1899 Western University of Pennsylvania football team
| 1899 Western University of Pennsylvania football | |
|---|---|
| Conference | Independent |
| Record | 3–1–1 |
| Head coach |
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| Home stadium | Recreation Park |
| Conf | Overall | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Team | W | L | T | W | L | T | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Harvard | – | 10 | – | 0 | – | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lafayette | – | 12 | – | 1 | – | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Princeton | – | 12 | – | 1 | – | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Buffalo | – | 7 | – | 1 | – | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Boston College | – | 8 | – | 1 | – | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Carlisle | – | 9 | – | 2 | – | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Swarthmore | – | 8 | – | 1 | – | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Washington & Jefferson | – | 9 | – | 2 | – | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wesleyan | – | 7 | – | 2 | – | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pittsburgh College | – | 2 | – | 0 | – | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Villanova | – | 7 | – | 2 | – | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Yale | – | 7 | – | 2 | – | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Western Univ. of Penn. | – | 3 | – | 1 | – | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Columbia | – | 9 | – | 3 | – | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fordham | – | 3 | – | 1 | – | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cornell | – | 7 | – | 3 | – | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Penn | – | 8 | – | 3 | – | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Brown | – | 7 | – | 3 | – | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| New Hampshire | – | 4 | – | 2 | – | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Vermont | – | 5 | – | 3 | – | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tufts | – | 7 | – | 4 | – | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Bucknell | – | 6 | – | 4 | – | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Holy Cross | – | 5 | – | 5 | – | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Syracuse | – | 4 | – | 4 | – | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Drexel | – | 3 | – | 3 | – | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Army | – | 4 | – | 5 | – | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Colgate | – | 4 | – | 5 | – | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Penn State | – | 4 | – | 6 | – | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Frankin & Marshall | – | 3 | – | 5 | – | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| NYU | – | 2 | – | 6 | – | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Temple | – | 1 | – | 4 | – | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dartmouth | – | 2 | – | 7 | – | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lehigh | – | 2 | – | 9 | – | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rutgers | – | 2 | – | 9 | – | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Geneva | – | 0 | – | 3 | – | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The 1899 Western University of Pennsylvania football team was an American football team that represented Western University of Pennsylvania (now known as the University of Pittsburgh) as an independent during the 1899 college football season.
Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Site | Result | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 25 | Westminster (PA) | T 11–11 | [1] | |
| November 3 | Grove City |
| W 16–0 | [2] |
| November 10 | Swissvale Athletic Club |
| W 11–0 | [3] |
| November 15 | Bethany (WV) |
| W 5–0 | [4] |
| November 18 | J. F. Lalus Athletic Club |
| L 0–12 | [5] |
| November 22 | Waynesburg College | Waynesburg, Pa. | game cancelled | [6] |
| November 30 | Acme | Steubenville, Ohio | game cancelled | [7] |
Season Recap
After the successful 1898 season, the Western University of Pennsylvania (WUP) retained Frederick A. Robinson as coach/captain for the 1899 season. The back-to-back winning seasons were accomplished in spite of many difficulties. The University opened later than many other colleges playing football. This meant that while coach Robinson was practicing and choosing a team, other schools were already playing games. The practice field was a great distance from the school, and the facilities were substandard for a top level team. The student body interest still needed to be generated. Nevertheless, coach Robinson and the men of WUP persevered and proved winning could be done with a roster of student athletes and no "ringers".[8] In its second and final season under head coach Roy Jackson, the team compiled a 3–1–1 record and outscored opponents by a total of 43 to 23.[9]
Game Summaries
Westminster College
On October 25 the Westminster College eleven rolled into town to take on the WUP at Recreation Park. The WUP kicked off and Westminster's halfback Cummings scored five minutes into the first half. Kuhn kicked the goal after and Westminster was ahead 6-0. The WUP defense played better after the next kickoff. Westminster fumbled on one possession and lost the ball on downs on another. However, the WUP offense could not move the ball on either series and Westminster regained possession. Westminster's offense worked the ball downfield and their halfback Edmondson was able to skirt around the end for 15 yards and another touchdown for the lads from New Wilmington. The goal kick after failed and the halftime score read 11-0 in favor of Westminster. Coach Robinson gave a great halftime pep talk. The Western U. received the kickoff and Cullers returned the ball to near midfield. On the first scrimmage play, Robinson carried the pigskin 45 yards into the end zone. Sterrett missed the goal kick after. Westminster kicked off again and Jones returned the ball to the 40-yard line. WUP fullback Sterrett broke through the defense and raced seventy yards for the second touchdown. Sterrett was successful on the goal kick after and the score was tied, 11-11. The WUP offense was advancing the ball into Westminster territory again when the Westminster appointed official called a penalty on the WUP. Coach Robinson was upset because the referee made a call that was the responsibility of the umpire. Westminster refused to appoint a different official or change the call. Coach Robinson and the Western U. team went home and the game was a 6-0 forfeit to Westminster. The Pitt record book lists the score 11-11.[1]
Grove City College
On a rainy November 3rd, the Grove City College eleven came to Recreation Park and took on the WUP. The field was covered in mud and some two-inch deep puddles of water. Grove City kicked off and on the first play from scrimmage Robinson scampered 75 yards for a touchdown. Sterrett was successful on the goal kick after. Grove City kicked off again and the WUP offense steadily advanced the ball down the field and Weber ultimately took it into the end zone from one yard out. Sterrett's kick after failed. Grove City recovered a WUP fumble but could not move the ball offensively and punted the ball back to the WUP offense. The first half then came to an end with the score 11-0 in favor of WUP. The rain intensified in the second half and made play even more difficult. The Grove City eleven was unable to generate any offense, but the WUP offense managed to score one more touchdown late in the half on a Robinson two-yard plunge to make the final score 16-0.[2]
Swissvale Athletic Club
Manager Edward A. Grau was able to get the Recreation Park field in playable condition for the November 10th matchup with the Swissvale Athletic Club eleven. Swissvale took the opening kick and marched steadily to the WUP 22-yard line. The WUP defense stiffened and took over on downs. Robinson, Crooks and Mitchell of the Western eleven were able to advance the ball to the 15-yard line of Swissvale. Robinson fumbled on the next play and Swissvale recovered. Swissvale punted and the WUP offense again advanced the ball steadily but time ran out in the first half with the ball at midfield and the score 0-0. The WUP offense received the second-half kickoff and proceeded to move the ball into Swissvale territory. From the 12-yard line Robinson tried an end run but was pushed out of bounds at the nine. Two plays later Weber was shoved over for the touchdown. Sterrett was successful on the goal kick after and the score was 6-0 in favor of Western U. Swissvale again kicked off and the WUP offense began another steady march down the field. When the WUP offense reached Swissvale's four-yard line, a slugfest broke out between WUPs' Bates and McKeever of Swissvale. Bates was ejected and play resumed. Sterrett promptly scored from the four and then missed the goal after. Both defenses played better for the next few possessions until darkness caused the game to be suspended a few minutes early. The final score read WUP 11 – Swissvale 0.[10]
Bethany College
When the Bethany College eleven came to Pittsburgh on November 15th, they were greeted with a muddy Recreation Park field for their match with the WUP. The Pittsburgh Daily Post noted that the visitors had some "ringers" in their line-up: "Bethany came here loaded, having Sweeney, McCutcheon, Core, and Duffy in their line-up". Close to a thousand spectators were present for the game and they were treated to a fierce struggle. The first half was a scoreless defensive battle. The WUP offense twice was able to advance the ball near the goal line, but the visiting defense then held on downs. The Bethany offense was unable to advance the ball and punted it back to midfield. Near the end of the first half, Sweeney of Bethany slugged the WUP quarterback Cullers and was ejected from the game. The second half produced more drama. After the WUP offense again drove the ball down the field near the Bethany goal line, McConnell, WUP halfback, scored a touchdown. As he crossed the line, he either dropped the ball or it was knocked from his grasp. Bethany disputed the touchdown call, claiming it was a fumble. The referee did not change his mind and Bethany headed for the train back to West Virginia. Coach Robinson told the referee to change the call and the game continued. The ball was put in play at the 25-yard line and the Bethany offense was ineffective so they punted. The WUP offense methodically marched down the field and McConnell carried the ball into the end zone for a touchdown. Sterrett missed the goal kick after making the score WUP 5 – Bethany 0. Bethany kicked to the Universities and again the offensive play of the WUP eleven kept the Bethany defense on its heels. As time ran out, the WUP had the ball on the Bethany two-yard line.[4]
at J. F. Lalus
Three days later the WUP eleven squared off against the undefeated J.F. Lalus Athletic Club team on the muddy Pittsburgh Athletic Club grounds. Fifteen hundred fans braved the November weather and enjoyed an entertaining game. The WUP received the opening kick and their offense behind the running of Robinson and Weber advanced the ball into Lalus territory. The Lalus defense stiffened and took over on downs. Lalus backs McChesney, Nagle and Willis worked the ball to the WUP 15-yard line. On third down, Horne scored a touchdown and McChesney kicked the goal after for a 6-0 lead for Lalus. WUP kicked off and Nagle gained 30 yards. On first down Horne gained 40 yards and fumbled but Lalus recovered. Lalus was offside on the next play and the WUP offense took over. They were able to move the ball to the Lalus 10-yard line, but WUP quarterback McConnell fumbled and E. Willis of Lalus recovered. The first half ended with Lalus at midfield. Lalas received the second half kickoff and proceeded to march down the field. The WUP defense could not stop the running of Horne, Loeffler, E. Wilson, Nagle and J. Willis. Horne finally scored from the two-yard line and McChesney was again successful on the goal after to make the score 12-0 in favor of Lalus. After the kickoff the WUP defense dug in and stopped the Lalus offense on downs. The WUP offense advanced the ball but then turned the ball over on downs. The Lalus offense was unable to generate a drive and the WUP offense regained possession. The WUP backs carried the ball to the Lalus 10-yard line. On the next play, Robinson fumbled and McChesney fell on the ball for Lalus. ON first down J. Willis raced 40 yards to get Lalus near midfield and time ran out a few plays later with Lalus on the WUP 11-yard line.[5]
at Waynesburg College
The next game was scheduled four days later against the Waynesburg College eleven on Nov. 22nd. The WUP claimed that four of their best players were injured and they would have to cancel the trip.[6]
at Acme
The final game was scheduled for Thanksgiving Day against the Acmes of Steubenville, Ohio. But manager Grau had to cancel again due to lack of interest by the players.[7]
Roster
The roster of the 1899 Western University of Pennsylvania football team:[11][12]
- Dr. Frederick A. Robinson (coach/captain) – received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1900 and resided in State College.
- Edward A Grau (manager) was in the Dental School, but ended up in automobile sales.
- Dr. John W. Crooks (halfback) received his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1900 and resided in Seattle, Washington.
- William H. Cullers (quarterback) received his Civil Engineering degree in 1901 and became Chief Engineer of the Northwest Steel Company in Portland, Oregon.
- Parke R. Bachman (tackle) earned his Associate Engineering degree in 1901. He became the Superintendent of the Sharon Steel Hoop Company in Sharon, Pa.
- Dr. Wesley W. Jones (halfback) received his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1901 and resided in Wilkinsburg, Pa.
- Chester G. Fisher (end) received his degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1900 and resided in Pittsburgh, Pa. He was the President of the Scientific Materials Company of Pittsburgh.
- Dr. Victor King (end) received his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1901 and resided in Pittsburgh, Pa.
- Emmett C. Bates (end) received his Associate degree from the College in 1899 and earned an Associate degree in the Evening School of Economics in 1912.
- William H. Mitchell (guard) earned his Mechanical Engineering degree in 1901. He became an Inspector for the Niagara Falls Power Company and Canadian Niagara Power Company. He resided in Niagara Falls, N.Y.
- Dr. William J. Sterrett (fullback) received his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1901 and resided in East Pittsburgh, Pa.
- Malcolm F. McConnell (tackle) received his degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1902 and became Superintendent of the Mingo Junction Works of the Carnegie Steel Company in Steubenville, Ohio.
- Dr. James H. Chessrown (center) received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1901 and resided in Youngstown, Ohio. He was the one of the original Presidents of the Youngstown Pitt Club.
- Dr. John L. Martin (tackle) received his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1903 and resided in Pittsburgh, Pa.
- Dr. Arthur A. Parks (substitute) received his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1901 and resided in Fredonia, Pa.
- Dr. John A. Boyd (substitute) earned his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1903 and resided in Pittsburgh, Pa.
- Walter H. Stifel (guard) earned his Associate degree from the College in 1901 and became Superintendent of the Charles F. Stifel Company, Tanners in Pittsburgh, Pa.
- George C. Dale (substitute) earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1900. He resided in Grove City, Pa.
- Weber (guard)
References
- ^ a b "Wups Forfeit To Westminster". The Pittsburgh Post. October 26, 1899. p. 6 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11970864/grovecitynov31899/
- ^ "Football". The Pittsburgh Press. November 11, 1899. p. 5 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11970999/bethanynov151899/
- ^ a b "WUPs Varsity Loses to Lalus". Pittsburgh Daily Post. November 19, 1899. p. 6. Retrieved January 4, 2020.
- ^ a b "Waynesburg - W.U.P. Game Off". Pittsburgh Daily News. November 21, 1899. p. 6. Retrieved January 7, 2020.
- ^ a b "W.U.P. Vs. Acmes Off". Pittsburgh Daily Post. November 28, 1899. p. 6. Retrieved January 7, 2020.
- ^ "Athletics". The Western University Courant. Vol. 15, no. 3. Western University of Pennsylvania. January 1900. p. 95. Retrieved December 26, 2019.
- ^ "2019 Pitt Football Media Guide" (PDF). University of Pittsburgh. 2019. p. 147. Retrieved January 5, 2020.
- ^ "W.U.P. Wins From Swissvale". Pittsburgh Daily Post. November 11, 1899. p. 6. Retrieved January 3, 2020.
- ^ "1899 Football Team". Pitt Weekly. January 31, 1917. p. 3. Retrieved January 6, 2020.
- ^ "General Directory of Alumni". Alumni Directory University of Pittsburgh 1787-1916. Vol. II. Smith Bros. Company Inc. of Pittsburgh. 1916. pp. 67–204. Retrieved November 14, 2019.