Princeton University - Bric A Brac Yearbook (Princeton, NJ)

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tHOEiNCEfoV rrrrrrtrrr rr ' rrrr rr r rrrrrr rr r r gVc A ggr rinceton s Javorite Son Onine seas dim NE crisp, cool day in the autumn of the last year of the neteenth century a little end reported for his first season of Princeton football. For three years this diminutive bit of whipcord, nerve, and steel fought on against the bone-crushing giants of his day, sometimes winning, sometimes losing, but always hoping and trying harder. Little did he think then that some day he would be the creator of teams that would make the nation resound with Princeton ' s gridiron fame. Thus began the career of William Winston Roper as a king of football strategy. During fourteen years he has stood as an example of true sportmanship to Princeton men, in fact, to the entire country. He has had his ups and downs; but in moments of victory he has been quietly reserved, and in defeat he has cheered us on with the hope of future victories and the knowledge that failure is an important part of success. This cheerful, fighting spirit has been the keyword of every Roper team. For the benefit of those who hark back to the good old times and hold up to ridicule the lack of drive in present Tiger teams, let us turn back the pages of the yellow-leafed album of time and view Coach Roper ' s regime at Princeton. Mr. Roper has coached fourteen teams, two in 1910 and 1911, and then after the mighty struggle of the World War, he re- turned to infuse into the Guards of Old Nassau something of his own indomitable will to win. His first year as coach in 1910 created something of a sensation, for the team under his leader- ship won seven consecutive games, losing only to Y ale. But the next year surpassed even that, for the Orange and Black won a Big Three title in an undefeated season. Even with so propitious a beginning Bill Roper decided that more mundane affairs than football called his attention. He resigned his post temporarily and returned again in 1919 de- termined to help Princeton win once more. The seven interven- ing seasons had been lean indeed, and it was feared that Prince- ton was fast losing her reputation as a powerful, in fact invin- cible, adversary on the gridiron. The first year of the new regime showed a marked improve- ment. So did the second. And so it went till 1922 when the football history of Old Nassau was capped with never-to-be-for- gotten team. During these twelve years Coach Roper has gen- erated his men through fifty-three victories, twenty-three defeats, seven ties, and three Big Three Championships. As this history must be brief, it will be possible to mention only certain of the more brilliant seasons of Coach Bill Roper ' s career. First among these is that spectacular season of 1911. With Captain Eddie Hart leading the Tigers prospects, looked bright, 29