OFF TOPIC
"Under coach Gil Dobie, Cornell had the first unbeaten and untied team in history in 1915 but only later reached its peak, with three straight undefeated clubs, (in 1921-1923 ), led by quarterback George Pfann and halfback Eddie Kaw. Pfann, later a Rhodes scholar at Oxford, a member of the staff of General George S. Patton, Jr., during World War II, and an assistant United States Attorney, ran the team with the precision of a drill sergeant while Kaw perplexed opponents with his daring running.
Gloomy Gil Dobie, was a tall,spare, dour Scot who had earned his nickname with perennial, if unwarranted, pessimism. He had achieved unusual success as the head coach at the University of Washington, where he had nine unbeaten teams, and at Navy. He was a perfectionist and a demanding taskmaster who rarely flattered a player. Once, after his Washington team had trounced California 72-0,
Dobie ordered his squad to run a couple of laps around the field to ensure that no one was out of shape after the easy victory.
Gloomy Gil compensated for his unwinning personality with success on the field. In 33 years of coaching, he established a sterling record of 180-45-15 and piloted 14 unbeaten teams. He developed the off-tackle smash, which operated with drill-like precision. It became one of the most dreaded power plays in football and has been a model for many of today's coaches."
(From " The College Game" copyright 1974 by the Bobbs-Merrill Co., Inc, and the Ridge Press, Inc. Rutledge Books Div. P 22-23.)
"Because Eastern football no longer dominates college football, some detractors insist that the game survives in the region on memories alone. They do the game as well as the region a disservice, for college football is an adaptable sport, which can and should be played on all levels. From mighty Penn State and small-time power Delaware, to the tradition-rich Ivies and the school academies, to the tiniest school in the foothills of New England, Eastern football offers the game in its many different settings. As recruiting scandals and drug problems at the big schools demonstrate that bigness in college football is not always best, perhaps the critics will realize that in its diversity Eastern football has once again stolen a lead on the rest of the country."
(Ibid, p 57)
How fantastic for you to be part of such a great tradition. |
