Newman Township High School - Talisman Yearbook (Newman, IL)

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Tl-IE TALISIVIAN 59 ing the squad how to tackle the dummy tnext morning, sore shouldersj. He gave the team a set of signals which were easy to understand, yet no team could ever get the run of them. It was his foresight which enabled him to see the ability in the green men, and from them he developed some stars. He spent hours working out the com- plicated trick plays, which often caused our opponents to look for the ball while we quietly carried it over for a touchdown. It was his invention which caused the eyes of the small t?J Sullivan center to stare vacantly as at space, and Wonder where the ball went to. lt was the same play that was too deep for Bloomingdale. He spent much of his time in drilling us on iformations which always meant sure gains, and on rules he was a shark. He stood for squareness on the gridiron, and he was strongly opposed to anything on the field or during a game that did not point toward good sportsmanship. His services will never be forgotten by the football team of 1913, for which he worked so loyally. To Assistant Coach Rutherford: Brown spent most of his time trying to develop a bunch of kickers, also giving us many valuable formations and trick plays. To him we are indebted for our reputation for fairness in athletics. He stood firm as a rock for square deals to visiting teams, and always gave them all that was coming to them. The strong combination of I-latchie's'i board and Browns ever ready flow of words made Newman High a cham- pionship team. To the Business Nlen: Nothing ever became a success without backing, and in this the team was indeed fortunate. With few exceptions ttightwadsj the business men contributed to the sup- port of the team at the beginning of the season. Nearly every business house had a representative at the games, and some firms were closed for the most important games. To those who closed their stores we are especially thankful, and wish you increasing success in your business. You supported us loyally, and in return we gave you a championship team. ive cannot express our thanks and appreciation, but to you busi- ness men, success. To the Rooters: The rooters did more than their share in developing the championship team. On Saturdays, people came from all the surrounding country, but they did not tarry long in the business section. The mass of loyal fans going out to the Morrow Field looked like a crowd at a Fourth of July celebrationg coming back from the games it looked even greater. In that line of march were big men, little men, gray haired men, young men, and all other kinds of men. The high school girls were especially loyal, and we certainly appreciate your attendance. The women were there in large crowds, and on days that the Womans Club' did not meet their yells could be heard above all others. Eight hundred men witnessed the Tuscola game, and there would have been many more if the weather man had not acted up. Rooters, you supported us beyond all expectationsg it was you who enabled us to meet all opponents with a feeling of confidence, and in a large measure you were responsible for our success. We only hope that you support the team as loyally next year, and that they in turn give you another clean slate.

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58 TI-IE TALISMAN FOOT BALL IN N. T. I-I. S. Never before in the history of football in our high school did we have such a successful team. It was not composed of big, brawny men, but the sixteen letter men were sixteen little giants. The fame of our team traveled far and wide, even to the hills of Indiana, and to the bright lights of Springfield. The football squad has been the life and backbone of the high school. During the month of November, when the team was playing the heaviest part of its championship schedule, their grade average was higher than the school average. All the presidents of the literary society were letter men, and most of the Work in debating was done by football men. Our school was represented in the Business Men's Debate by three letter men, and the alternate was also a member of the team, The P1'esidents of the Sophomore, Junior and Senior Classes wear the N., and the Freshmen Class is not organized. When the first call was given for practice a larger number of candidates responded than ever before. There was some very promising material, and Coach McCown took charge of them with a determination to turn out a Winning team. The first two Weeks were devoted mostly to falling on the ball, tackling, and scrimmage. VVe had our first game with Oakland on September 13th, and that was the beginning of the great football season, all of which will be told in the following pages. Just after the toss of the coin I-Iatchie would read the names of the men who were to start the game, and when a player's name was read a smile would usually spread over his face, but it usually turned to a frown before the game was over. Next came the sermon. No general on the eve of a great battle ever talked more earnestly than Coach McCown, putting on the fine points of the week's training and urging the men to play real football. 'tln your places, called Akerss the whistle blew, and then came the cheery words of Captain Akers, Now Newman, come ong every man block a man. The ball was kicked, and thru every man went a feeling that cannot be described, a thrill that only a football player has experienced, a loud roar from the side lines, and we were off. This was the start of the great football team,-the finish can be told by Chrisman. After the first game it was one grand and glorious march on to victory and triumph. Every Saturday brought a new opponent, and as often a victory. At the end of the season We had smothered eleven teams, and scared Springfield speechless. Our team was a gritty one, struggling always against heavier teams, sometimes against University coaches, but, with our team playing scientifically, and as smoothly as clock work, Coach Hatchie was able to put it over all of them, including the dig- nified, University-coached bunch from Champaign,-those fellows with the cute little green caps, and the important gentleman who came with them as a faculty manager. We won eleven games, including the best teams in the State of Illinois. VVe issued a challenge to any undefeated team, which scared Springfield so badly that she ran away to Pana. Cowards always run somewhere and Pana was the onlyuqtown that would harbor her Where she might feel safe from a defeat. lVe offered to meet them on any neutral grounds, they consented once, and then craWfished. We entered a claim for the Down State Championship, and it was recognized by the papers, and all the leading high schools except Springfield and possibly a few others like her. Financially, the season was by far the most successful that we ever had. Although there were two bad Saturdays, the gate receipts averaged S85 per game, making the total gate receipts 3700. However, we incurred extra heavy expenses, and at the end of the season we had o11ly 3120. Wfith part of this we purchased sweaters for the men who had played four or more games, and the remainder was divided between the track and baseball teams. To Coach NlcCown: Not enough credit ever will be given Hatchiel' for the success of the team. Everv evening, as regularly as four o'clock came, he was present with his board fsometimeis a whipj, urging the men into action, Working patiently with the green candidates, teach.

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60 THE TALISMAN MEMBERS OF THE CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM Captain Akers: Cotton is a veteran at the quarterback position, having played it for four years. Much of the success of the team was due to his excellent generalship, and he always had perfect control of his men. Every member of the team placed full confidence in him, and his cheery words on the field always brought forth greater efforts from the players. He was a sure tackler, never failing to get their shoe strings, led more interference than a quarterback usually does, he carried the ball well, and used excellent judgment in directing plays. The Decatur Review, in making an all star selection, said For the quarterback position, Akers of Newman is without a peerf, and he well deserved his position on the Central Illinois all star selection. Tresenriter, Center. Shadyt' is by far the best center that ever passed a ball for Newman High. He possessed a knowledge and understanding of inside football which he used to great advantage in overcoming opponents. He was a consistent player, for two years being the bulwark of the line, never weakening, always in the game with the same spirit. His particular hobby was picking up fumbles of the opposing team and carrying the ball for long runs, sometimes making a touchdown. ln the Champaign game, when the score stood 7 to 6 against us in the third quarter, the opposing back- field fumbled. t'Shadyi' saw the error, and going thru the Champaign line, grabbed the ball and ran forty yards for a touchdown which won the game. He repeated this performance in the Bement game. He was the smasher of all line plays, and it was not an uncommon sight to see him handle two men. He mussed every play that came thru the line, and was mixed up in most of the others. The Decatur Review saidg Tresenriter has probably never met an equal while playing at that position. He was placed on the Central Illinois all star selection, but was a general favorite for the State team. Arthur Parr, Guard. Although a senior, this was Parr's first appearance for the team, but his grit and determination enabled him to earn his letter. He was usually first on the field of an evening, ready for practice, never talking, but always trying to learn something new about the game. He developed into a steady and reliable man. H. B. Smith, End. This was Moses fourth year on the team, and his playing was up to his usual standard. He was speedy, a sure ground gainer, and a drop kicker of fair ability, scoring several field goals in the season. Tyler, Quarterback, Halfback. This was Rex's fourth year out for the team. Al- though a light weight, he made a good man in either backfield position. He used good judgment in directing plays, and won a long-coveted N. Gregg, Guard. Henkle was a green man at the beginning of the season, but the big husky from St. Louis developed into a guard that no other man Walked over without first finding out that he was up against 160 pounds, solid as a stone wall. He was steady and reliable, and was a valuable asset to the team. Walter McCown. Dann started the season in fullback's shoes, but soon after the first game he was injured in practice. He was thus forced to quit, after working extra hard all summer to get Mr. McCown's consent to play. ln a few weeks he came back again, more bandages than anything else, but nevertheless he was there with his bull dog grit to make the team. He filled five different positions, and played all of them in a smashing style. He was seriously handicapped all thru the remainder of the season by other injuries, and he went thru solely on his nerve. Forest NlcCown. Frosty played his third year on the team this Season- He was always mixed up in every play, never flinching, but right there with his big head to stop every play that came his way. No one on the team played any harder, and he was a terror to every opposing line. Don Smith. Stiney played at fullback and tackle this year. He was a sure ground gainer and a good defensive man.