California Institute of Technology

Bass was a three-sport athlete while attending Caltech, starring in football as well as throwing for the track and field team and playing basketball.  Long considered one of the best football players in Caltech history, the two-time All-SCIAC First Team tackle’s notoriety stretched far beyond Pasadena.  He became the first Beaver to be named Little All-Pacific, making the First Team in both 1947-48 and 1948-49, and All-Pacific Coast, earning Honorable Mention status.  In addition, he earned Second Team Little All-America honors and was named the Sports Writers All-Southern California Second Best Lineman as a senior.  Bass also threw the discus with track and field, placing fourth in the SCIAC Championships in 1948.  He returned after graduation to coach the line on the freshman team.