Elliot Becken

Most high school football teams are built around their running backs. Astoria High School is no different. In the 1930’s the Astoria grid program had their share of outstanding backs, but it would be the linemen that earned most of the honors in those early days, especially when Elliot Becken was on the turf.

In three years as a hard hitting guard for the John Warren-coached football team, Becken helped the Fishermen garner a 19-5-3 win-loss mark. In his sophomore year, Astoria reeled off a 7-0-2 record, shutting out seven foes. In 1932, Astoria defeated Salem and Vancouver, Washington as they rolled to a 5-3 record.

Becken’s final year on Gyro Field saw the locals’ finish 7-2-1. One of their victories was a 7-0 win over highly touted Everett High School, who would rebound from the loss to Astoria to claim the Washington State Title. As a junior he was named team captain by his Astoria teammates. In his senior year, he was awarded the Cosovich Trophy, signifying the team’s Most Outstanding Player.

One can only imagine what opposing Astoria High School defensive linemen had to endure when Fishermen Hall of Fame coach, John Warren, called for a play up the middle with Becken and teammate Del Bjork shoulder to shoulder at their guard and tackle position.

After his outstanding career at Astoria High School, the talented Becken would continue his education and athletic endeavors at Salem’s Willamette University. From the time he first walked on the Willamette campus, Becken would become a Bearcat starter as a lineman. Listed as a 185-pounder, Becken earned All-Conference honors and was selected as Willamette’s MVP in his sophomore season. Willamette was unscored upon in league action during Becken’s junior season, and were the Northwest League Champions. His final honor at Willamette came when he was named to the Little All-American unit.

Following graduation, the native Astorian was drafted by the then Cleveland Rams of the National Football League. He decided that a career in education would best serve his interest.

Becken would find his way back to Astoria, where he would teach in the local school system, before taking over the principal position at Captain Robert Gray school. In his free time Becken would aid coach Norville May’s high school gridders as a line coach.

After earning his doctorate in education, his administrative duties increased. He moved to Medford and was named superintendent of the growing Medford School District. After 20 years in Southern Oregon, Dr. Becken took over the superintendents’ position at Tucson Arizona's, Amphitheater School District.