Chapman University

A basketball and track star for Chapman in the 1950s, Backstrom was a team captain and Welch Trophy winner in 1953 as the basketball team's most valuable player. A four-year letter winner from 1952-56, he was named to the Don Perkins All-Time Chapman basketball team in 1964, as well.

He was one of the Panthers' top sprinters in track and field, specializing in the 100, 220 and 440 yards, as well as the shot put. In 1956, Backstrom earned the Doner Trophy as the team's MVP. 

He went on to a long high school teaching and coaching career. He won multiple league and city championships while coaching at Locke, Washington and Narbonne High Schools.

Passed away: April 2022