The Opening Kickoff

by Dave Revsine

  113. “. . . all the others.”: “Easy for Wisconsin,” Daily Cardinal, November 29, 1897, 1. Note: Accounts of the period did not capitalize team names. I have capitalized team names throughout the text to adhere to modern usage.

  114. “. . . wonderful leg of Pat O’Dea.”: Quote from the Chippewa Falls Herald appeared in “Football’s New Friends,” Daily Cardinal, November 19, 1897, 2.

  114. “. . . make the game less rough.”: “No More Slugball,” Chicago Daily Tribune, November 27, 1897, 1.

  114. “but it cannot be continued as at present.”: Ibid.

  114. “. . . in a much-needed reform.”: Ibid.

  114–115. for their “impertinence.”: Stagg and Stout, 209.

  115. “. . . What are they doing?”: “Where Are Those Reforms?” Chicago Daily Tribune, January 16, 1898, 30.

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  116. “. . . honest university sport.”: Caspar Whitney, A Sporting Pilgrimage; Riding to Hounds, Golf, Rowing, Football, Club and University Athletics. Studies in English Sport, Past and Present (New York: Harper, 1895), 113.

  116. limitations of the cameras: John Adams Blanchard, The H Book of Harvard Athletics 1852–1922 (Cambridge, MA: Harvard Varsity Club, 1923), 392.

  116. $3 million in today’s currency: John Sayle Watterson, College Football: History, Spectacle, Controversy (Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2000), 17.

  116. “The P. T. Barnum of education.”: Robin Lester, Stagg’s University: The Rise, Decline, and Fall of Big-Time Football at Chicago (Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 1995), 18.

  117. at least one against Stanford: Amos Alonzo Stagg and Wesley Winans Stout, Touchdown! (New York: Longmans, Green and Co., 1927), 189.

  117. a seat at the Chicago-Michigan game: Ibid., 91.

  117. 75 percent of the gate receipts: “Stagg’s Eleven May Go to California,” Chicago Daily Tribune, December 10, 1894, 11.

  117. “. . . for 50 per cent.”: “Chicago Varsity Team Is Made Up,” Chicago Daily Tribune, December 15, 1894, 3.

  117. “we could use the advertising.”: Stagg and Stout, 191.

  117. “. . . university’s name in print.”: Ibid.

  118. for a nominal fee: “Chicago Varsity Team Is Made Up,” Chicago Daily Tribune, December 15, 1894, 3.

  118. in anticipation of the trip: Stagg and Stout, 193.

  118. for the luggage and food: “Given a Big Send Off,” Chicago Times, December 20, 1894, 6.

  118. “. . . who are to be its occupants.”: Lester, 29.

  118. “. . . as a culinary artist.”: “Given a Big Send Off,” Chicago Times, December 20, 1894, 6; “Off for the Coast,” Chicago Herald, December 20, 1894, 5.

  118. of the train car: “Stagg’s Eleven on Its Way West,” Chicago Daily Tribune, December 20, 1894, 11.

  118. “. . . we reach the Golden Gate.”: “Chicago Varsity Team Is Made Up,” Chicago Daily Tribune, December 15, 1894, 3.

  118. he recalled many years later: Stagg and Stout, 193.

  119. “. . . burnt to a crisp.”: Ibid., 194.

  119. “a picnic.”: Lester, 29.

  119. “. . . did not have to chew.”: Stagg and Stout, 197.

  119. which totaled $136: Ibid., 199.

  119. “. . . characterized by inter-regional play.”: Lester, 131.

  120. “. . . were celebrated like the Second Coming.”: Milton Mayer, “Portrait of a Dangerous Man,” Harper’s (July 1946).

  120. “. . . we do have it.”: Stagg and Stout, 203.

  120. “. . . both students and financial support.”: Michael Oriard, Reading Football: How the Popular Press Created an American Spectacle (Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 1993), 173.

  120. “. . . Go out and win.”: Charlie Brown Hershey, Colorado College, 1874–1949 (Colorado Springs: Colorado College, 1952), 82.

  121. in the Harvard Graduates’ Magazine in 1895: Robert W. Emmons, “Needed Football Reforms,” Harvard Graduates’ Magazine (March 1895), 319.

  121. “. . . at such institutions as Harvard and Yale.”: “President Eliot’s Report for 1892–’93,” Harvard Graduates’ Magazine (March 1894), 377.

  121. “. . . the increasing glorification of college athletics.”: Edwin Godkin, “The Glorification of Athletics,” Nation, December 1, 1892, 406.

  121. “. . . for the treasury of the university.”: “Slugball Courage,” Chicago Daily Tribune, December 9, 1896, 6.

  121. “. . . over the western world and to ‘lick’ Michigan.”: Lester, 137.

  121. to declare themselves candidates for a degree: Caspar Whitney, “Amateur Sport,” Harper’s Weekly, December 2, 1899, 1217.

  122. “. . . not a half a mile away.”: Ibid.

  122. rules for Chicago athletes: See, for instance, Stagg to J. C. Knowlton, January 9, 1897, and Knowlton to Stagg, January 14, 1897. Amos Alonzo Stagg Papers, University of Chicago Archives, box 90, folder 1. Stagg asked Knowlton for an exception to the rules to allow one of Chicago’s players to participate despite his ineligibility. Knowlton responded that they had many men in similar situations, but that Michigan would not allow them to play. “I must say Professor Stagg, that any exception of any kind whatsoever, to any of these rules, cannot be made in the interest of pure athletics.”

  122. “needs thorough shaking up.”: Caspar Whitney, “Amateur Sport,” Harper’s Weekly, December 2, 1899, 1217.

  122. “Last year cost us $1100.”: “The Athletic Controversy,” Amos Alonzo Stagg Papers, University of Chicago Archives, box 88.

  122. “. . . enough to make all share alike.”: Clipping from an unnamed newspaper, Stagg Papers, University of Chicago Archives, box 88.

  124. distorting the world of college football: “The Athletic Controversy,” Amos Alonzo Stagg Papers, box 88.

  124. “. . . of a big successful business?”: Caspar Whitney, “Amateur Sport,” Harper’s Weekly, October 21, 1899, 1073.

  124. to have seen the men compete: “Must Answer Charges,” Chicago Daily Tribune, May 26, 1898, 4.

  124. Western Intercollegiate Amateur Athletic Association: “Colleges in a Row,” Chicago Daily Tribune, June 4, 1898, 7.

  124. scheduled for the fall of 1898: Insinuated in Adams to Harper letter of July 16, 1898: “In cancelling the football game scheduled for the fall of 1898, Chicago has either broken a written contract, or has indicated that she regards a written contract of no binding force.” This is in digital files of University of Chicago Archives, ofcpreshjb-0020-0090-01.

  124. “. . . as unsportsmanlike and childish.”: “Fight for Control,” Chicago Daily Tribune, June 6, 1898, 9.

  124. had refused to hear the information: Ibid.

  125. “whether their course is right or wrong.”: Ibid.

  125. that lacked both “comity” and “courtesy.”: Adams to Harper letter of July 16, 1898. This is in digital files of University of Chicago Archives, ofcpreshjb-0020-0090-01.

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  126. not far from Madison: “Takes Radical Action,” Chicago Daily Tribune, September 24, 1898, 4.

  127. “. . . had played under assumed names.”: “Important Letters,” Daily Cardinal, September 28, 1898, 1, 3.

  127. which they had already earned: “Much Sympathy for Maybury,” Chicago Daily Tribune, September 25, 1898, 6.

  127. felt was appropriate against them: “Takes Radical Action,” Chicago Daily Tribune, September 24, 1898, 4.

  127. “. . . in favor of their encouragement and support.”: “Important Letters,” Daily Cardinal, September 28, 1898, 1, 3.

  128. eagerly awaited a response: “Accepts Chicago Conditions,” Chicago Daily Tribune, September 23, 1898, 4.

  128. properly from the outset: “Much Sympathy for Maybury,” Chicago Daily Tribune, September 25, 1898, 6.

  128. “. . . we care what happens [with
Wisconsin]?”: “Will Bury the Hatchet,” Chicago Daily Tribune, September 28, 1898, 4.

  128. “. . . than any occurrence in years.”: “Much Sympathy for Maybury,” Chicago Daily Tribune, September 25, 1898, 6.

  128. come up with new solutions: “Colleges Are at Peace,” Chicago Daily Tribune, September 29, 1898, 4.

  128. far from a guarantee of success: “Sporting,” Los Angeles Times, October 10, 1898, 7.

  128. “never been tested in an executive position.”: “Pat O’Dea for Captain,” Milwaukee Sentinel, September 12, 1898, 2.

  129. would be returning to play for the Badgers: Ibid.

  129. the Chicago Tribune reported: “Birge Tells Them to Quit,” Chicago Daily Tribune, September 20, 1898, 4.

  129. early portions of the season: “True State of Affairs,” Daily Cardinal, October 27, 1898, 3.

  129. “. . . and the disbanding of the team.”: “Important Mass Meeting To-Night!” Daily Cardinal, October 27, 1898, 1.

  129. “. . . WE MUST HAVE MORE CANDIDATES OUT FOR PRACTICE.”: “Deplorable Lack of Football Material,” Daily Cardinal, October 27, 1898, 1.

  129. “. . . not come out for one night, then quit.”: “Outlook Disheartening,” Daily Cardinal, October 27, 1898, 1.

  129. “. . . know the formations and signals.”: “Coach King’s Opinion,” Daily Cardinal, October 27, 1898, 1.

  130. would not be able to play against Minnesota: Roy L. Foley, “O’Dea Gets Pair of Kangaroo Hide Shoes—Score of Next Game: 76 to 0,” Wisconsin News, unknown date, 1934, chapter ten of twelve-chapter O’Dea series.

  130. from earlier in the week: “Ready for Battle,” Daily Cardinal, October 28, 1898, 1.

  130.“. . . lethargy proved most effectual.”: “Football Practice,” Daily Cardinal, November 1, 1898, 3.

  130. “. . . while he was in grammar school.”: “Stagg May Retain Rogers,” Chicago Times-Herald, November 5, 1898.

  130. Minds kept the information to himself: “Evidence against Holmes,” Chicago Daily Tribune, November 11, 1898, 4; “Maroons Are Under Fire,” Chicago Times-Herald, November 6, 1898.

  131. “. . . for the purpose of drawing spectators.”: Ibid.

  131. “. . . Holmes had wrestled with professionals.”: “Holmes Gives Flat Denial,” Chicago Times-Herald, November 7, 1898.

  131. the school’s captain, Walter Kennedy: “Maroons Are Under Fire,” Chicago Times-Herald, November 6, 1898.

  131. later in the week: Ibid.

  131. after playing for Beloit: “Answer to Wisconsin,” Chicago Chronicle, November 5, 1898.

  132. “. . . every member of the Maroon team.”: “To Meet No More,” Chicago Times-Herald, November 8, 1898. The original sentence read “every member of the maroon team.” I have capitalized Maroon for the sake of clarity.

  132. withdrew from the team: “Clarke Quits the Team,” Chicago Daily Tribune, November 2, 1898, 4.

  132. “. . . Again the poorer team won.”: “Football Song,” Daily Cardinal, October 28, 1898, 1.

  133. “. . . more pure and high-minded than their instructors?”: “As Others See Us,” Daily Cardinal, October 12, 1898, 3, quoting an editorial from Milwaukee Sentinel, date unknown.

  133. in a secret location: “Evidence against Holmes,” Chicago Daily Tribune, November 11, 1898, 4.

  133. “. . . boarded a street car and disappeared.”: “Spies on Stagg’s Tactics,” Chicago Chronicle, November 23, 1898.

  133. “. . . such giants of the pigskin met on the gridiron.”: “May Be the Last,” Chicago Times-Herald, November 12, 1898.

  134. inside the gymnasium due to field conditions: “Practice in the Park,” (Chicago) Daily Inter Ocean, November 11, 1898; “Ready for the Game,” (Chicago) Daily Inter Ocean, November 12, 1898.

  134. “. . . gone over with a steam roller.”: “Big Gridiron Game Today,” Chicago Chronicle, November 12, 1898, 10.

  134. simply hoped for the best: “Maroons Take the Game,” Chicago Chronicle, November 13, 1898.

  134. “A pair of heroic limbs had gone wrong.”: “Maroons Best Badger Men,” Chicago Times-Herald, November 13, 1898, 1.

  134. the Daily Inter Ocean reported: “Chicago Men Win,” (Chicago) Daily Inter Ocean, November 13, 1898, 1.

  134. King said afterward: “Maroons Take the Game,” Chicago Chronicle, November 13, 1898.

  135. “. . . to make the field passably good,”: Roy L. Foley, “O’Dea Gets Pair of Kangaroo Hide Shoes—Score of Next Game: 76 to 0,” Wisconsin News, unknown date, 1934, chapter ten of twelve-chapter O’Dea series.

  135. “. . . in the previous year.”: Caspar Whitney, “Amateur Sport,” Harper’s Weekly, December 31, 1898, 1301.

  135. “. . . for the future.”: “Feeling Is High,” Chicago Times-Herald, November 9, 1898.

  135. after he intentionally kicked O’Dea: Roy L. Foley, “O’Dea Gets Pair of Kangaroo Hide Shoes—Score of Next Game: 76 to 0,” Wisconsin News, unknown date, 1934, chapter ten of twelve-chapter O’Dea series; and “Chicago Men Win,” (Chicago) Daily Inter Ocean, November 13, 1898, 1.

  135. “. . . begotten of praise.”: “Roses for Pat O’Dea,” Milwaukee Sentinel, November 15, 1898, 6.

  135. “. . . performances of its kind in football annals.”: Caspar Whitney, “Amateur Sport,” Harper’s Weekly, December 31, 1898, 1301.

  135. “sixty-two yards to cover.”: Ibid.

  135. the longest field goal in the school’s history: Wisconsin Football Fact Book, 2011 edition, 129.

  136. “. . . has immortalized himself in the annals of football.”: “Capt. O’Dea Breaks Two World’s Records, Kicking Goal from the Sixty-Yard Line,” Chicago Times-Herald, November 25, 1898.

  136. a few others broke through in that 1898 season: Alexander M.Weyand, The Saga of American Football (New York: Macmillan, 1955), 197.

  136. “. . . the unthinking pupil of the East.”: Caspar Whitney, “Amateur Sport,” Harper’s Weekly, December 17, 1898, 1248.

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  137. to see them off: “Off for New Haven,” Daily Cardinal, October 16, 1899, 1.

  137. “crude blacksmiths, miners and backwoodsmen.”: As quoted in Caspar Whitney, “Amateur Sport,” Harper’s Weekly, November 13, 1895, 1124.

  138. “. . . like changing caste in India.”: “A Forecast of the Football Season,” Outing, an Illustrated Monthly Magazine of Recreation (November 1899), 172.

  138. the Badgers taking on Yale: Ibid.

  138. a dangerous attitude to take: Walter Camp, “Watch Western Teams,” Chicago Daily Tribune, October 8, 1899, 20.

  138. “. . . The interesting question is, ‘How soon?’ ” : Ibid.

  138. remembered many years later: Henry J. McCormick, “. . . Henry J. McCormick Means No Foolin’!” Wisconsin State Journal, November 11, 1940, 11.

  138. to protect them against bad luck: “Badgers in Form,” (Chicago) Daily Inter Ocean, October 14, 1899.

  139. “. . . we shall surely come back winners.”: “Off for New Haven,” Daily Cardinal, October 16, 1899, 1.

  139. “. . . the anticipation of the game itself.”: “Football Contrasts,” (New Haven) Evening Leader, October 21, 1899, 11.

  139. letters from flirtatious women: Betty Cass, “Madison Day by Day,” Wisconsin State Journal, September 28, 1934, 1, Part 2.

  139. “. . . Send up a carriage right away!”: Ibid. I have italicized “Pot” to highlight the writer’s mimicking of O’Dea’s accent.

  140. “. . . its fullness, richness and purity.”: “ ‘Lucia’ at the Opera,” New York Times, December 5, 1893.

  140. and the queen of England: Australian Dictionary of Biography, vol. 10; http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/melba-dame-nellie-7551.

  140. well-known claimant to the French throne: Ibid.

  140. the paper explained: “Chumming with Melba,” New Y
ork World, February 27, 1899, 4.

  140. Withstood the Prima Donna’s Appeal: “Melba and Pat O’Dea,” St. Paul Globe, March 5, 1899, 10.

  140. “. . . of one of its particular stars.”: Ibid.

  140. “. . . you are playing here in America.’ ”: Ibid.

  140. “. . . from the field as good as dead.”: Ibid.

  140. ran 100 yards for a touchdown: Roy L. Foley, “Rip Van Winkle of the Grid,” Wisconsin News, December 8, 1934, 12, chapter eleven of twelve-chapter O’Dea series. Foley was quoting an unspecified newspaper article from O’Dea’s time: “The principal feature of the game was the phenomenal run of O’Dea who sprinted down the field covering 100 yards and making a touchdown.” O’Dea’s run is not listed in the Wisconsin record book.

  141. “. . . got it on a fumble.”: “Badgers’ Easy Victory,” Chicago Daily Tribune, October 15, 1899, 17.

  141. “made only by the wonderful punting of Captain O’Dea.”: Ibid.

  141. “. . . push the Badgers all over the field.”: “Badgers’ Easy Game,” Sunday (Chicago) Times-Herald, October 15, 1899; “Badgers’ Easy Victory,” Chicago Daily Tribune, October 15, 1899, 17.

  141. important contest was still a week away: “Badgers’ Easy Game,” Sunday (Chicago) Times-Herald, October 15, 1899.

  141. “. . . appeared to be saving himself.”: Ibid.

  141. “. . . would be disastrous.”: “Score, 38 to 0 for Wisconsin,” (Milwaukee) Sunday Sentinel, October 15, 1899, 1.

  141. “. . . continued so in part of the second.”: Ibid.

  142. “. . . better condition to meet Yale.”: Ibid.

  142. took a few minutes to run around: “Badgers Enroute,” Daily Cardinal, October 17, 1899, 1.

  142. down to New Haven on Saturday morning: “Journey Is Ended,” Daily Cardinal, October 18, 1899, 1.

  142. prevent them from spying on Wisconsin: “Trinity Interferes,” Daily Cardinal, October 19, 1899, 1.

  142. proceedings through binoculars: “Spies See Badgers Work,” Chicago Chronicle, October 19, 1899.

  142. “an unusually fast, snappy team.”: “Badgers at Hartford,” Chicago Daily Tribune, October 19, 1899, 4.