Irving Francis “Crip” Toomey (November 10 1895 – June 28 1961) was an American athlete, coach, and college athletics administrator. He is noted for his contributions to football and basketball at the University of California, Davis (formerly the Northern Branch of the College of Agriculture) and for his earlier playing career at the University of California, Berkeley.
Early life and education
Born in Fresno, California, Toomey attended Fresno High School before enrolling at the University of California, Berkeley. While at Berkeley he played college football as a halfback on Andy Smith’s California Golden Bears teams from 1919 to 1921. He also participated in baseball during his collegiate years.
Playing career
At Berkeley, Toomey was a member of the Golden Bears’ successful football squads under coach Andy Smith. His tenure coincided with the team’s prominent status in early‑20th‑century West Coast college football. Details of his baseball playing record are limited to acknowledgment that he was a varsity player.
Coaching career
In 1928 Toomey joined the faculty of the Northern Branch of the College of Agriculture—now known as the University of California, Davis (UC Davis). He served simultaneously as head coach of the football and men’s basketball programs:
- Football (1928–1936) – As head football coach he compiled a record of 24 wins, 42 losses, and 8 ties.
- Basketball (1928–1936) – He led the men’s basketball team to a cumulative record of 55 wins and 89 losses.
Administrative career
Concurrent with his coaching duties, Toomey was appointed athletic director at UC Davis in 1928. He remained in that role until his death in 1961, overseeing the development of the university’s intercollegiate athletics program for more than three decades.
Military service
Toomey served in the United States Army during World War I, a fact noted in biographical listings of his life.
Legacy
Toomey’s long tenure at UC Davis left an enduring impact on the institution’s athletic department. The campus football venue originally known as “Aggie Field” was renamed Toomey Field in 1962 to honor his contributions as a coach and administrator.
Personal life and death
Irving Francis Toomey died on June 28 1961 at the age of 65. His career spanned roles as player, coach, and athletic director, marking him as a significant figure in early‑century West Coast collegiate sports.