful reminder of the impact that planned giving can have on our community," said Perez. "Estate gifts like Dan's provide critical support for our programs and help ensure that future generations of students can benefit from the transformative power of education. We are deeply grateful for Dan's foresight and generosity. We hope his legacy will inspire others to consider making their own planned gifts to support the causes they care about most."
Goich's impact on West Hills Athletics and the broader sports world will not be forgotten. His dedication, passion, and generosity are models for all student-athletes and fans of the game. He was a great football player and a great person who lived his life with integrity, humility, and kindness. He will always be remembered as a true Falcon and a shining example of what it means to be a part of the West Hills community.
