FINIS
That's the sum and substance of the football picture here at the moment. Dartmouth may have problems in maintaining its standards, but McLaughry has overcome problems before witness the 1949 campaign during which the Big Green became the first Dartmouth team to down six major opponents consecutively as Holy Cross, Colgate, Harvard, Yale, Columbia, and Cornell were soundly walloped.
Nevertheless, personnel losses are many in number, most of which must be termed "critical." Missing from the 1950 aggregation will be Herb Carey, whose linebacking tactics will be sorely missed when the Hanoverians clash with high-powered clubs like Michigan and Cornell. Bill Dey will not be present to display the safetyman skill which won him All-East laurels for defensive work. Another defensive signal-caller will have to be found to replace the heady Jim Melville, first-string defensive left guard. The reign of the Young brothers, three in number and staunch in tainly see more than the limited duty experienced in 1949 as a reserve.
This about rounds out the quasi-experienced mastadons, but others merit mention. George Rambour, a "growing boy" of 19 who currently goes 235-pounds and stands 6'4" tall, may shape into a defensive mountain should he be injected with several cc's of ferocity. Dave Duncombe has improved after a good spring showing, and leading the list of sophomore tackles is Emery Pierson who is slated for supplementary varsity action. Among the other newcomers are sophomores Gene Gabianelli, Pete Gartland, and John Senne.
GUARDS Perhaps Pele Bogardus should be rated as the number one allround guard since he thrives on the defense and is well versed in the manly arts of mouse-trapping, submarining, etc. Pete weighs about 200, and with his added speed should have a hey-day in his final season. Dick Price is also in the forefront for the left guard berth, although his specialty is more the attack. At about 205, Price is a rangy letterman and fine blocker, but his defensive play needs polishing if he is to remain in there when the ball changes hands. Another senior guard who has surprised the coaches is Joe Morelli, once-termed "little man" of the squad. Joe has grown out of that title, however, and now at 190 he will have his best season. Morelli does everything well, defensively and offensively, and has the heart, experience and finesse so necessary to master the complex guard position. Johnny Martino is a persistent and scrappy Syracuse lad who will see much work also. Although his services were limited mostly to jayvee tussles in 1949, he has shown flashes of great ability, particularly on the defensive where he utilizes his strength and size to best advantage. Consistency is his problem, however, and should the improvements he has demonstrated in spring practice be continued this fall, he will be in there. Alex Athanas and Fred Hill are two improved guards who show great potentialities, in unknown quantities, however. The former is a husky boy who packs about 205 pounds into a 5'11" frame, which makes him suitable for either offense or defense. Under the tutelage of John Dell Isola, Alex showed noticeable improvement this spring and is in excellent physical condition. Hill, a junior who has worked both as a guard and tackle with the jayvees, may oust some of the more experienced men from their jobs. Not to be denied, upperclassmen KarlThielscher and Stew Schackne look good in these early practices. Schackne hits much harder than his physical proportions would warrant (he is only g'g" and about 180) and would make the ideal "watchcharm" guard. Thielscher, son of a former Dartmouth great, is still a large 200pound question mark, as are sophomores Tom Bloomer, Peter Reich, Bill Vitalis,Dave King, John Dickason, and JoshGriffith. With more experience, they may achieve the polish necessary to make them vital cogs in the McLaughry machine.
CENTERS—First string offensive and defensive center will be Paul Staley, Dartmouth's 68th football captain, whose career here in the hills of Hanover reads like a motion-picture scenario for the typical football hero. Staley came up from the reserve ranks when the Big Green was in dire need of a pivot man in 1948, with only frosh experience after being converted from the full back position played at Scarsdale (N. Y.) High. Last year, as a junior, he was no one-way specialist but rather started every contest and played no less than 340 minutes of rugged football in eight major games. This handsome captain has a long list of campus honors, but what is more important in a preview of the 1950 football season, Paul fills the bill in every department. Two Massachusetts boys, BillVesprini of Everett and John McNary of Swampscott, stand ready to fill the breach whenever Staley needs relief. The two must be rated equally, although they have entirely different football personalities. Vesprini's defensive play, encouraging chatter, and spirit dominate the field of play when he is in there; McNary's calmness, particularly when the team is on the spot and has to kick out of trouble, or after a touchdown when the call is for the extra-point, results in cooperative steadiness and pin-point accuracy in passing from center. Both are bound to see much action in their particular departments. Three sophomores loom as potential replacements in the line-backer spots. FredFideli, the 1953 yearling captain, Al Ives and Fred Stephens will have tough sledding, as will Joe Baute when they attempt to remove the aforementioned trio from the pivot position.
QUARTERBACKS-With all modesty, your correspondent sincerely feels that the backs should continue to go tearing by, as they have done for the past two seasons. The 1950 roster boasts seven returning lettermen, two of whom (Clayton and Roberts) were individual Ivy-League lead- ers in the passing and rushing depart- ments, respectively. John Clayton has be- come synonymous with broken records here in Hanover, but to tell an august body of Dartmouth alumni about this Hurok of the T-formation in one para- graph necessitates the awful error of omis- sion. Clayton was rated the "outstanding football player in New England" last fall by the Boston Gridiron Club and is proba- bly the finest quarterback and passer in Dartmouth's long gridiron history. His right arm has shot the Big Green into the ranks of college football leaders in two seasons. The 1949 campaign saw him set a remarkable 56% completion mark, fifth best in the country . . . and the records could fill the remainder of this page. Con- stantly on Clayton's heels and a threat in his own right is Bob McCraney„ his roommate. Bob is a smart quarterback at about 205 pounds who throws a beautiful forward pass and has a better than 50% completion mark also. He should share a larger proportion of the varsity T-formation intricacies in this, his senior year. Jim Churchill and Wayne Linman, two junior quarterbacks, will be battling it out for the third offensive quarterback assignment. Linman, used mostly on defense last season when safety-man Dey was injured, won his letter and gained valuable experience, but because of illness he arrived late for the early fall workouts. His offensive heart, came to an end when Stew Young vacated the offensive right guard position upon graduation. This Dartmouth dynasty will assuredly be missed. "Four-Yard" Fitkin, first-string offensive right halfback whose escapades at Memorial Field will long be remembered, is gone as is his understudy Gerry Sarno and defensive side-kick John Chapman. Tackles Dick Gowen (now an assistant coach at Dartmouth) and Joe Sardella have turned in their varsity cleats along with Peter Bucklin and Bill Carpenter, who no longer work from their guard slots; and coupled with the absence of the entire varsity end squad, the line must be rated weaker at the start at least.
Gone is All-East end Tom (Red) Rowe who grabbed 36 passes to set another alltime Dartmouth record last season. He was the favorite target of quarterback Johnny Clayton, who pitched to him for 478 yards.
When Rowe wasn't free, Dave Beeman was, to the tune of 22 passes received representing a gain of 270 yards and three touchdowns. Unheralded as an offensive threat because of his cohort on the right end of the Dartmouth frontier, Beeman excelled especially as a defensive end to such an extent, in fact, that he is now playing professional football with the New York Giants. The services of Joe Sarno, right end, whose defensive play allowed Rowe to conserve his touchdown talents, will also be missed.
This deficiency in the ends and a general lack of depth may keep the Green skating on thin ice, which is in itself becoming a tradition here in Hanover. One season ago, a wave of injuries forced McLaughry to dip four deep in reserves and he still sent classy operatives into the fray. Lack of proven reserves, however, will permit no such uninterrupted proficiency this fall. A few key injuries in pre-season practices or initial games with Holy Cross, Penn, or Michigan could conceivably result in a poor season recordwise.
The Indians, nevertheless, cannot be termed a weak team, and as we go to press, barring the arrival of an unheralded Yudicky, Aschenbach, or Parker, a recapitulation of the Dartmouth assets would go something like this:
ENDS When your correspondent asked end coach Elmer Lampe to assess the prospects, he cited no one man in particular. "These boys developed well in spring practice," said the scout extra-ordinaire, "and should they continue with the same rapid progress throughout this season, we'll have no problems."
Leading the list of contenders is VinMarriott who appears to have shaken the injury jinx which has followed him through three seasons, during which he was always termed a fine prospect. Marriott was sidelined with an illness during his entire sophomore year, but managed to recover from a sprained ankle sustained in 1949 fall workouts in time to participate in four games. Rangy and fast, he is especially well versed as a blocker and should prove a very capable left wingman.
John McDonald, standing 6'4" and weighing about 210, is a good bet for left end. Utilizing his basketball talents (he doubles as center in the winter), physique, and natural football savvy, he is a potential 60-minute man who makes a fine target and defensive bulwark as a junior. However, here too is a man who lacks much-needed experience, having participated in only five varsity games.
One of the better pass receivers is EdLarigan, who has progressed from the jayvee ranks in 1948 to become a leading candidate for the left end position. This senior from Great Neck, N. Y., showed up well in spring practice, but his 185-pound frame is small for defensive work in the modern two-platoon era.
Don Myers is the fastest of the Indian ends and has displayed in pre-season workouts the steadiness which he lacked while seeing frequent defensive duty last season. Although Myers stands only 6'1", he rendered a good account of himself in the limited work he did at the varsity level last year. With further tutoring, he may well land a starting berth as a result of his aggressiveness.
Favorite target of the Clayton aerial this fall may be Jordan (Tom) Schanck who prepared for Dartmouth at Hinsdale, 111., High. Lampe is high in praise of this junior wingman who progressed from an awkward aspirant for right end to a strong contender. At 6'5" Schanck is the tallest man on the Indian end squad and by constant work he has utilized his height to become a good pass receiver and blocker of no mean proportions. Dick Bacon, although he did not play football last spring, has jumped from jayvee ranks into the thick of the scramble for the right end post. Charlie (Doc) Dey, on his way to establish himself as another all-round athlete as did his older brother Bill, missed spring practice because of his tennis interests. Nevertheless, this lad, should he continue the progress he has made this fall, will see considerable action. Other candidates for starting berths, and certainly bright prospects for future Green wingmen, are Wallace Jennings, 6'5" and 210 pounds; Dick Little of Wheeling, W. Va., whose career as a end was interrupted by a jayvee injury; JohnBoyle, Frank Casalvieri, Norm Cassel, and Jack Patten, all of whom have graduated from the freshman ranks and appear to be headed for replacement duty.
TACKLES—Coach John Dell Isola is blessed with the finest group of tackles he has seen in years. Topping the list is TedEberle, a letterman for two years and last season's regular offensive right tackle. Although hampered by an asthmatic condition, Eberle should be one of the Indian stars by virtue of his 210 pounds and unusual speed. Here is a hustler who combines top offensive play with the necessary quick reaction for defensive success.
Charles (Red) Bailey also holds the distinction of being a double letterman in football. If Dartmouth ever had a true competitor, she has one in this redhead who excels when the going is hottest. Rated as "lineman-of-the-week" by the United Press for his showing against Cornell last season, this 6'2", 205-pound tackle is Grade-A in anybody's book.
Bill Monahan rates high in the estimation of his coach, who believes that this defensive letterman at 185-pounds is as good as can be found. Bill advanced from jayvee guard in 1948 to the regular varsity defensive tackle spot last season because of his fine spring practice showing, and the approaching campaign should prove to be the finest for this senior who prepared for Dartmouth at Punahou School in Honolulu.
Bob Herr, weighing an even 200, appears to have won himself a place in the Dartmouth frontier and will see considerable action, both defensively and offensively. His spirit and drive, so evident in these early fall workouts, will undoubtedly be carried over onto the playing field and be a boon to the Green.
Craig Murphy was originally a tackle, but because of lack of depth in the center squad last season, was converted to that position from which he saw much actionchiefly defensive. Here rests a possibility for the much-sought-after line-backer. "Murph" knows his way around the line, and his hard work should be rewarding in this, his final season. Vince Jones will add authority to the front line. A leader on the field and off (he is an honor student and junior class officer), this Californian weighs 210 pounds and will cer merits are yet unknown, while Churchill, a baseball star in the spring, has shown marked improvement in his passing and has good poise. Two other junior quarterback hopefuls are Howie Carter and BillMurphy, both of whom could presumably see offensive duty but will more likely be worked into the defensive lineup. Sopho- mores Emil Schnell and Bob Michael, son of the Dartmouth swimming coach, have improved their ball-handling considerably and may make strong bids for starting jobs.
RIGHT HALFBACKS The sole returning letterman at this position is EdIsbey, a rugged senior who will probably fill the starting berth after playing behind Fitkin and Jerry Sarno for two seasons. In averaging 4.3 yards per try last season, Isbey combined deceptive running with some miraculous pass-receiving which should make this 190-pounder a great threat. After Isbey, it's a toss-up at present to determine who will get the nod. AI Reich, who excels as a javelin thrower, may well be the varsity second choice as he makes the big step from jayvee to big league football. Dick Brown sparkled as a punter last season while averaging 38.1 yards in 23 kicks, and has shown signs of running ability this fall. Bill Conway's stock is also rising for he joins ability to pick his way through the broken field and bull-dog for those extra few yards. Sophomores Dick Calkins, the brothers Fry (Bill and Henry), John Sackett and Rog Warner may also blossom out to fill the appreciable lack of strength at this position.
LEFT HALFBACKS-A wealth of material returns to man both offensive and defensive positions here. Bob Tyler and Eddie Williams, both hard-luck players last season when they were incapacitated early in the season (Tyler sustained a broken right arm in the Penn opener and didn't play until the Columbia game five weeks later and Williams suffered a broken leg while starring in the Holy Cross victory), may prove to be the fastest combination in speed but smallest in weight to operate for the Green. Tyler's forte is re- turning punts and kick-offs, but he is dangerous whenever he handles the ball. Williams may have a brilliant year from all indications in spring and pre-season workouts. He appears to be shiftier than ever, and has the knack of finding the porous qualities in the defensive frontier. Charlie Curtis and Tom Collins both won their "D" last season as sophomores when they answered Coach McLaughry's appeal for defensive backs to replace Dey, Chapman, Sarno, Tyler, and Williams who were simultaneously licking their wounds. Curtis is a top pass defender and should once again assist in providing the Indians with air-tight secondary defenses. Collins interrupted a round-the-world sailing trip with several of his adventure-loving classmates to return to Hanover and his defensive left half position. A vicious tackier, although weighing only 165-pounds, the slender Honolulu lad has fair speed and is a determined runner. Gene Teevens and Dick Halloran have moved up from jayvee spots to make serious bids, Teevens getting welcome relief from several injuries sustained as a sophomore and Halloran making a delayed start after having missed the gridiron in his freshman and sophomore years. A whole raft of upcoming sophomores may produce a few candidates who will stay with the varsity, best bets being Bill Alley, Dick Collins, Charlie Odams and Russ Smale.
FULLBACKS—OnIy one letterman returns to this spot, but what a prize package he is. In 1949 Bill Roberts was mistakingly rated by this and other similar fireside journals as third-string offensive fullback, but the 195-pound pigskin-totin' lowan certainly made forecasters gladly resort to other cliches in respect to his work. An injury to Herb Carey last ear gave the modest Roberts an opportunity, and he cashed in on this by carrying the ball 125 times for 698 yards to conclude a rags-to-riches story and set an all-time Dartmouth rushing mark, as well as garner individual honors for Ivy League ground gaining. His senior year should be the best for this hard-working competitor. JohnFoster saw some action at the fullback post last season before being halted by a broken leg. This stubby lad totes about 185 pounds on a 5*7" frame, which evokes the hard charging that may win a spot for him on the offensive club. Behind these two, however, things are spotty, since sophomore fullback aspirants John Anderson,Ed Boyle, John Springer, Wayne Hanson,Burt Dorselt, George Sarner and JohnMonahan vary in degrees of proficiency. All have had work with the freshmen and showed sufficient promise to be invited back for early practice, but they must, here at least, be termed unknown quantities.
That concludes consideration of the Men-in-Green about whom you will be reading when this issue reaches your doorstep. Nevertheless, there is one other factor which is not to be neglected if we are to wager our reputations on Dartmouth in 1950—and that's the devastating schedule.
Your reporter asked Coach McLaughry to give a preview of the 1950 opponents, following which request Tuss merely smiled and said, "We've got to play them if we're going to eat!" Nourishment comes hard these days! The Big Green opens against resurgent Holy Cross under former lowa mentor, Eddie Anderson. Tuss calls them the "team to beat" since they'll be well organized and have the fastest backs and most mastadon-like linemen in the East. Then on consecutive weekends the Indians fly to Ann Arbor to meet Big Nine co-champions Michigan and then face Pennsylvania, which team Dartmouth has not managed to overcome since 1933. Returning to Hanover, the McLaughryen face Lehigh with swivel-hipped Dick Gabriel and a host of lettermen returning to the Engineers' fold. Next the annual Harvard game, and under the tutelage of ex-Amherst coach Lloyd Jordan, the Crimson aggregation will make things tough. Traveling to New Haven, the Big Green will try to leash the Yale Bulldog once again; then the Columbia Lion comes to Hanover to celebrate Houseparty Weekend. The following week, Coach Lefty James' Cornell eleven will play host in a contest that is bound to echo from high above Cayuga's waters, and finally the Hanoverians will close against Princeton, another first division Ivy-League team which will be remembered for its upset triumph in the hair-raiser last season. The experts are picking Cornell and Princeton as the powerhouses of the Ivy League this season.
Ordinarily, consideration is given to the schedule, but experienced observers look to it to tell the true story of the relative merits of a football team. McLaughry, Lampe 8c Cos., Ltd. will have tough scouting problems since they haven't encountered Lehigh and Michigan and will meet Holy Cross and Harvard while they are on the upswing with new coaches and attacks.
But never count your Indians out. They seem to breathe competition!
IVY LEAGUE LEADERS LAST YEAR, and back for another season, are fullback Bill Roberts (34), top ground-gainer in 1949 with 698 yards in 125 tries, and John Clayton (20), Dartmouth's ace quarterback, who led the league in forward-passing and had the fifth best record in the country with 56%? completions.
Bailey t
Monahan t
Bogardus g
Eberle t
Williams Ihb
Curtis Ihb
Isbey rhb
Vesprini c
Tyler Ihb
Price g
FOOTBALL CAPTAIN: Paul Staley '5l of Scarsdale, N. Y., leads the Big Green eleven this fall from the center spot. Off the gridiron he is an honor student, vice president of the Undergraduate Coun- cil, chairman of the Student Judiciary Committee, vice president of the Interfraternity Council, mem- ber of Palaeopitus and Casque and Gauntlet, and president of Delta Tau Delta.
