1893 Michigan Wolverines football team explained

Year:1893
Team:Michigan Wolverines
Sport:football
Conference:Intercollegiate Athletic Association of the Northwest
Short Conf:IAANW
Record:7–3
Conf Record:1–2
Head Coach:Frank Barbour
Hc Year:2nd
Captain:George Dygert
Stadium:Regents Field

The 1893 Michigan Wolverines football team was an American football that represented the University of Michigan as a member of the Intercollegiate Athletic Association of the Northwest during the 1893 college football season. In its second season under head coach Frank Barbour, the team compiled a 7–3 record and outscored its opponents by a combined score of 278 to 102.

The Wolverines lost three games in the middle of the season to Amos Alonzo Stagg's Chicago Maroons, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, then closed the season with five consecutive victories, including victories over Purdue (46–8), Northwestern (72–6), and Kansas (22–0), and a Thanksgiving Day victory (28–10) in a rematch with Chicago.[1]

Football in 1893

American football in 1893 was a variant of rugby football, played with a rugby ball and making use of rules closely derived from the original sport. The field of play was 110 yards long and 53-1/3 yards wide, with chalk lines every five yards to help the referee determine necessary distances.[2] Forward passing was prohibited; only lateral passing or running with the ball was allowed.[3] Teams of eleven were divided into seven "rushers or forwards" positioned at the line of scrimmage, with four backs behind the line — a quarterback just behind the line, two halfbacks located about two yards behind him, and a fullback or "goal-tend," who stood about a dozen yards behind the halfbacks.[4]

Kickoffs were generally executed by kicking the ball forward slightly for a self-recovery and quick lateral pass to a teammate who carried the ball in the middle of a V-shaped blocking wedge of his teammates.[5] When the ball was brought to a standstill, the runner would cry "down" and a line of scrimmage formed, with the "center-rusher" (also called the "snap-back") hiking the ball to the quarterback. The quarterback would generally pitch the ball to one of the three backs behind him to attempt to run forward, while the defenders would "endeavor by all lawful means to retard that advance."[6]

The offense would retain the ball if it was able to gain 5 yards in three downs — or by retreating 20 yards towards their own goal line.[7] The ball would generally be punted away after two downs "if the prospects of completing the 5-yard gain appear small."

A touchdown counted as 4 points and allowed the scoring team the opportunity to add two more points by kicking the ball over the crossbar and through the goal posts, which were planted at the goal line.[8] After a touchdown, the scoring team had the option of bringing out the ball as far as desired at a right angle from the point at which the ball crossed the goal line (as in modern rugby) and attempting a place kick, or by executing a "punt out" from the end zone to a teammate making a fair catch, from which spot a drop-kick for the extra points could be attempted.[9]

A drop kick through the goal posts from the field counted as 5 points. As with the contemporary game, safties counted for 2 points.[10]

The game consisted of two 45-minute halves with an intermission of 10 minutes, although duration of the game could be shortened by mutual consent. No coaching was allowed from the sidelines, all game decisions had to be made by the players on the field.[11] Once removed from the game for a substitute, a player could not return to the game (as in modern soccer).[12]

Game summaries

Game 1: Detroit Athletic Club

On October 7, Michigan defeated the Deltas of Detroit Athletic Club by a 6–0 score before a crowd of between 300 and 400 spectators at Regents Field in Ann Arbor. Left halfback Raynor Freund scored Michigan's touchdown (four points) after 16 minutes into the game, and fullback George Dygert kicked the goal from touchdown (two points). Neither team scored in the second half. Michigan's lineup in the game was Gustave Ferbert (left end), Edwin A. Murbach (left tackle), Willard W. Griffin (left guard), Charles T. Griffin (center), Frederick W. Henninger (right guard), William I. Aldrich (right tackle), Ralph W. Hayes and Walter A. Parker (right end), James Baird (quarterback), Freund (left halfback), Avery (right halfback), and Dygert (fullback).[13]

Game 2: at Detroit Athletic Club

On October 14, Michigan again defeated Deltas, this time by a more dominant 26–0 score. The game began at 4:25 p.m. and was played in the rain, on a muddy field, and before a small crowd of approximately 150 persons at the Detroit Athletic Club grounds in Detroit. Michigan scored four touchdowns in the first half, and George Dygert kicked one goal from touchdown to give Michigan an 18-0 lead at halftime. Herman Leonard and Willard W. Griffin each scored two touchdowns in the half, including a 20-yard run by Leonard. Leonard and Griffin each scored another touchdown in the second half. Michigan's lineup in the game was Gustave Ferbert (left end), Henry M. Senter (left tackle), Frederick W. Henninger (left guard), C. H. Smith (center), W.W. Griffin (right guard), William I. Aldrich (right tackle), Mason (maybe Marsten) (right end), James Baird (quarterback), Leonard (left halfback), Raynor Freund (right halfback), and Dygert (fullback).[14] [15]

Game 3: at Chicago

On October 21, Michigan lost to Chicago by a 10–6 score on the grounds at 57th Street and Ellis Avenue in Chicago. Michigan's touchdown was scored by George Dygert, and W. W. Griffin kicked the goal from touchdown.[16]

Michigan's lineup against Chicago was Gustave Ferbert (left end), Henry M. Senter (left tackle), W. W. Griffin (left guard), C. H. Smith (center), Frederick W. Henninger (right guard), Frank Villa (right tackle), Hayes (right end), James Baird (quarterback), Grosh and Paul (left halfback), Raynor Freund (right halfback), and Dygert (fullback).[17]

Game 4: Minnesota

On October 28, Michigan lost to Minnesota, 30–24. The game began at 3:00 p.m. and was played in front of 1,000 spectators at Regents Field in Ann Arbor. Michigan's left halfback Raynor Freund scored two touchdowns, one on a 60-yard run around left end, and Hooper and Aldrich each scored one. Bartlett, a former Princeton player, started at right halfback for Michigan, but was injured and carried from the field. Dygert kicked at least one of the goals after touchdown for Michigan. Right halfback Southworth starred for Minnesota, scoring at least three touchdowns.[18] [19] The U. of M. Daily praised Minnesota for its excellent interference and "exceedingly strong" line.

When news of the victory reached the Minnesota campus, students there celebrated around a huge bonfire on the campus, executed "joyous gyrations", and toured the city, including a stop at the home of President Northrop.[19]

Michigan's lineup against Minnesota was Ferbert (left end), Aldrich (left tackle), W. Griffin (left guard), C. H. Smith (center), Frederick W. Henninger (right guard), Hooper (right tackle), Roger Sherman (right end), James Baird (quarterback) (quarterback), Raynor Freund (left halfback), Bartell (right halfback), and George Dygert (fullback).[20]

Game 5: Wisconsin

On November 4, Michigan lost to Wisconsin by a 34–18 score at Regents Field in Ann Arbor. Michigan's captain George Dygert was unable to play due to injury. Baird served as captain for the game. W.W. Griffin scored three touchdown and kicked a goal from touchdown. Gustave Ferbert scored a touchdown. Wisconsin scored six touchdowns and kicked five goals from touchdown.[21]

Michigan's lineup against Wisconsin was George Greenleaf (left end), W. W. Griffin (left tackle), James H. Hooper (left guard), C. H. Smith (center), Frederick W. Henninger (right guard), Frank Villa (right tackle), Roger Sherman (right end), James Baird (quarterback and captain), Gustave Ferbert (left halfback), Raynor Freund (right halfback), and Horace Dyer (fullback).[22]

Game 6: at Purdue

On November 11, Michigan defeated Purdue by a 46–8 score. The game began at 2:35 p.m. and was played before a crowd of 2,000 persons at Stuart Field in Lafayette, Indiana. A large number of Michigan alumni attended the game wearing blue and yellow. W. W. Griffin scored four touchdowns. Additional Michigan touchdowns were scored by Horace Dyer, Frank Villa, Frederick W. Henninger, and Gustave Ferbert. Buschman and Olin scored touchdowns for Purdue[23]

Michigan's lineup against Purdue was Ferbert (left end), W. W. Griffin (left tackle), James H. Hooper (left guard), C. H. Smith (center), Henninger (right guard), Villa (right tackle), Aldrich (right end), James Baird (quarterback), Dyer (left halfback), Raynor Freund and Henry M. Senter (right halfback), and George Dygert (fullback).[24]

Game 7: at DePauw

On Monday, November 13, Michigan defeated by a 34–0 score at Greencastle, Indiana. Michigan's captain George Dygert did not play due to tonsilitis. The game was 40 minutes in length. Head coach Frank Barbour, playing at right halfback, and Gustave Ferbert, playing at left halfback, each scored two touchdowns for Michigan. James H. Hooper, Frank Villa, and Willard W. Griffin each scored one touchdown. Barbour also kicked two goals from touchdown, and Griffin kicked one.[25]

Michigan's lineup against DePauw was Henry M. Senter (left end), Hooper (left tackle), Griffin (left guard), C. H. Smith (center), Frederick W. Henninger (right guard), Villa (right tackle), William I. Aldrich (right end), James Baird (quarterback), Ferbert (left halfback), Barbour (right halfback), and Horace Dyer (fullback).[26]

The victory over DePauw concluded a successful trip to Indiana. The team returned to Ann Arbor at noon on Tuesday, November 14, and were welcomed by an enthusiastic crowd of admirers at the train depot.[27]

Game 8: Northwestern

On November 18, Michigan defeated Northwestern, 72–6, at Regents Field in Ann Arbor. The game was played in 30-minute halves. Michigan scored 12 touchdowns (48 points). Fullback George Dygert scored 42 points in the game on five touchdowns (20 points) and 11 kicks for goal from touchdown (22 points). Michigan also added two points on a safety. Gustave Ferbert and Frank Villa each scored two touchdowns, and additional Michigan touchdowns were scored by Willard W. Griffin, James H. Hooper, and James L. Morrison.

George Jewett scored Northwestern's only touchdown. Jewett had previously played for Michigan and was the first African-American to play football for both Michigan and Northwestern.

Michigan's lineup against Northwestern was Henry M. Senter (left end), Griffin (left tackle), Hooper (left guard), C. H. Smith (center), Frederick W. Henninger (right guard), Villa (right tackle), William I. Aldrich (right end), James Baird (quarterback), Ferbert (left halfback), Horace Dyer (right halfback), and Dygert (fullback).[28]

Game 9: vs. Kansas

On November 25, Michigan defeated Kansas, 22–0. The game was played before 3,000 spectators, including 500 students who traveled from Kansas, at the Fairmount Oval in Kansas City, Missouri. Left tackle W. W. Griffin scored Michigan's first touchdown and kicked two goals from touchdown. Right halfback John W. Hollister scored three touchdowns.[29] [30]

After the game, the Michigan team was entertained in a private box at the Ninth Street Theatre and later at the Kansas City Club.[29]

Michigan's lineup against Kansas was Henry M. Senter (left end), W. W. Griffin (left tackle), Hooper (left guard), Smith (center), Frederick W. Henninger (right guard), Frank Villa (right tackle), Aldrich (right end), James Baird (quarterback), Horace Dyer (left halfback), Hollister (right halfback), and George Dygert (fullback).[29] [31] [32]

Game 10: at Chicago

On Thanksgiving Day, November 30, Michigan defeated Chicago by a 28–10 score before a crowd of 3,500 persons at Marshall Field in Chicago. Michigan captain George Dygert remained injured and unable to play; quarterback James Baird served as captain in his place. The game began at 11:23 a.m. with the two coaches, Frank Barbour and Amos Alonzo Stagg, serving as referee and umpire in the first half and reversing roles for the second half.[33] Michigan scored first when Frank Villa was pushed by his teammates across the goal line "by sheer beef and brawn". W. W. Griffin kicked the goal, and Michigan led, 6–0. Michigan's second touchdown was scored by Griffin, who was also pushed across the goal line by his teammates. Griffin again kicked the goal, and Michigan led, 12–0. Villa then scored another touchdown, and Griffin again kicked the goal. Michigan led, 18–0, at halftime.[34] [35]

In the second half, John W. Hollister made a 40-yard run around right end for Michigan's fourth touchdown. Griffin again kicked goal. After Michigan took a 24–0 lead, Chicago scored two touchdowns and cut the lead to 24–10. Roger Sherman then recovered a Chicago fumble and returned it for Michigan's fifth touchdown. Griffin failed to kick the goal, and Michigan led, 28–10.[34]

Michigan's lineup against Chicago was George Greenleaf (right end), Frank Villa (right tackle), Frederick W. Henninger (right guard), C. H. Smith (center), James Hooper (left guard), W. W. Griffin (left tackle), Henry M. Senter (left end), Baird (quarterback), Hollister (right halfback), Gustave Ferbert (left halfback), and Horace Dyer (fullback).[34]

Personnel

Varsity letter winners

Player Position Games
started
Hometown HeightWeight
William Irving Aldrich[36] Tackle RE (4), RT (2), LT (1), Coldwater, Michigan5' 10"175
QuarterbackQB (10)Chicago, Illinois5' 6"145
Arthur C. Bartels[37] HalfbackNoneWilton Center, Illinois5' 10"170
HalfbackFB (3), LHB (2), RHB (1)St. Louis, Missouri5' 11"175
HalfbackFB (7)Ann Arbor, Michigan5' 4"160
End LE (5), LHB (4)Cleveland, Ohio5' 7½"140
Raynor Spalding Freund[38] HalfbackRHB (4), LHB (2)Reserve, Montana5' 6½"134
QuarterbackLE (1), RE (1)Brazil, Indiana5' 6"130
Charles T. Griffin Tackle C (1)Kingsbury, Indiana5' 8"175
Willard Wilmer Griffin CenterLT (5), LG (4), RG (1)Wenona, Illinois5' 9½165
Lawrence C. Grosh HalfbackLHB (1)Toledo, Ohio5' 9"150
Ralph W. Hayes[39] End RE (2)Galva, Illinois6' 1½"187
Guard RG (9), LG (1)Barberton, Ohio5' 10½"175
HalfbackRHB (2)Beloit, Wisconsin5' 8"163
James H. Hooper Guard LG (5), RT (1), LT (1)Butte, Montana6' 2½"210
Heman B. Leonard HalfbackLHB (1)Bloomington, Illinois5' 8"155
Tackle NoneMorrisonville, Illinois5' 11"170
Louis P. Paul HalfbackNoneMassillon, Ohio5' 11"160
End LE (4), LT (2)Houghton, Michigan5' 11"157
End RE (2)Chicago, Illinois5' 7"145
C.H. Smith Center C (9)5' 10230
Tackle RT (7)Walla Walla, Washington5' 7"195

Others

Coaching and training staff

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: 1893 Football Team. University of Michigan, Bentley Historical Library. July 11, 2018.
  2. Walter Camp, "An Introductory Chapter for Beginners," in Camp (ed.), Foot-ball Rules and Referee's Book for the Season of 1893–94. New York: A.G. Spalding & Bros., 1893; pp. 3–4.
  3. Walter Camp (ed.), "Foot-ball Rules of the American Intercollegiate Association," in Camp (ed.), Foot-ball Rules and Referee's Book for the Season of 1893–94. New York: A.G. Spalding & Bros., 1893; p. 23.
  4. Camp, "An Introductory Chapter for Beginners," p. 5.
  5. Camp, "An Introductory Chapter for Beginners," p. 6.
  6. Camp, "An Introductory Chapter for Beginners," pp. 6–7.
  7. Camp, "An Introductory Chapter for Beginners," p. 7.
  8. Camp, "An Introductory Chapter for Beginners," p. 9.
  9. Camp (ed.), "Foot-ball Rules of the American Intercollegiate Association," p. 27.
  10. Camp, "An Introductory Chapter for Beginners," p. 11.
  11. Camp (ed.), "Foot-ball Rules of the American Intercollegiate Association," p. 19.
  12. Camp (ed.), "Foot-ball Rules of the American Intercollegiate Association," p. 17.
  13. News: A Close Score: Michigan Wins from D.A.C. in a Slow Game -- Detroit Boys Play Pluckily. The U. of M. Daily. October 9, 1893. 1. Bentley Historical Library.
  14. News: Foot Ball: Michigan Walloped the D.A.C.. Detroit Free Press. October 15, 1893. 6. Newspapers.com.
  15. News: The Deltas Defeated: By a Score of 26 to 0 the Michigan Team wins Easily from the D.A.C. Saturday. The U. of M. Daily. October 16, 1893. 1. Bentley Historical Library.
  16. News: Chicago Defeats Michigan: The University Team from Ann Arbor Play a Strong Game, but Ineffectually. Chicago Tribune. October 22, 1893. 8. Newspapers.com.
  17. News: Michigan's Waterloo. The U. of M. Daily. October 23, 1893. 1. Bentley Historical Library.
  18. News: Minnesota Too Much for U. of M.. Detroit Free Press. October 29, 1893. 6. Newspapers.com.
  19. News: Maroon and Gold: Prexy Northrop's Boys Defeat Ann Arbor. The Minneapolis Tribune. October 29, 1893. 1.
  20. News: Defeated: Michigan Loses to Minnesota by 34 to 20 – Poor Defensive Work by Both Sides. The U. of M. Daily. October 30, 1893. 1. Bentley Historical Library.
  21. News: Foot Ball: Michigan Downed by Wisconsin. Detroit Free Press. November 5, 1893. 6. Newspapers.com.
  22. News: Another Defeat: All Hope for the Championship Gone – Wisconsin Wins in a Poorly Played Game. The U. of M. Daily. November 6, 1893. 1. Bentley Historical Library.
  23. News: Ann Arbor, 46; Purdue, 8: The Boiler Makers Meet with a Crushing Defeat at Lafayette. The Indianapolis Journal. November 12, 1893. 2. Newspapers.com.
  24. News: We Win From Purdue: The Tide Has Turned – An Easy Victory From the Lafayette Boys – 46 to 8. The U. of M. Daily. November 13, 1893. 1. Bentley Historical Library.
  25. News: A Glorious Victory: Special to Daily Gives Michigan 34, De Pauw 0. "Our Boys Playing Great Ball Now.". The U. of M. Daily. November 14, 1893. 1. Bentley Historical Library.
  26. News: Ann Arbor Shuts Out DePauw: Michigan Brawn Too Much for the Hoosier Students at Greencastle, Ind.. Chicago Tribune. November 14, 1893. 11. Newspapers.com.
  27. News: The Indiana Trip. The U. of M. Daily. November 15, 1893. 1. Bentley Historical Library.
  28. News: Almost a Shut-Out: Northwestern Powerless Before the Strength and Skill of Our Team – 72 to 6. The U. of M. Daily. November 20, 1893. 1, 3. Bentley Historical Library.
  29. News: Kansas Defeated: Michigan too Strong for the Western Players – A Good Hard Game – 22 to 0. The U. of M. Daily. November 27, 1893. 1. Bentley Historical Library.
  30. News: Michigan Shut Kansas Out. Detroit Free Press. November 26, 1893. 6. Newspapers.com.
  31. News: . Braun Meets Skill Today . . . November 25, 1893 . 2 . October 4, 2023 . .
  32. News: . Joy For Ann Arbor . . . November 26, 1893 . 2 . October 4, 2023 . .
  33. News: Michigan the Victor: Chicago no Match for the Michigan Eleven, but Avoided a Shutout – 28 to 10. The U. of M. Daily. December 1, 1893. 1, 3. Bentley Historical Library.
  34. News: Michigan the Victors: Ann Arbor Players Defeat the University of Chicago Easily. The Daily Inter Ocean. December 1, 1893. 1–2. Newspapers.com.
  35. News: By Michigan Brawn: Stagg's Chicago University Team Is Beaten 28 to 10. Chicago Tribune. December 1, 1893. 5. Newspapers.com.
  36. William Irving Aldricth, died at Topeka, Kansas, October, 1916, aged 44. Buried at Coldwater, Mich.
  37. Arthur Calvin Bartels later practiced law in Denver and served in the Colorado House of Representatives.
  38. Raynor Spalding Freund, born March 20, 1872, at Port Huron, Michigan. He graduated from high school in Champion, Michigan, in 1890, and attended the Hopkins School in Boston. In 1892, he enrolled at the University of Michigan, graduating with a M.D. degree from the Department of Medicine and Surgery, 1899. At the time of the 1900 and 1910 U.S. Censuses, he was residing in Butte, Montana, with his parents. Freund and his father, Isadore Freund, were doctors. He married Sue McLanahan at Butte, Montana, in 1904. He died February 26, 1915, at Butte, Montana.
  39. Ralph Waldo Emerson Hayes was born February 19, 1872, in Stark County, Illinois. He married Estella Mink in 1896. He returned to Galva, Illinois, where he became a manufacturer and inventor. Among other things, he invented the Hayes pump, used in irrigation and agriculture. His company was known as the Hayes Pump & Planter Co., in that city. He died February 11, 1932.
  40. George A. Marston, born January 10, 1873, at Bay City, Michigan. Practiced law in Detroit until 1906 and thereafter in Bay City.
  41. Edwin Andrew Murbach, born December 15, 1869, at Archbold, Ohio. Later returned to Ohio and practiced as a doctor in Fulton County.
  42. John Whitcome Reynolds, born Jacksonport, Wisconsin, October 1, 1875; LL.B., University of Wisconsin, 1902; married Madge Flatley, July 17, 1906.
  43. Eugene Batavia, born August 8, 1873, at Breslau, Germany. Graduated from Kansas City High School. He served on the board of directors of the University of Michigan Athletic Association while he was a student. He returned to Kansas City as a lawyer after attending Michigan. He died June 16, 1915, and is buried at Elmwood Cemetery in Kansas City.