The surviving newspaper coverage shows Charles Leo McGarvey emerging first as a tough,
impact player in Rio Grande’s successful 1931 season, then as captain and star fullback
during the 1932 campaign. Across these two years, the clippings portray a player who could
change games with blocked kicks, power running, leadership, and late-game determination.
1931 Season Overview
The 1931 season marked a major turnaround for Rio Grande. Early preseason coverage from
September 10 reported that thirty men had already reported to Coach Spooner for football
practice and described prospects as “exceptionally bright,” with returning lettermen and
additional talent expected from surrounding high schools. The schedule also showed Rio
opening against Cincinnati before meeting Marietta, Urbana, and Bluefield.
Preseason report, Sept. 10, 1931
A week later, a brief social notice showed another side of the team’s early-season life,
reporting that the football squad was entertained at a picnic supper at Cora with Coach
Spooner, Dean and Mrs. W. A. Lewis, and guests from surrounding communities. Though small,
the item helps place the team within the college and local social world that supported it.
Football picnic, Sept. 19, 1931
By late October, Rio Grande had become the centerpiece of Homecoming plans on campus.
A Gallipolis preview for the October 31 celebration described the team as having met defeat
only once, against Cincinnati, and emphasized that Coach Spooner had built a squad of mostly
freshmen that still drew former high school stars from Wellston, Jackson, Ironton,
Middleport, Point Pleasant, and Gallipolis. The article shows how quickly the team had
become a source of campus and community pride.
Homecoming preview, Oct. 22, 1931
The clearest early evidence of McGarvey’s importance comes in Rio Grande’s
18-7 win over Cedarville. In that game he was credited with blocking and recovering
a punt deep in Cedarville territory, then later scoring a touchdown himself. The article
presents him as a momentum-changing player on both defense and offense.
Cedarville game, Oct. 12, 1931
“A few moments later McGarvey blocked and recovered a Cedarville punt on Cedarville’s 20-yard line.”
The season closed with one of the strongest surviving McGarvey references in the collection.
In the Gallipolis account of Rio Grande’s 20-12 win over Morehead, McGarvey is described as
stepping in after regular fullback Carey went out with an injured knee and filling the role
ably. The article says that he and Rapp accounted for most of the gains, and it also credits
McGarvey with a scoring plunge and several important rushing plays in the second half.
Season-ending victory, Nov. 24, 1931
“Carey, regular full back, was early forced from the game by an injured knee, but McGarvey, substitute, ably filled his shoes.”
The end-of-season summaries confirmed that Rio Grande finished 6 wins and 2 losses,
scored 122 points, and emerged from a winless 1930 to become one of the stronger
small-college teams in the region. Just after the season, McGarvey’s growing stature was
confirmed when he was elected captain of the 1932 team. The Gallipolis account of that
banquet adds more institutional context than the shorter Ironton notice, preserving remarks
from trustees, Dean W. A. Lewis, Coach Dewey Spooner, and graduating players.
Season summary, Dec. 2, 1931Gallipolis captaincy article, Dec. 5, 1931Ironton captaincy article, Dec. 9, 1931
“Charles McGarvey of Wellston was elected captain of the 1932 Rio Grande College football team...”
Rio Grande’s 1931 season now reads as a full arc, from preseason optimism and team-building,
through Homecoming prominence and the Cedarville breakthrough, to a strong finish against
Morehead. In the surviving coverage, McGarvey appears as a versatile, physical contributor
who could block, score, substitute effectively at fullback, and emerge by season’s end as
the captain-elect for 1932.
McGarvey’s role in the early 1932 season becomes clearer when the Cedarville and Homecoming
previews are read together. After Rio Grande’s 14-7 win over Cedarville, one account singled
him out for a long run that helped set up a touchdown, while the Gallipolis Homecoming preview
named McGarvey among the backs who had “toted the ball in fine style” against Cedarville and
even listed him as a probable starter at either left tackle or fullback against Wilmington.
Cedarville game, Oct. 3, 1932Homecoming preview, Oct. 7, 1932
“The parade returned a dash of twenty-five yards by Fullback McGarvey...”
The best surviving article for McGarvey personally remains Rio Grande’s narrow
7-6 Homecoming loss to Wilmington. In that game he is identified as both captain and
star fullback, and the story places him at the center of Rio Grande’s late scoring drive and
final, unsuccessful extra-point attempt. The article shows clearly that the offense flowed
through him in the most important moments.
Wilmington game, Oct. 10, 1932Follow-up column, Oct. 11, 1932
“McGarvey, star fullback of the Lyne-coached outfit, hit the line a yard at a time...”
Another October score roundup confirms Rio Grande’s 7-0 win over Urbana, though the
clipping shared so far preserves only the result and not a fuller game story.
Football Scores, Oct. 15, 1932
A week later, Rio Grande lost a close game at Morehead, 10-7. The short Lima wire story
reports that a fourth-quarter field goal made the difference, while the fuller local account
is more valuable for McGarvey because it includes complete lineups and places him in the
starting eleven at fullback. That story also preserves the names of other former Ironton-area
players in the Rio lineup.
Lima News, Oct. 23, 1932Likely Irontown News, Oct. 24, 1932
In the surviving 1932 coverage, McGarvey appears not just as a rostered player but as one
of the central figures of the team, captain, probable two-way starter, fullback, late-game
runner, and one of the men through whom Rio Grande’s offense and leadership were expected
to operate.
1932 in brief
The surviving clippings show a competitive Rio Grande team under new leadership, with
McGarvey at the center of the offense and the team’s identity. In the material shared so
far, Rio Grande opened with a loss to Ohio University, beat Cedarville, lost a one-point
Homecoming game to Wilmington, defeated Urbana, and then dropped a close contest to
Morehead. The newer Gallipolis Homecoming preview strengthens the picture by showing that
McGarvey was already being viewed as a key ball carrier and probable starter before the
Wilmington game.
Document Gallery
Newspaper Clippings and Team Photograph
These surviving newspaper clippings and images document Charles Leo McGarvey’s years
with Rio Grande College football in the early 1930s. Together they preserve game
coverage, team publicity, and a printed team photograph from the Irontown News.
Newspaper clipping
“Football Practice Begins At Rio Grande”
This The Gallipolis Daily Tribune article from September 10, 1931, offers an early
preseason glimpse of Rio Grande football. It reports that thirty men had already reported
to Coach Spooner, outlines the opening schedule, and describes prospects for the team as
exceptionally bright due to returning veterans and local talent.
The Gallipolis Daily Tribune, September 10, 1931, page 3. Early preseason report on Rio Grande football practice and schedule.
Date: September 10, 1931
Publication:The Gallipolis Daily Tribune
Page: 3
People mentioned: Coach Spooner, Davis, Wickline, Williams, Preston, Clark, McLead
Teams/Opponents mentioned: University of Cincinnati, Marietta, Urbana, Bluefield
Type: Preseason practice and schedule report
Level: College
Sport: Football
Football Practice Begins At Rio Grande
Thirty men reported to Coach Spooner at Rio Grande College on Tuesday morning for
two weeks of preliminary training before the opening of school on the twenty-second.
Rio Grande College will rush right into a hard football schedule a week after the opening
of school with a night game with the University of Cincinnati at Cincinnati on the
twenty-sixth.
The following week the Redmen will meet Marietta at Marietta. On October 17 Urbana
University will play at Rio Grande. On October 24 Rio Grande will go to West Virginia
to meet Bluefield.
Prospects for Rio Grande football team are exceptionally bright as several veterans,
Davis, Wickline, Williams, Preston, Clark, McLead, all letter men will return as well
as 1930 football stars from the surrounding high schools.
More men are expected to arrive for training within the next week.
This brief Gallipolis Daily Tribune clipping from September 19, 1931, offers a small
glimpse of the social side of Rio Grande football before the season was fully underway. It
reports that members of the squad were entertained at a picnic supper at Cora with Coach
Spooner, Dean and Mrs. W. A. Lewis, and guests from surrounding communities.
The Gallipolis Daily Tribune, September 19, 1931. Social notice about a picnic supper for the Rio Grande football squad.
Date: September 19, 1931
Publication:The Gallipolis Daily Tribune
People mentioned: Coach Spooner, Dean and Mrs. W. A. Lewis
Type: Social notice
Level: College
Sport: Football
Rio Grande Football Picnic
On Friday evening the men on the football squad of Rio Grande College were entertained
at a picnic supper at Cora. Besides the men on the squad and Coach Spooner, Dean and
Mrs. W. A. Lewis and a number of girls from surrounding communities were present.
“Great Plans Made for Rio Grande Home Coming Oct 31”
This Gallipolis Daily Tribune article from October 22, 1931, previews Rio Grande’s
upcoming Homecoming celebration on October 31. It highlights the day’s campus activities,
including a basket dinner, reunion events, and the football game against Cedarville, while
also emphasizing the strength and growing reputation of Coach Spooner’s team.
The Gallipolis Daily Tribune, October 22, 1931. Preview of Rio Grande’s Homecoming and the upcoming Cedarville game.
Date: October 22, 1931
Publication:The Gallipolis Daily Tribune
People mentioned: Coach Spooner, Miss McCuskey
Teams/Opponents mentioned: Rio Grande, Cedarville, Cincinnati University
Type: Homecoming preview
Level: College
Sport: Football
Great Plans Made for Rio Grande Home Coming Oct 31
Saturday, October 31st, is to be a great day in Rio Grande.
The faculty and students of the college, together with the entire community are pushing
forward plans for a great Homecoming and reunion on that day.
The program for the day consists of various events which include a soccer game played by
the teams made up of girls of the physical education class under the direction of Miss
McCuskey; a basket dinner on the campus at noon, and in the afternoon, Rio Grande’s
football team meets the Cedarville College team.
This promises to be a hotly contested game as Cedarville boasts a strong aggregation this
year and Rio’s team has met defeat only once. Since that was administered by a strong
Buckeye Conference team such as Cincinnati University and by a score of 19-6, this
indicates something of the calibre of Coach Spooner’s team.
The Rio team is made up mostly of college freshmen but in the squad are former stars
from high school teams of Wellston, Jackson, Ironton, Middleport, Point Pleasant, and
Gallipolis, and Rio’s coach has developed a team which is attracting attention all over
state because of their victories over Ohio Conference teams.
The Homecoming day’s activities are to culminate in a dinner in the evening at which
the old grads, former students and friends of the college will get together to celebrate
the victory of the day and live over their former campus days.
Invitations have been sent out to many. Since mailing lists can never include all the
friends of a college, it is hoped that all who read this account of the Homecoming will
plan to spend the day with their old friends of other days on the campus at Rio Grande
College.
This Irontown News clipping from October 12, 1931, reports Rio Grande’s 18-7
win over Cedarville. Charles Leo McGarvey is singled out for blocking and recovering
a Cedarville punt, then later plunging the line for a touchdown in the third quarter.
The article also lists the starting lineup and identifies several Ironton boys on
the Rio Grande team.
Irontown News, October 12, 1931. Rio Grande defeats Cedarville, 18-7.
Date: October 12, 1931
Publication:Irontown News
People mentioned: Charles Leo McGarvey, Kelley, Rapp, Coach Spooner
Teams: Rio Grande vs. Cedarville
Level: College
Sport: Football
Playing their third game of the season Saturday at Cedarville, the Redmen of Rio Grande
outplayed their opponents to win 18-7. Cedarville scored first. The opening kickoff was
returned to Rio's forty-yard line and from there the Yellow Jackets marched down the field
for a touchdown. Ivons, Cedarville halfback, carried the ball over and kicked the extra point.
A few moments later McGarvey blocked and recovered a Cedarville punt on Cedarville's
20-yard line. Kelley scored on a lateral pass, but his attempted place kick was wide.
Both teams showed weakness on the defense but no further score was made in the first
or second periods.
Rio Grande came back strong at the half and in a few minutes McGarvey plunged the line
for a touchdown. Rio scored again in the fourth quarter after holding Cedarville for downs
deep in Cedarville's own territory. Rapp carried the ball. Coach Spooner made many
substitutions and 21 Redmen saw action. The line-up follows:
Rio Grande
Gullion* .......... L. E. .......... Morrison
McGarvey .......... L. T. .......... White
Brown ............. L. G. .......... Garlough
Davis ............. C. ............. Richards
Troth ............. R. G. .......... Mills
Preston ........... R. T. .......... Taylor
Wickline .......... R. E. .......... Scott
Rapp* ............. Q. B. .......... Murray
Carey ............. F. B. .......... Putom
Kelley* ........... L. H. .......... Irons
Rose* ............. R. H. .......... Brokaw
*Ironton boys.
Cedarville ........ 7 0 0 0, 7
Rio Grande ........ 6 0 6 6, 18
Rio Grande scoring: Touchdowns, Kelley, McGarvey, Rapp. Cedarville, touchdown, Irons;
point after touchdown, Irons.
Smith and Miller, both Ironton boys, substituted.
Next game Rio Grande will play Urbana College of Urbana, O., at Middleport, Saturday
night, October 17th, at 8 p. m.
This team photograph, published in the Irontown News on November 18, 1931,
shows the Rio Grande College football team during Charles Leo McGarvey’s playing years.
McGarvey is identified in the printed caption among the players and staff listed below
the image.
Irontown News, November 18, 1931. Team photograph of the Rio Grande College football squad.
Date: November 18, 1931
Publication:Irontown News
Type: Team photograph with caption
People mentioned: Charles Leo McGarvey, Coach Spooner, Preston, Kelley, Rapp, Gullion, Rose
Level: College
Sport: Football
Caption transcription:
Standing, left to right: Shuman, manager; Williams, Dunn, Tope, Mills, B. Kelley,
Smith, Bonecutter, Shope, Under...
“Rio Grande College And Morehead To Play Here Saturday”
This Irontown News preview from November 16, 1931, announces Rio Grande’s
upcoming charity game against Morehead State Teachers College at Beechwood Stadium.
The article highlights Rio Grande’s strong season, Coach Spooner’s team, and several
Lawrence County players connected to the program, including Charles Leo McGarvey’s
Rio Grande squad.
Irontown News, November 16, 1931. Preview of Rio Grande’s charity game against Morehead.
Date: November 16, 1931
Publication:Irontown News
Byline: Charles Krell, Sports Editor
Teams: Rio Grande vs. Morehead State Teachers College
Level: College
Sport: Football
Rio Grande College And Morehead To Play Here Saturday
Charity Tilt To Be Played At Beechwood
By Charles Krell, Sports Editor
Rio Grande With Several Lawrence County Grid Stars, Preparing for Invasion of
Teachers, and a Record Crowd Is Anticipated.
Rio Grande College, brought to the sport spotlight in a most convincing manner this
season, due chiefly to the efforts of several Lawrence County grid stars, will parade
its football ability before local fans at Beechwood Stadium next Saturday afternoon,
Nov. 21.
Rio will play the strong Morehead State Teachers College of Morehead, Ky., and the
contest will be for the benefit of charity, directed by the local Lions Club.
Saturday will be a gala day for football fans, Rio Grande players and students, and a
record crowd is anticipated.
Six former Ironton High School stars are members of the Rio eleven, and two went to
Rio Grande after starring on the Coal Grove varsity. Wilbur Rapp, Charles Gullion,
Deb Rose, Charles Kelley, Garland Smith and Leslie Miller are products of “Shorty”
Davies. Wib McKnight and Bob Carey starred in the Coal Grove backfield, under
Charlton Pierce.
Rio Grande has a good record this year, having won five games and lost two. They
defeated Marietta College, 6 to 0; Cedarville twice, by scores of 18 to 7, and 31 to 6,
the latter being the Homecoming Game; and Urbana twice, by scores of 13 to 7, and
27 to 13. They were defeated by the University of Cincinnati, 19 to 6, and Bluefield,
30 to 0.
Morehead Teachers come here Saturday with a big fast and strong football aggregation,
and Rio Grande will have a job on their hands. Morehead has lost but two games this
season, and Saturday played a scoreless tie against Eastern Kentucky Teachers College.
Under Coach Spooner, Rio has developed a fighting and a powerful football machine,
and fans should have plenty of real grid entertainment Saturday.
Tickets are now on sale, and can be reserved at Sanda’s Drug Store, headquarters.
This Irontown News article from November 18, 1931, previews Rio Grande’s
upcoming game against Morehead and emphasizes the strong local interest surrounding
the matchup. The piece highlights the Lawrence County nucleus of the Rio Grande team,
summarizes the team’s impressive 1931 record, and notes that the game’s proceeds would
support the Lions Club charity fund.
Irontown News, November 18, 1931. Preview of Rio Grande’s game against Morehead at Beechwood Stadium.
Date: November 18, 1931
Publication:Irontown News
Byline: Charles Krell, Sports Editor
Teams: Rio Grande vs. Morehead Teachers College
People mentioned: Coach Spooner
Event note: Lions Club charity game at Beechwood Stadium
Level: College
Sport: Football
Rio Grande and Morehead Meet Here Saturday
Lawrence County Boys Are Nucleus of Powerful Rio Grande Eleven Which Meets Morehead, Ky., Saturday.
By Charles Krell Sports Editor
Present indications point to a record crowd for the clash at Beechwood Stadium,
Saturday afternoon, between Rio Grande and Morehead Teachers College.
Rio Grande this year, with one of the best football records ever amassed by the Gallia
Countians, contains its attack around a number of Lawrence county boys and the fact
alone should bring out every football fan in the city and county, who can find it at all
within his convenience to attend.
There are also many alumni of Rio Grande in this county, and they should be present,
as near to a perfect percentage as possible. It will help a lot in Rio Grande’s victory
drive against Morehead.
Morehead has lost but one game this season, going down in defeat before Morris Harvey,
who incidentally are stronger this year than they have been for some time.
Last Saturday, Morehead and Eastern Kentucky Teachers battled to a scoreless tie.
Spurred on by this, Morehead is coming to Ironton, Saturday, with a determination
to cast a wrench into Rio plans.
Rio Grande’s record for 1931 is very impressive, and includes victories over Marietta,
Cedarville and Urbana. Rio defeated both Cedarville and Urbana twice. An evidence of
the strength of Rio Grande can be seen in that the University of Cincinnati defeated
them 19 to 6.
Rio Grande has scored a total of 101 points as compared to 82 for their opponents.
Thirty points in the opponents’ total were scored by Bluefield, W. Va.
The Indians are headed by Coach Spooner who has done wonders with his charges this
season, and hopes to add a victory over Morehead to his collection.
Lions Are Sponsors
The proceeds of the game Saturday will go to charity, through the channels of the
Lions Club charity fund. The Lions have done much to further charity, in a number
of benefit attractions of various kinds, and they deserve the utmost co-operation of
local residents in this new venture.
They were behind the move which brought Rio Grande and Kentucky Wesleyan colleges
here two years ago for a contest at Beechwood.
Tickets are on sale, and one admission price includes reserved seats for both children
and adults.
This The Ironton News article from November 20, 1931, previews Rio Grande’s
charity game against Morehead at Beechwood Stadium. It emphasizes the local interest
in seeing former high school stars now playing college football, gives the probable
starting lineups, and summarizes Rio Grande’s season record entering the game.
The Ironton News, November 20, 1931. Preview of Rio Grande’s charity game against Morehead at Beechwood Stadium.
Date: November 20, 1931
Publication:The Ironton News
Byline: Charles Krell, News Sports Editor
Teams: Rio Grande vs. Morehead College
People mentioned: Coach Spooner, Wilbur Rapp, Leslie Miller, Charles Kelley, Charles Gullion, Deb Rose, Garland Smith, Wilbur McKnight, Bob Carey
Type: Game preview with lineups
Level: College
Sport: Football
Fans Await Clash of Rio & Morehead
College Elevens Battle Saturday P.M. at Beechwood Stadium. Expect Large Crowd When “Indians” Attack the “Teachers”
By Charles Krell News Sports Editor
Football fans of the city and county who have been itching to see a number of former
high school stars in their new role of college players, will get that opportunity Saturday
afternoon, when the Rio Grande “Indians” and the Morehead College “Eagles” clash at
Beechwood Stadium.
Final preparations have been made for the Lions’ charity contest and everything is all
ready for a gala affair which will attract hundreds from the city and all sections of
Lawrence county, including students and alumni of Rio Grande.
Probable starting lineups
Rio Grande
Gullion .......... L.E.
Preston (c) ...... L.T.
Smith ............ L.G.
Davis ............ C.
Troth ............ R.G.
Robbins .......... R.T.
Wickline ......... R.E.
Rapp ............. Q.B.
Kelley ........... L.H.
Rose ............. R.H.
Carey ............ F.B.
Officials
Referee, Harschel Pope (Ohio University).
Umpire, Link Robinson (Ohio University).
Head Linesman, Charlton Pierce (Mercer).
Time of Game, 2:30.
Fans will see eight familiar faces when Rio takes the field tomorrow afternoon. Six of
them are ex-I. H. S. players and two played stellar roles at Coal Grove high. Wilbur
Rapp, Leslie Miller, Charles Kelley, Charles Gullion, Deb Rose and Garland Smith are
proteges of “Shorty” Davies who have strutted their stuff for Rio Grande while Wilbur
McKnight and Bob Carey are contributions of Charlton Pierce, Coal Grove mentor.
Rio Grande has gone farther in football this season than any Indian eleven for several
years, and local followers of the sport will see tomorrow just why that is so. With a
good record behind them, Coach Spooner’s boys are determined that Morehead shall not
spoil it.
Morehead has lost but one game this year, that to Morris Harvey, of Barboursville, W.
Va. About evenly matched as far as weight is concerned, with Rio Grande, they are
expected to give the Gallia countians a run for their money.
The record for the season for Rio Grande is as follows:
Rio Grande, 6; Cincinnati U., 19.
Rio Grande, 6; Marietta, 0.
Rio Grande, 13; Urbana, 7.
Rio Grande, 0; Bluefield, 30.
Rio Grande, 18; Cedarville, 7.
Rio Grande, 31; Cedarville, 6.
Rio Grande, 27; Urbana, 13.
“Rio Grande Red Men Finish Season in Blaze of Victory”
This multi-page Gallipolis Daily Tribune article from November 24, 1931, gives one of
the fullest surviving accounts of Rio Grande’s 20-12 victory over Morehead and the team’s
successful 1931 season. It is especially valuable because it specifically mentions McGarvey’s
role in relief of the injured Carey and helps summarize how Coach Spooner’s team finished
with six wins and two losses.
The Gallipolis Daily Tribune, November 24, 1931. First page of a multi-page account of Rio Grande’s 20-12 win over Morehead and the close of the 1931 season.
Date: November 24, 1931
Publication:The Gallipolis Daily Tribune
Teams: Rio Grande vs. Morehead State Teachers College
People mentioned: McGarvey, Carey, Rapp, Kelly, Rose, Capt. Preston, Robbins, Ed Davis, Garland Smith, Knight, McKnight, Coach Spooner
Type: Game recap and season summary
Level: College
Sport: Football
Rio Grande Red Men Finish Season in Blaze of Victory
Overpower Strong Morehead, Ky., College Team by 20-12 To Make Total of Six Games Won and Only Two Lost
Rio Grande College finished the most successful football season of recent years by
defeating the Morehead, Ky., State Teachers College 20-12 Saturday at Ironton.
To the Rio Grande line go honors for the victory. The backfield, handicapped by injuries,
did not display their usual drive but the line played the best game of the season. Carey,
regular full back, was early forced from the game by an injured knee, but McGarvey,
substitute, ably filled his shoes. He and Rapp accounted for most of the gains. Kelly
and Rose both had injured ankles and played mediocre games.
Capt. Preston played an outstanding game at tackle and Robbins on the right tackle was
not to be outdone. Ed Davis, center, played a fine game but the brilliant tackles of
Garland Smith, guard, were the most notable feature of the game. The ends were also
distinguished by their accurate tackling.
Outplay Teachers First Half
Rio Grande received the opening kick and started a drive up the field. They lost the ball
on a fumble near the goal line but a short kick and a penalty put them in a scoring
position. McGarvey took it over and Kelly’s kick was successful. Morehead then showed
the only flash of promise of the quarter and earned two first downs. An intercepted pass
gave Rio the ball and they took it straight down the field for their second score of the
half. Rapp carried the ball across the line and a pass for the extra point was not completed.
Rio Grande completely outplayed the heavier Morehead line in their half making twelve
first downs to two for the visitors.
Second Half More Even
At the opening of the second half Morehead woke up and played Rio on more or less even
terms. Rio Grande opened the period with a short kick of fifteen yards. Kelly knocked down
a long pass. Rio Grande held and Morehead punted thirty-five yards. Rapp received but did
not gain. Line plunges by Rose, McGarvey gave Rio a first down. Kelly was thrown for a
loss and Rapp punted forty-five yards giving Morehead the ball on the eighteen yard line.
Morehead was thrown for a twenty-five yard loss but punted to the 45 yard line. Rio Grande
was penalized fifteen yards for holding.
Rapp’s kick went out of bounds on the seven yard line and Morehead’s return kick
unexpectedly caught Rapp off guard and he fumbled the punt. Davis recovered. McGarvey’s
punt went out on the thirty-one yard line. Morehead’s halfback, Heabedlin, received a pass
for the first down. They gained five yards and Rio Grande was penalized five yards.
Morehead recovered their own fumble. Maggard caught a thirty yard pass for Morehead over
the goal line for Morehead’s first score. Their plunge for extra point failed.
Knight then returned the punt twenty yards but Morehead’s line held. Rapp punted sixty
yards and Morehead returned to the twenty-five yard line. Rapp intercepted a pass on his
own forty yard line and was forced out on the fifty yard mark. McGarvey made a first
down in the next three line plunges. Thorne caught a twenty-five yard pass on the 11 yard
line. Rapp and Rose failed to gain and Knight took the ball from Rapp on a fake pass and
circled left end for a score. Rapp’s kick was successful.
A succession of long passes took Morehead down the field for their second score. Preston
blocked the kick. Rapp returned the punt twenty yards. Runs by Neal and McGarvey failed
to yield downs and Rapp punted. After knocking down a Morehead pass McKnight intercepted
one and gained five yards. Rapp punted and Morehead again took to the air but the game
ended 20-12.
Concludes Successful Season
This game concludes one of the most successful football seasons of Rio Grande’s athletic
history. Last year Coach Spooner had a small squad many of whom had never played football
before. The team, lacking substitutes, was rather severely hit by injuries and won no games.
This year with just four members of last year’s first string returned Coach Spooner has
built up a winning football team. Some of his squad had seen previous action in high school
and others were entirely green. This team has been characterized by harmony and co-operation.
It has been not seven boys but a unified team. Most of these boys saw their first college
action against the University of Cincinnati’s eleven. After Cincinnati’s error Rio took the
ball on the kickoff and went straight down the field for a touchdown. The final score was
19-6.
The Marietta game was a thrilling one to Rio Grande followers for it marked not only the
first victory in the two years but the first victory over Marietta in all the years of
athletic contest between the two schools. Rio Grande scored once and played good defensive
ball to hold Marietta scoreless, the game ending 6-0. Rio was able to increase the size of
their scores after this time.
Cedarville was defeated twice, the scores being 19-7 and 31-6; Urbana likewise took the
little end of the double bill, the scores being 13-7 and 27-13. A trip to Bluefield, W. Va.,
proved disastrous to the Redmen’s record and they were defeated 31-0.
The final game with Morehead brought the season to a successful close. This made six wins
and two losses for Coach Spooner’s aggregation and a total of 122 points to 94 for the
opponents.
Captain Preston, Wickline, Knight and Davis played their last games for Rio. All four won
their letters last year. This leaves a large majority of the squad to form a nucleus for a
strong team to represent Rio Grande on the gridiron next year.
This Irontown News clipping from December 2, 1931, summarizes Rio Grande’s
successful football season, noting a final record of six wins and two losses with 122
points scored. The article also emphasizes the team’s improvement from the previous
year and identifies key departing players from the 1931 squad.
Irontown News, December 2, 1931. Season summary reporting Rio Grande’s 6-2 football record.
Date: December 2, 1931
Publication:Irontown News
Dateline: Rio Grande, Ohio
Season record: 6 wins, 2 losses
People mentioned: Coach Spooner, Capt. Preston, Wickline, Knight, Davis
Level: College
Sport: Football
Rio Grande Has 6 Wins, 2 Losses For 1931 Season
RIO GRANDE, O. Rio Grande College has completed its most successful football season
in recent years with a total of six victories and two defeats. Rio Grande scored 122
points against 94 for its opponents.
Last year Rio Grande was represented by a small, inexperienced squad which won no
games. This year Coach Spooner had four men from last year’s squad and the remainder
all new men, some of them with no high school experience.
The victory over Morehead, Ky., State Teachers College at the Ironton Stadium 10 days
ago was the last game with Rio Grande for Capt. Preston, Wickline, Knight and Davis.
All four won their letters last year. This leaves a majority of the squad as a nucleus
for next year.
Coach Spooner has issued the call for basketball practice and 40 boys have reported.
“McGarvey To Captain 1932 Rio Grande College Red Men”
This Gallipolis Daily article from December 5, 1931, reports that Charles
McGarvey of Wellston was elected captain of the 1932 Rio Grande College football team
at the annual football dinner held at Davis Cottage. The article also captures speeches
by trustees, faculty, graduating players, and Coach Dewey Spooner following one of the
most successful seasons in the college’s recent football history.
Gallipolis Daily, December 5, 1931. Charles McGarvey is elected captain of the 1932 Rio Grande football team.
Date: December 5, 1931
Publication:Gallipolis Daily
People mentioned: Charles McGarvey, Louis Preston, Edward Davis, Chester Knight, John Wickline, Dean W. A. Lewis, Coach Dewey Spooner, H. A. “Big” Wood, Judge Bennet Jones, Judge Russell J. Mauck, Prof. Borton
Type: Banquet and captaincy report
Level: College
Sport: Football
McGarvey To Captain 1932 Rio Grande College Red Men
Charles McGarvey of Wellston was elected captain of the 1932 Rio Grande College
football team at the annual football dinner tendered members of the squad, board of
trustees, faculty and friends at Davis Cottage last night. Covers were laid for forty-four
and all the exuberance of youth and pep that one would expect on such an occasion was
in evidence.
After one of the most successful seasons in the history of the college, the squad, its
coach and supporters had much to be proud of, but the pride as expressed in the talks
following the dinner was more than vanity over a notable athletic achievement and took
the form of hope for continued efforts in wholehearted co-operation, clean sportsmanship
and scholastic endeavor.
Heartiest congratulations were extended to the members of the squad by H. A. “Big”
Wood and Judge Bennet Jones, of Jackson, both members of the board of trustees, and
Judge Russell J. Mauck, chairman of the executive committee, after one of the keenest
excursions in wit of the evening. He spoke for the athletes assembled, urging an earnest
effort along scholastic lines as they had put forth in their athletic contests.
Captain Louis Preston, along with Edward Davis, Chester Knight and John Wickline, who
have played their last game of football for Rio Grande, expressed their happiness over
the success of the season, their regret upon leaving the school and their high hopes and
best wishes for the success of the next year’s team.
Dean W. A. Lewis, acting president of the college, expressed the hope that the boys of
the team who had experienced so much satisfaction with the outcome of the season would
go out as missionaries for the school and return next year with still more and better
material.
Absolving himself of all responsibility for the success of the team this year, Coach Dewey
Spooner declared there had been a wealth of material in the squad and that there had been
a maximum of co-operation and team work to bring the results obtained.
Prof. Borton, business manager of the college, presided as toast master at the affair and
the sumptuous turkey dinner which left almost everyone groaning with its weight, was
served by ladies of the faculty and student body.
This Irontown News article from December 9, 1931, reports that Charles Leo
McGarvey was elected captain of the 1932 Rio Grande College football team. The brief
notice places him among the program’s recognized leaders at the close of the 1931 season
and names several departing players honored at the annual football banquet.
Irontown News, December 9, 1931. Charles McGarvey is elected captain of Rio Grande’s 1932 football team.
Date: December 9, 1931
Publication:Irontown News
Dateline: Wellston, Ohio, December 8
People mentioned: Charles McGarvey, Louis Preston, Edmund Davis, Chester Knight, John Wickline
Level: College
Sport: Football
McGarvey Will Captain The 1932 Rio Grande Team
WELLSTON, O., Dec. 8, Charles McGarvey, of Wellston, was elected captain of the 1932
Rio Grande College football team at the annual football banquet tendered members of the
squad, board of trustees, faculty and friends at Davis Cottage last Friday night. Covers
were laid for forty-four and all the exuberance of youth and pep that one would expect on
such an occasion was in evidence.
Captain Louis Preston, along with Edmund Davis, Chester Knight and John Wickline, who
have played their last game of football for Rio Grande, expressed their happiness over the
success of the season, their regret upon leaving the school and their high hopes and best
wishes for the success of the next year’s team.
This The Portsmouth Times clipping from August 10, 1932, reports that Paul R.
Lyne was returning to Rio Grande College as coach and director of physical education.
The article is especially useful as a preseason source because it notes Lyne’s earlier
service at Rio Grande from 1923 to 1929 and his more recent coaching work at Defiance.
The Portsmouth Times, August 10, 1932. Paul R. Lyne returns to Rio Grande as coach and director of physical education.
Date: August 10, 1932
Publication:The Portsmouth Times
Subject: Preseason coaching change
People mentioned: Paul R. Lyne
Institution: Rio Grande College
Level: College
Sport: Football
Paul R. Lyne, who was coach and director of physical education in Rio Grande college
from 1923 until 1929 and who has been coach at Defiance college for the last two years,
is returning to Rio Grande college as coach and director of physical education.
“Seven New Coaches on Deck for Various Ohio College Elevens”
This The Piqua Daily Call preseason article from September 6, 1932, surveys
coaching changes across Ohio college football and notes that Paul R. Lyne would direct
Rio Grande College’s football team that season, assisted by William Wiley. It is a useful
early-season source for placing Rio Grande’s 1932 coaching staff in the broader Ohio
college football landscape.
The Piqua Daily Call, September 6, 1932. Preseason article noting Paul R. Lyne as Rio Grande’s new football coach.
Date: September 6, 1932
Publication:The Piqua Daily Call
Byline: Ralph Teatsorth
Teams/Programs: Rio Grande and Ohio college football programs
People mentioned: Paul R. Lyne, William Wiley, Dr. Dalton Peelle, Frank S. Wilton Jr., Stuart Holcomb
Type: Preseason coaching roundup
Level: College
Sport: Football
Seven New Coaches on Deck for Various Ohio College Elevens
By Ralph Teatsorth
United Press Staff Correspondent
Columbus, O., Sept. 6, (UP), The opening of the 1932 football season will find the
coaching roster for Ohio colleges and universities containing several important changes.
Seven men have been appointed to head coaching positions and several assistants have
been named since the close of the 1931 season. Most of the new coaches are young men,
with limited experience in directing football teams.
The only major coaching change in the Buckeye Conference will be at Akron University,
where Frank S. Wilton, Jr., will succeed Chester Fowler as head coach. Wilton played
football at Stanford University under Glenn Warner and last was an assistant to Warner.
There will be two new coaches in the Ohio Conference. Harry Geltz will become head
coach at his alma mater, Mount Union, succeeding John M. Thorne, another Mt. Union
man. At Hiram College, Calderon J. Meloh, a former Carnegie Tech gridder, will replace
Charles A. Henry as head coach.
In the state northwest conference, there will be three major coaching changes. Stuart
Holcomb, who captained Ohio State’s football team in 1931, will guide the destinies of
Findlay College’s team, succeeding Harry J. Harnball. Carl D. Vollmer, a University of
Iowa graduate, will become head coach at Defiance College, and Dr. Dalton Peelle,
former University of Cincinnati player, will be coach at Wilmington College, replacing
E. J. Steele.
Paul R. Lyne, who coached Defiance for the last two seasons, will direct Rio Grande
college’s football team this season. Lyne will be assisted by William Wiley, a former
Denison University athlete.
At Ohio State University, Ernie R. Godfrey has been appointed head line coach, a
position held last year by George Hauser, who resigned to join the University of
Minnesota coaching staff.
Miles D. Evans, former Ohio Wesleyan University football player, has accepted a line
coaching position at his mother school. Fred Mackey, who held the position last year,
is now head coach at Butler University.
George Brown, former Ohio University player, will assist Tom Keady in coaching
Western Reserve’s football team.
This The Lima News clipping from September 25, 1932, is another wire-service
style report on Ohio University’s 19-0 opening win over Rio Grande. Though brief, it
reinforces the coverage of Elden Armbrust’s standout performance in the opener.
The Lima News, September 25, 1932. Ohio University defeats Rio Grande, 19-0, in the season opener.
Date: September 25, 1932
Publication:The Lima News
Dateline: Athens, Ohio, September 24 (AP)
Teams: Rio Grande vs. Ohio University
People mentioned: Elden Armbrust
Level: College
Sport: Football
Bobcats Win Opener From Rio Grande, 19-0
ATHENS, O., Sept. 24, (AP), Elden Armbrust, Washington Court House sophomore and
speedy halfback, showed his heels to Rio Grande college’s football team today as the
Bobcats won the season opener 19 to 0.
This The Sandusky Register clipping from September 25, 1932, reports Rio Grande’s
19-0 loss to Ohio University in the season opener. The article centers on Ohio halfback
Elden Armbrust, whose speed and scoring runs helped decide the game, while also noting
Rio Grande’s difficulty moving the ball through the air.
The Sandusky Register, September 25, 1932. Ohio University defeats Rio Grande, 19-0, in the season opener.
Date: September 25, 1932
Publication:The Sandusky Register
Dateline: Athens, Ohio, September 24 (AP)
Teams: Rio Grande vs. Ohio University
People mentioned: Elden Armbrust, Brown, Robinett, Don Peden
Level: College
Sport: Football
Bobcats Whip Rio Grande In Grid Opener
ATHENS, O., Sept. 24 (AP), Elden Armbrust, Washington Court House sophomore and
speedy halfback, showed his heels to Rio Grande College’s football team today as the
Bobcats won the season opener 19 to 0.
Armbrust, a 10 second sprinter, went over the one yard line following a 32 yard pass,
Brown to Robinett. At the opening of the third period Armbrust scampered 72 yards
leaving the opponents far behind.
The Bobcats were slow in starting, marking up their first tally late in the second quarter.
Coach Don Peden used nearly 30 men in giving many sophomores their first tryout.
The Bobcats showed more strength and speed than in previous openers but failed to
advance by the air route.
Score by periods:
Rio Grande .......... 0 0 0 0, 0
Ohio University ..... 0 6 7 6, 19
This The Coshocton Tribune clipping from September 25, 1932, covers Ohio
University’s 19-0 win over Rio Grande in the season opener. While the Bobcats won
comfortably, the article emphasizes that Rio Grande played a scrappy defensive game
and forced Ohio to work for its points.
The Coshocton Tribune, September 25, 1932. Ohio University defeats Rio Grande, 19-0, in the season opener.
Date: September 25, 1932
Publication:The Coshocton Tribune
Dateline: Athens, Ohio, September 24
Teams: Rio Grande vs. Ohio University
People mentioned: Armbrust
Level: College
Sport: Football
Buckeye Champs Win Opener from Rio Grande Team
ATHENS, O., Sept. 24. Ohio university, last year’s Buckeye champions, bumped up
against a tough proposition in a scrappy Rio Grande eleven here this afternoon but
finally emerged after a grim battle on the long end of a 19 to 0 score.
The game proved to be far from a “set-up” for the champs as they were forced to
fight every inch of the way for their three touchdowns in the last three quarters.
A ragged offensive and frequent fumbles marred the Bobcats’ performance.
Armbrust, substitute Ohio halfback, proved to be the sensation of the day when he
broke loose thru right tackle and galloped 72 yards for a touchdown. He was also
the fireworks behind another Ohio touchdown, scored on a line plunge.
Although the visitors held the Bobcats defensive, the Rio Grande eleven was unable
to make much headway on offensive plays. They failed to come within scoring
distance once during the contest.
“Ohio Collegiate Gridiron Teams Prepare for Second Games of Season This Week”
This The Coshocton Tribune article from September 26, 1932, places Rio Grande’s
opening loss to Ohio University in the wider context of early season college football across
Ohio. It notes that Ohio’s win over Rio Grande was one of the weekend’s leading results
and highlights sophomore Elden Armbrust’s performance in the game.
The Coshocton Tribune, September 26, 1932. Statewide roundup noting Ohio University’s 19-0 win over Rio Grande.
Date: September 26, 1932
Publication:The Coshocton Tribune
Dateline: Columbus, Ohio, September 26
Teams: Rio Grande vs. Ohio University; Rio Grande vs. Cedarville (upcoming)
People mentioned: Elden Armbrust, Don Peden, Sam Willaman, Howard White, John Turley
Level: College
Sport: Football
Ohio Collegiate Gridiron Teams Prepare for Second Games of Season This Week
COLUMBUS, O., Sept. 26. The cheers of opening day were stilled on Ohio collegiate
gridirons today as coaches commenced the first severe training work of the year to
banish overconfidence from their squads.
Ohio Wesleyan defeated Wilmington, 20 to 0; Ohio university smashed Rio Grande,
19 to 0, and Baldwin-Wallace smothered Bowling Green, 24 to 0, in the leading
Saturday games, and out of these victories there arose a danger of early season
football swell-headedness. Coaches set to work to prove to their athletes that they
did not win the championship with one game.
Preparations were started for the really big games of the year. Ohio Wesleyan, fresh
from its Wilmington triumph, will invade the Ohio stadium at Columbus Saturday to
open the season for Coach Sam Willaman’s Ohio State team in what will be the
crowning contest of the week.
Ohio university Bobcats, with a team that is heralded as another of the touchdown-making
masterpieces turned out by Coach Don Peden, will go to Bloomington, Ind., to clash
with the University of Indiana in a game which will rank second to the Ohio State-Ohio
Wesleyan attraction.
Wooster goes to Ashland, Findlay to Heidelberg, Denison to Western Reserve,
Georgetown to Cincinnati, Bluffton to Ohio Northern, Hiram to Kent, Capital to Toledo,
Otterbein to Oberlin, and Rio Grande to Cedarville in other leading games this week.
The Wesleyan team that enters Ohio stadium Saturday will be depending upon two
sophomores, Howard White of Circleville and John Turley of Delaware, to pierce the
Buckeye line. They were the backfield stars of the Wilmington game.
In fact, Saturday was a big day for sophomores, as it was Elden Armbrust of
Washington C. H., playing his first varsity game, who was the star of the Ohio
university team as it moved down Rio Grande. Armbrust, who is a ten-second
sprinter, scored two touchdowns.
Baldwin-Wallace, undefeated last year, was given a big advantage over Bowling Green
before the game started, as the Bee Gees started 10 men who were playing their first
college game.
Cincinnati licked Hanover, Ind., 51 to 0; Case won from Hiram, 32 to 0; Akron defeated
the Ohio State reserves, 7 to 0, Defiance lost to Alfred, N. Y., 6 to 0, and Ohio Northern
was overwhelmed by Pittsburgh, 47 to 0, in other games on the Saturday schedule.
Ohio Northern usually can be depended upon to cause trouble for several Ohio conference
schools, but against the Pittsburghers the Polar Bears were outclassed. Northern was
held to one first down.
Cincinnati’s terrific drubbing of Hanover was expected but the size of the score was a
little more than anticipated. Coaches of rival teams will give more attention to the Cincy
squad as a result of the Saturday night game.
“Don Peden Drives Bobcats Hard For Stiff Grid Tilts”
This The Piqua Daily Call article from September 28, 1932, looks back at Ohio
University’s 19-0 opening win over Rio Grande from the Bobcats’ perspective. Rather than
celebrating the result, the piece argues that Ohio’s performance against Rio Grande exposed
weaknesses in rhythm, blocking, and overall smoothness ahead of tougher upcoming games.
The Piqua Daily Call, September 28, 1932. Follow-up analysis after Ohio University’s 19-0 win over Rio Grande.
Date: September 28, 1932
Publication:The Piqua Daily Call
Dateline: Athens, September 28
Teams: Ohio University vs. Rio Grande
People mentioned: Don Peden
Type: Follow-up analysis
Level: College
Sport: Football
Don Peden Drives Bobcats Hard For Stiff Grid Tilts
Athens, Sept. 28, Faint were the growls of the Ohio University Bobcats Saturday as they
defeated Rio Grande College 19-0 in the first game of the season. In the face of very
ordinary opposition the revamped 1932 edition of the Buckeye Champions provided Ohio
coaches and fans with none too much encouragement for the future.
Despite the lack of punch and smoothness in last Saturday’s mild affair, Coach Peden
has started to iron out the problem developed by the opening game. The Ohio strategy
expert has only a few days in which to prepare his machine for his major battle with
Indiana at Bloomington this week.
The strength that Ohio will show against the Big Ten team is almost as problematical
now as it was at the opening of practice. If the game with Rio Grande were taken as a
criterion, the Bobcats would have little chance of capturing a fourth consecutive Buckeye
title or playing the Hoosiers and, later the Navy Midshipmen on even terms.
Coach Peden will not allow his team to be measured by its showing last week, however.
Rhythm and unison of attack between the backfield and line will be stressed in drill this
week. Ball carriers were too frequently stripped of interference in the opening game and
the forward wall was not as im-
This Gazette News-Current article from October 3, 1932, reports Rio Grande’s
14-7 victory over Cedarville in a night game played at Cox Athletic Field in Xenia.
The article notes Rio Grande’s statistical edge, highlights a safety that helped swing
momentum, and credits Fullback McGarvey with a twenty-five-yard dash that set up one
of the team’s touchdowns.
Gazette News-Current, October 3, 1932, page 1. Rio Grande defeats Cedarville, 14-7, in Xenia.
Date: October 3, 1932
Publication:Gazette News-Current
Location: Xenia, Ohio
Page: 1
Teams: Rio Grande vs. Cedarville
People mentioned: McGarvey, Logue, Murray, Garlough, Hargrave, McFarland
Level: College
Sport: Football
Cedarville Loses to Rio Grande 14-7
Ault’s Charges Give Stiff Battle In Night Game Here
A lightweight Cedarville College eleven which offered stubborn resistance from beginning
to end eventually bowed to Rio Grande College by a 14 to 7 margin in a night football
game transferred to Xenia and staged on a neutral gridiron Saturday night at Cox
Athletic Field.
Although beaten, the Yellow Jackets were far from disgraced, and in the fourth period
Quarterback Murray gave the small throng of spectators on hand something to cheer
about when he intercepted a pass and sprinted eighty-five yards for Cedarville’s solitary
touchdown, the most spectacular run of the game. Fullback Preston Garlough passed to
Hargrave, halfback, for the extra point.
A heavier Rio Grande team, which held Ohio University, defending Buckeye Conference
champions, to a 19 to 0 score a week ago, piled up twenty first downs as compared with
four for Cedarville.
A series of five first downs brought Rio Grande to Cedarville’s two-yard line in the first
period, whereupon the Yellow Jackets became a mobile fighting unit, stiffened
magnificently and took the ball on downs.
On the next play, however, Garlough fumbled behind his own goal line, and was tackled
by McFarland, right end, giving the visitors two points on a safety.
Starting the second quarter, Murray reeled off two first downs for Cedarville on short
dashes around end and off tackle, and when a kick became necessary, Rio Grande
launched an uninterrupted drive down the field.
The parade returned a dash of twenty-five yards by Fullback McGarvey and with the ball
in scoring range, Halfback Logue crossed the goal line on a short thrust off tackle. The
place kick for extra point was low to the uprights.
Rio Grande sustained another forward march in the third quarter, climaxed when Logue
skirted end for twenty yards over the last white line. The extra point was not converted.
Score by periods:
Rio Grande .......... 2 6 6 0, 14
Cedarville .......... 0 0 0 7, 7
Rio Grande scoring: touchdowns, Logue, 2; safety (Garlough). Cedarville scoring:
touchdown, Murray; point after touchdown, Hargrave (pass from Garlough).
This News Journal clipping from October 4, 1932, previews Wilmington College’s
upcoming trip to Rio Grande for a Saturday game that would serve as Rio Grande’s
Homecoming. The article describes Rio Grande as one of its most formidable teams in
history, balanced in size and weight and equipped with a versatile attack.
News Journal, October 4, 1932. Preview of Wilmington College’s game at Rio Grande on Homecoming weekend.
Date: October 4, 1932
Publication:News Journal
Teams: Wilmington College vs. Rio Grande
People mentioned: Amos Smith, Dalton Peelle
Event note: Rio Grande Homecoming
Level: College
Sport: Football
Elevens Will Do Battle On Foreign Grids
High School To Play Friday At Dayton Fairmont-Field; College to Rio Grande
Both Wilmington football teams will meet opponents on foreign gridirons this week,
with the High School eleven traveling to Dayton, Friday afternoon, for a contest with
Fairmont Hi and the Wilmington College gridders journeying to the river valley for a
game at Rio Grande College, Saturday afternoon.
Wilmington Hi’s game at Dayton Fairmont will mark the opening of athletic relations
between the two institutions. The college’s exhibition at Rio Grande, Saturday, will be
Homecoming Day at that school.
Coach Amos Smith is drilling his inexperienced team in all phases of the game this week,
hoping to have an improved eleven ready to meet the strong outfit at Fairmont. Smith is
considering a few shifts in his lineup and is endeavoring to find a smoother working
combination.
Dr. Dalton Peelle is drilling the W. C. footballers at an easier pace this week, following
three weeks of hard scrimmages and two hard games.
Dr. Peelle expects a stiff encounter at Rio Grande, but his squad is tired and a number
of the members came out of the game with U. of Dayton Reserves badly battered.
Rio Grande has one of its most formidable teams in history, an eleven well balanced in
height and weight and boasting a versatile attack.
This News Journal clipping from October 6, 1932, previews Wilmington College’s
Homecoming trip to Rio Grande. The article describes Rio Grande as a formidable,
well-balanced, and capably coached team, references its recent games against Ohio
University and Cedarville, and outlines Wilmington’s expected lineup changes.
News Journal, October 6, 1932. Preview of Wilmington College’s trip to Rio Grande for Homecoming.
Tornado To Have Slight Edge In Weight in Third Effort To Achieve Victory
Wilmington College gridders will en-bus Saturday at 8:45 A. M. for their second football
trip of the current campaign, traveling 100 miles southeast to Rio Grande College,
located in the Ohio river valley, near Gallipolis.
The Green and White squad will make the round trip in one day, returning Saturday
evening after their game. Few fans and students will find it possible to accompany
the team.
The Green and White’s appearance at Rio Grande, Saturday, will mark homecoming day
for that institution and the school is making many special plans for the day.
Dr. Dalton Peelle, W. C. football coach, will demand victory from his gridders this week.
The Tornado has met defeats at Ohio Wesleyan, 20 to 0 and against U. Dayton reserves,
13 to 6.
Rio Grande has a formidable, well balanced and capably coached team which is uniform
in height and weight. The Lynn-coached combination averages about 170 pounds, which
will give W. C. a slight weight advantage.
Rio Grande extended Ohio University, B. A. A. champions, to the limit two weeks ago,
the Bobcats eking out a fourth quarter victory, 19 to 0. Last Saturday night at Xenia,
Rio Grande trimmed Cedarville’s scrappy eleven, 14 to 7.
A number of shifts will be made in Wilmington’s lineup this week, according to Dr. Peelle.
Fieger will again start at center, but Davis and Lander will be at the guard positions.
The tackle posts will be held down by Brown and Henry, the latter being a promising
freshman lineman from McDermott High. Bullen and Raizk will be at the flanks.
In the backfield, Dr. Peelle plans to start Bryce Bloom at quarterback, Pollard and
Bellman at halfbacks and Wright at fullback.
This combination would afford three good blockers in Bloom, Wright and Pollard.
All are capable ball toters, Bellman will do the punting and all are good forward passers,
Wright being a southpaw tosser.
Dr. Peelle anticipates a hard game at Rio Grande but hopes to have his team ready for
its first win of the year.
Rome Rankin, coach of New Boston high school and a former All-West Virginia star
halfback, will referee the contest. The game is scheduled for 2:30 P. M.
Fans following the team from here will go to Washington C. H. and take state route 11,
southeast to Rio Grande. The route goes through Frankfort, Chillicothe and Jackson.
This Wilmington News Journal article from October 7, 1932, previews Wilmington
College’s Saturday trip to Rio Grande while also covering Wilmington High School’s game
at Fairmont. The piece is useful for showing that Wilmington entered the Rio Grande
matchup as a favorite and expected a strong performance from Dr. Peelle’s team.
Wilmington News Journal, October 7, 1932. Preview of Wilmington College’s trip to Rio Grande.
Date: October 7, 1932
Publication:Wilmington News Journal
Byline: H. Kroger Babb
Teams: Wilmington College vs. Rio Grande
People mentioned: H. Kroger Babb, Dr. Peelle
Level: College
Sport: Football
Hurricane at Fairmont for Gridiron Tilt
Wilmington College Eleven Goes To Rio Grande For Clash Saturday
By H. Kroger Babb
Wilmington Hi’s Orange Hurricane is in Dayton, today, opening athletic rivalry with
another first class Miami Valley school, Fairmont. The Orange and Purple were billed
to clash on the Dorothy Lane gridiron at 3 P. M. this afternoon with a crowd of about
2,000 in prospect.
The locals are on the short end of the odds, facing a veteran team which this season
has trimmed Miamisburg and Cedarville in impressive fashion. Fairmont’s edge is
given as two touchdowns by Dayton dopesters.
Wilmington College’s pigskin tribe will pack its moleskins after a light drill this
afternoon, making ready to en-bus at 8:45 A. M., Saturday, for a trip into the heart
of the Ohio river valley, to meet Rio Grande College.
With no serious injuries among the players, the Green and White rules a favorite over
the two-year school. If Dr. Peelle’s outfit is ready to go at top speed, their margin
should be at least two touchdowns.
Other high school games holding interest in this section today saw Washington C. H.
stacking up even with the Vikings at Chillicothe, Greenfield figured to beat Dayton
Oakwood, Lebanon given an edge over Cedarville, O. S. & S. O. Home a slight favorite
over Bradford, West Carrollton rated easy winner over Germantown, Portsmouth and
Cincinnati Withrow acknowledged a toss-up, Bellefontaine figured to take Sidney and
Greenville an edge over Xenia Central at Xenia tonight.
In the collegiate rank, Dayton U. and the U. S. Marines are expected to make the fur
fly in the Gem City tonight with the outcome much in doubt and Xavier U. figured to
win over Oglethorpe of Atlanta in a night game at Cincinnati, this evening.
Ohio Wesleyan is expected to play Syracuse U. a hard game tomorrow while Ohio State
goes in a favorite over Indiana in the Buckeyes horseshoe.
“Homecoming Football Game at Rio Grande on Saturday Keeps All Fans A-Tingling”
This Gallipolis Daily Tribune article from October 7, 1932, previews Rio Grande’s
Homecoming game against Wilmington College. It is especially useful because it specifically
mentions McGarvey among the Redmen ball carriers, discusses areas the team was trying to
improve after the Cedarville game, and lists McGarvey as a probable starter at either left
tackle or fullback.
Gallipolis Daily Tribune, October 7, 1932. Preview of Rio Grande’s Homecoming game against Wilmington College.
Date: October 7, 1932
Publication:Gallipolis Daily Tribune
Teams: Rio Grande vs. Wilmington College
People mentioned: McGarvey, Logue, Simms, Williams, Coaches Lyne and Wiley
Type: Homecoming game preview
Level: College
Sport: Football
Homecoming Football Game at Rio Grande on Saturday Keeps All Fans A-Tingling
Rio Grande Redmen are going hard to increase their scoring punch through long gruelling
practices this week in preparation for the Homecoming game on Saturday with Wilmington
College. After the game with Cedarville in which they were able to pile up twenty first
downs to four for their opponents and still failed to score more than two touchdowns and
a safety, Coaches Lyne and Wiley are driving the Redmen hard to increase their scoring
punch when in the opponents’ territory.
Logue, Simms, McGarvey, and Williams, all toted the ball in fine style against Cedarville
but will need to put an extra steam against Wilmington. The line which looked like a find
at Ohio University failed to show their power Saturday night against Cedarville, except in
spots. They will be given extra attention this week to place them back in their stride for
the game with Wilmington.
Every indication points to a real battle when these two teams meet Saturday from their
early season games. Ohio University defeated Rio Grande 19-0, while on the same day
Ohio Wesleyan was taking Wilmington 20-0. The relative strength of the two Buckeye
Conference teams is difficult to estimate at this time, although both are in the favored
class to take the championship in their conference. The game is called at 2:30 p. m.
The probable lineup of the teams
Rio Grande
Mileusnich ........ L.E.
Staley or McGarvey ........ L.T.
Troth ............ L.G.
Gullion or Kelley ........ C.
Moore ............ R.G.
Preston .......... R.T.
McFarland or Simpson ........ R.E.
Williams ......... Q.B.
Logue ............ R.H.
Carey or McGarvey ........ F.B.
Simms ............ L.H.
Wilmington
Raizk ............ L.E.
Davis ............ L.T.
Williams ......... L.G.
Fieger ........... C.
Butler ........... R.G.
Brown ............ R.T.
Bullen ........... R.E.
Barack ........... Q.B.
Bloom ............ R.H.
Bellman .......... F.B.
Pollard .......... L.H.
This News Journal article from October 10, 1932, reports Wilmington’s 7-6
Homecoming upset over Rio Grande. It is especially valuable for Charles Leo McGarvey’s
story because it identifies him as Rio Grande’s captain, describes his late scoring drive,
and recounts the failed final extra-point attempt that preserved Wilmington’s win.
News Journal, October 10, 1932. Wilmington defeats Rio Grande, 7-6, in Rio Grande’s Homecoming game.
Gallia Countians Fail In Try For Extra Point To Tie Count
By Kroger Babb
Wilmington College achieved its first grid victory since the middle of the 1931
campaign, Saturday, defeating Rio Grande, 7 to 6, in a homecoming contest witnessed
by more than 1,200 at Gallia county institution.
Bellman, W. C. star freshman halfback, accounted for the Tornado’s winning count,
snagging a sensational pass for a touchdown and adding the extra point by place kick,
which at the finish proved the winning edge.
The two elevens were well matched, W. C. being the heavier and Rio Grande the faster,
more versatile and aggressive. The first half scoreless, neither team being able to
puncture the other’s defense.
Score In Third Period
Wilmington’s scoring came late in the third quarter. W. C. recovered a fumble on
Rio Grande’s 44-yard line and Bellman in two efforts carried the ball to the 30.
A pass, Barack to Pollard, netted 15 yards but the Red and White team stiffened and
a 5-yard penalty sent the Tornado back to the 20-yard stripe. On fourth down came
the spectacular pass for a score. “Pennsy” Pollard, two-headed W. C. halfback,
whirled a long spiral in pass into the end zone while Bellman gathered in with one
hand while three Rio Grande players lunged at his anatomy. With Barack holding the
ball, Bellman applied his educated toe to the leather, sending it squarely through
the uprights for the all-important seventh point.
Rio Grande gained the ball on Wilmington’s 40, late in the game and unleashed its
scoring drive. McGarvey, star fullback of the Lynn-coached outfit, hit the line a yard
at a time until he got to play, Carey, a rangy tackle, dropped back and tossed a long
pass to Milensich, an end, who shook loose from Bloom and rambled in for a touchdown.
The big homecoming day crowd went wild and with a tie hinging on the last play,
both teams gave their greatest effort.
Brown Stops Play
Clever and tricky as they were, the Rio Grande eleven failed to outsmart Dr. Peelle’s
machine on the extra point effort. They lined up as if to place kick, but the ball was
snapped to McGarvey, who jabbed at the strongest point of Wilmington’s line. When
big “Briar” Brown had finished his job, there was no doubt about the failure of the
play. Brown had McGarvey’s shoe tied in hard knots with a vicious charging tackle and
Jacoby stole the ball to make the matter doubly certain.
W. C. conquered a good opponent, a team with natural ability and speed and coached
to perfection. The Rio Grande outfit played inspired ball before its big homecoming
day crowd and boasted in McGarvey and Preston a pair of defensive tackles that would
not tolerate any fooling.
The Quakers’ passing offense was their major weapon, slow-charging and interior
blocking rendering most running plays ineffective. The Green and White line played
its best ball when on defense and Dr. Peelle’s forward pass defense turned the tide,
the Rio Grande team completing but two of 12 aerial efforts.
Dr. Peelle started his second team, playing a shock troop of football the first period.
But the Tornado when sent in, was unable to unleash a damaging wind excepting for
the Pollard to Bellman pass in the third stanza.
The work of Lander and Henry predominated the defensive play of the Quaker linemen
with Brown and Davis noticeably effective offensively. Honors generally fell divided
among the Green and White backs, Bellman, Barack, Bloom, Pollard and Wright all
contributing creditably.
Lineups and summary
Wilmington (7)
Butler .......... le .......... Milensich
Barbour ......... lt .......... Carey
H. Williams ..... lg .......... Troth
Johnson ......... c ........... Kelley
Hartman ......... rg .......... Moore
Steen ........... rt .......... Preston
Bullen .......... re .......... McFarland
Bloom (C) ....... qb .......... Williams
Houck ........... lh .......... Murns
King ............ rh .......... Logue
Manuel .......... fb .......... McGarvey (C)
This News Journal column from October 11, 1932, reflects on Wilmington’s
7-6 win over Rio Grande and preserves a colorful contemporary account of Rio Grande’s
last-second touchdown before time expired. The piece is especially useful for its vivid
description of the dramatic finish and its anecdote about Wilmington tackle Leslie
“Briar” Brown during the game.
News Journal, October 11, 1932. Kroger Babb reflects on Wilmington’s narrow 7-6 win over Rio Grande.
Date: October 11, 1932
Publication:News Journal
Byline: Kroger Babb
Type: Sports column
People mentioned: Kroger Babb, Leslie “Briar” Brown, Milensich, Barack
Related game: Wilmington 7, Rio Grande 6
Level: College
Sport: Football
Sport Honey From the Bumble Bee
By Kroger Babb
WE DEBATED many moments last Saturday morning on where to go. We know, thank you,
where many think we should be, but to get on with subject the question was, Rio Grande
or Columbus?
We chose the former and shall never regret it. At Columbus, a miserable exhibition
against Indiana. Possibly W. C. played no better football but the game did provide this
observer with two pleasures he shall never forget.
A FEW years ago Ashland scored a winning touchdown on the local field in the last 30
seconds of play. That was the best “last minute” rally the writer had witnessed, until
Saturday.
Rio Grande’s “before the gun” score didn’t win the contest but it did come just in time
to be a part of the ball game. One of the official timers tells us that when the ball was
snapped on the Lynemen’s scoring play the watch showed just 11 seconds remaining.
When time went out after Milensich had crossed the goal line for Rio Grande’s touchdown
there were just four seconds left.
Time is out on extra point plays and doesn’t go in until the following kickoff. Rio Grande
kicked off, Barack caught the ball and the gun cracked.
Besides being a new “beating-the-gun” record, this particular score provides some other
interesting details. It requires approximately seven seconds to complete an ordinary
forward pass play and the average kickoff assumes about four seconds.
THE FUNNIEST remark we have ever heard a player make on a football field was made in
the Rio Grande game.
Leslie “Briar” Brown, W. C.’s big tackle and former Hillsboro Hi star fullback, was the
comedian.
Brown was having trouble with his opponents and was “steamed up” aplenty. His rather
jungle-like actions drew a 15 yard penalty at one time and he demanded an explanation
from the referee and was promptly informed, “For unnecessary roughness.”
A few plays later Big Briar broke through Rio Grande’s line and made a bruising tackle
of a ball carrier. He pinned the runner to the ground for a sizeable loss and the Rio
Grande player, in disgust, threw the ball, boyish-like, some 10 yards.
As the referee, a white-haired gentleman, chased after the bounding pigskin, Brown
rushed and loudly exclaimed, “Now, Mr. Referee, why don’t you penalize that guy five
yards for unnecessary, for unnecessary, oh, for unnecessary foolishness!”
This brief score roundup clipping, likely from the Irontown News, records Rio
Grande’s 7-0 win over Urbana. Although it does not include narrative coverage, it serves
as a compact contemporary result notice for the 1932 season.
Football score listing showing Rio Grande 7, Urbana 0.
This The Lima News clipping from October 23, 1932, reports Morehead State
Teachers’ 10-7 victory over Rio Grande. The brief article notes that Rio Grande showed
well in the first half before Morehead took control late, with June Evans’s fourth-period
field goal deciding the game.
The Lima News, October 23, 1932. Morehead defeats Rio Grande, 10-7, on a fourth-quarter field goal.
Date: October 23, 1932
Publication:The Lima News
Dateline: Morehead, Kentucky, October 22 (AP)
Teams: Morehead State Teachers vs. Rio Grande
People mentioned: June Evans
Level: College
Sport: Football
Field Goal Beats Rio Grande Eleven
MOREHEAD, Ky., Oct. 22, (AP), A field goal booted by June Evans, a half back, in the
fourth period, gave the Morehead State Teachers’ football team a 10 to 7 victory over
Rio Grande, of Ohio, today.
The game was close all the way with the visitors showing best in the first half and
Morehead taking the spotlight in the last two periods.
This likely Irontown News clipping from October 24, 1932, reports Morehead State
Teachers’ 10-7 win over Rio Grande. The article is especially useful because it names
Charles Leo McGarvey in the starting lineup, gives a fuller summary of the scoring,
and preserves the complete lineups and quarter-by-quarter score.
Likely Irontown News, October 24, 1932. Morehead State Teachers defeats Rio Grande, 10-7.
Date: October 24, 1932
Publication: likely Irontown News
Teams: Morehead State Teachers vs. Rio Grande
People mentioned: Gene Sheridan, June Evans, Combs, Burkhart, McGarvey
Note: Includes lineups and scoring summary
Level: College
Sport: Football
Gene Sheridan Helps Teachers Win 10-7 Contest
Several Former Ironton High Stars in Rio Grande Lineup. Sheridan, former “Flying Dutchman” Scores Touchdown.
Gene Sheridan, former St. Joseph high school star, played a major role Saturday
afternoon, when Morehead State Teachers’ College defeated Rio Grande 10 to 7.
Several ex-Ironton High stars were in the lineup for Rio Grande, including Gullion
and Ralph Simpson at ends, and Smith and Dole.
The game was played at Morehead, and was close all the way. Rio Grande held the
spotlight during the first half, and the Teachers holding the edge in the last two periods.
A field goal by June Evans, halfback in the fourth quarter, enabled Morehead to nose
out the Ohioans.
Morehead scored first, pushing over a touchdown in the third quarter. Combs blocked
a punt by Williams of Rio Grande on the 10-yard line. Sheridan scored the touchdown
and ran off-tackle for the extra point.
Several minutes later, Rio tied the score, when Burkhart, Rio quarterback, ran a punt
back fifty yards for a touchdown. Carr kicked the extra point.
The game was closely contested, both Morehead and Rio Grande making six first downs,
and gaining about the same number of yards from scrimmage.
Morehead (10)
Hackled .......... L.E. .......... Gullion
Henry ............ L.T. .......... Staley
Holliday ......... L.G. .......... Troth
Brashear ......... C. ............ Kelley
Wilson ........... R.G. .......... Moore
Martindale ....... R.T. .......... Preston
Sparks ........... R.E. .......... Simpson
O. Evans ......... Q.B. .......... Burkhart
McNabee .......... L.H. .......... Williams
J. Evans ......... R.H. .......... Logue
Sheridan ......... F.B. .......... McGarvey
“Wellston High School Varsity Football, Charles McGarvey”
This yearbook photograph shows Charles McGarvey during his sophomore year at Wellston High
School, when he had already reached the varsity football team. The accompanying yearbook note
identifies him as a left tackle, describes him as one of the largest men on the team, and
states that he made the All-South-eastern second team.
Wellston High School yearbook, 1929. Sophomore-year varsity football photograph of Charles McGarvey.
Charles McGarvey—McGarvey, while only a sophomore, was one of the largest men on the team. He played left tackle. “Chuck” made the All-South-eastern second team.
This Wellston High School yearbook page summarizes the 1928 football season, Charles
McGarvey’s sophomore year. It records Wellston’s game-by-game results and preserves short,
student-style reflections on each contest, including the team’s wins over Gallipolis,
Logan, New Boston, Nelsonville, and Jackson.
Wellston High School yearbook, 1929. Season recap page for Wellston football during Charles McGarvey’s sophomore year.
Wellston 37, Oak Hill 0
Game too one-sided. No outstanding players. Material green. Lack of practice. Good game to pick out our weaknesses. Need of more drive on the part of our team. Small crowd. Oak Hill School had rooters’ caps. Later by Wellston.
Wellston 6, Gallipolis 0
Was it hot? Wow! Almost a fight among the rooters. We were on G. H. S. bleachers’ benches. Our team played fast ball first quarter. Made only touchdown in that period. Let up. Recovered some of our drives in last quarter. Mr. Scarberry anxious for team to win. Bob Young terribly sick.
Wellston 0, Pomeroy 0
Terrible. The team appeared over-confident. Didn’t have any drive till the last half. Breaks were against us. Players’ bench fell down. Fine meal at the Mary Jane after game. No victory for W. H. S.!
Wellston 0, McArthur 38
Worse than terrible! Slaughter! Low gray clouds. Rain. First few plays perfect, then bang! No team. Beaten before they played. A complete let down. Sadness of our rooters.
Wellston 14, Logan 7
1000 percent week. A hard-fighting team. No let down. Showed the crowd what our team could do. Red Martin knocked cold. Two touchdowns for Wellston. In last quarter a touchdown for Logan.
Wellston 6, New Boston 0
A wet day, but field not in bad shape. Both teams yet a 1000 percent. The game. Wonderful defense put up by both teams. Strongest team we had faced up to this time. Wellston’s ball. Spread formations. A pass. Wow! Within two yards of the goal. A short buck! Touchdown! Failed for extra point. New Boston threatened to score by long passes in last few minutes of play. Over! Relief. Our team gains the faith of the whole town.
Wellston 12, Nelsonville 0
A fine crowd of Wellston people present. Our team over-confident. Tried not to be, but couldn’t help it. First half saw many fumbles on part of Wellston. Last half our team pepped up and by fake passes and end runs made two touchdowns. It was fortunate our let down came with an easy team. Let down was accounted for because we were worked up to climax. Two weeks till we met Jaxon. Coach Marshall of N. H. S. pointed his men for the game, in hopes that they could upset the champions.
Wellston 21, Jackson 6
A low over-hanging morning. Team had Thanksgiving services in school before the game. Jackson drum corps march up and down the field. Captains meet. Jackson wins the toss. They receive the kick-off. Jackson, after a few minutes of passing, makes a touchdown. Wellston rooters frantic. Jackson cheers wildly. They fail on try for extra point. Wellston receives. After fooling defense, and in an exchange of punts, Wellston has the ball at mid-field. The line up. A pass. Complete. The run and then the touchdown. Extra point good. Touchdown of Jackson seems to pep up our team. An end run behind perfect interference. Second touchdown. Whole game shows perfect team work on part of Wellston. Last half sees two touchdowns for Wellston. One counts. One off-side. Final whistle. Team almost crushed by congratulations from rooters. Championship is won. Thanksgiving dinner taste better.
“Captain Patterson Tells Story of Football Season”
This 1929 The X-Ray yearbook page gives a full season overview of Wellston High
School football during Charles McGarvey’s sophomore year. Written from the perspective of
team captain William Patterson, it recounts the hiring of Coach Raach, the team’s schedule,
the path to the Southeastern Championship, and the banquets and awards that followed the
season.
The X-Ray, 1929. Wellston High School football season overview during Charles McGarvey’s sophomore year.
It seemed that W. H. S. was doomed with bad luck before the football season started.
First, there was the matter of the coach. The coach had been decided upon, but a month
before school he had resigned to accept another position with more pay. Then the bother
of selecting again. One was finally found, but he, also, resigned for another position.
The school board was frantic. So was Mr. Scarberry, but he decided to try once more.
He had received an application from a young man just graduated from Hillsdale College,
Michigan, who had the honor of being selected on the All-Michigan team. Mr. Scarberry
called him at Wooster, his home. He was persuaded to promise to come here and not break
the promise for another school. It all seemed a trick of fate to bring Wellston just the
right coach. The man was Mr. Raach, a coach who has shown his A-1 ability in football
and a knowledge of boys.
Then, the question of the team. Since the greater part of last year’s team was lost by
graduation, it seemed that there was not enough material to take its place.
Next, the town. It was down on us, because we had no really good teams for the last
three years. The town people and rooters told themselves that it would be just another
team for Wellston, one that might win one or two games and lose the rest.
Well, things looked rather blue until practice was called a week before school started,
and until we had a look at the coach. He looked mighty fine to us, and he was. The material
was better than we expected, too. We had a month of practice before the first game, which
would give us ample time to get in shape and get hard to the game. We were drilled mostly
on calisthenics, because Mr. Raach thought that this was the best way to get in shape for
playing. We were also given simple plays and formations. The subject of training he left
to the players, but he stated his views on training in the following way: “If you smoke or
break training, you can’t play the best football that’s in you; therefore, you will sit on
the bench. Now suit yourself about it.” What more can I say than that the fellows trained?
The rooters and outsiders said that the team trained better than any team they had ever seen.
Also, if you have a good coach and one that works with the coach and for the coach, they have
to like him. Well, they certainly liked him, and would do almost anything he asked.
The first game was with Oak Hill. Although we were picked to lose, we won 38-0. The second
game, a week later, was also won by our team 6-0. The third game was with Pomeroy. We were
slated to win, but, well, we just tied, 0-0. The next game was with McArthur. That was a
heart-breaker for us, as the score shows. We were on the small end of a 38-0 score. The
following game was the 1000 percent game. If we won, we stayed at 1000 percent, and if not,
well, you know where. We won 14-6. The next game was with New Boston.
1928 Football Schedule
Sept. 28, Oak Hill, Here
Oct. 12, Middleport, Here
Oct. 19, Gallipolis, Here
Oct. 26, New Boston, There
Nov. 1, Logan, There
Nov. 16, Nelsonville, Here
Nov. 28, Jackson, There
Captain Patterson Tells Story of Football Season (Continued from page 16)
We were in a tie with them for first place in the league. One of us would probably fall
from first place, and we were determined it wouldn’t be we. It wasn’t, for we won 6-0.
The following game was with Nelsonville, which was easily won, although the score does
not indicate it. 12-0, our favor. The last game of our schedule was with Jackson. It was
played on Thanksgiving Day. The last year we had lost to them, but, although we were
evenly matched, this year we easily won, 21-6.
With the coming of the Jackson game, we had won the Southeastern Championship, the first
in the history of our school. It was something to be proud of, and something for future
teams to try to equal.
Then came the rewards of the team’s labor. First, a banquet was given by Mr. and Mrs.
Nowell Phillips. All the squad was present. Short talks were given by three representatives
of the “Downtown Coaches,” an organization that sprung up after our victory over Logan.
They backed us in every game, and brought a crowd along with them. The next banquet was
given by the Rotary Club, with O. C. Bird of Ohio University as chief speaker. This banquet
was the fulfillment of a promise to treat us, if we won the championship and beat Jackson.
It was probably the largest dinner ever given to any Wellston football team. Over a hundred
persons were present. Talks were given by the “Downtown Coaches” and some of the members of
the football squad. A new tradition was established by the passing of the responsibility from
the captain of the 1928 team, William Patterson, to Paul Hogan, representative of the 1929
team. A present of $100 in gold was also given to Mr. Raach by the “Downtown Coaches,” in
appreciation of his coaching of our team to victory. Fifteen letters were also awarded.
For the winning of the Gallipolis game Mr. Scarberry gave us a feed. The members who played
in the game were present. This ended our banquet quota. The silver footballs that were promised
us by the coach were presented in chapel by Mr. Scarberry. All the members who earned their
letters this year in football received these silver footballs, which were inscribed with a blue
“W” and Southeastern Champs, 1929. So ends the story of the most successful football season of
Wellston High School and the winning of the first Southeastern Ohio Championship.
This 1929 The X-Ray yearbook page recognizes the Wellston High School varsity football
players and staff who earned letters during the championship season. It includes a short profile
of Charles McGarvey, noting that although only a sophomore, he was one of the largest men on the
team, played left tackle, and made the All-Southeastern second team.
The X-Ray, 1929. Wellston High School varsity football letter winners during Charles McGarvey’s sophomore year.
McGarvey note: Sophomore left tackle, All-Southeastern second team
Those Who Won Letters
Captain “Bill” Patterson—Patterson was one of the best all-around football men W. H. S. has ever seen. He piloted the team to the Southeastern Ohio Championship with a record that has never been surpassed. He was a good passer and punter. He fought until the last gun. He played quarter back and won his place on the All-Southeastern team in that position.
“Duck” James—James played one of the most outstanding games of the season on the center position. He had the honor of serving as temporary captain in two games, Pomeroy and Nelsonville, where Patterson was unable to play. This was “Duck’s” second year as center. He made the All-Southeastern center. James was also a very hard fighter and often played against opponents much larger than himself.
“Bob” Young—Young was handicapped this year by a bad knee, acquired a year ago in the Portsmouth game. He occupied the left guard position. His blocking in the line caused him to be chosen for the All-Southeastern second team.
“Roge” Pierpont—Pierpont, as half-back, played a very useful backfield position. He was a hard, constant plunger and a good open field runner. “Roge” was on the receiving end of many of the long passes that scored for Wellston.
Newell Phillips—Phillips played tackle so well that he was able to obtain enough quarters to deserve a letter.
Estel Jacobs—Jacobs, freshman, was the largest man on the team. He played tackle. His hard hitting caused the opposing force to lose a man in several games during the season. Estel also made the All-Southeastern second team.
“Cy” Davis—Davis was the utility end. He was often in the game and played hard. This was his first year on the team. He was very fast and played like a veteran.
Donald Gettles, Manager—Gettles ran the team so smoothly that no hitches were made during the season. He was present at all the practices and took good care of all equipment.
Hiram Callahan—Callahan has the enviable record of having passed all season and never having a pass intercepted by the opposing team. He played half-back, and was placed on the All-Southeastern Ohio Team in that position.
“Red” Martin—Martin played right end. He was a very hard tackler and was injured in the Logan game because of a head-on tackle. His auburn locks gave him all the fighting spirit that was needed. He was selected as an All-Southeastern end. “Red” was one of the hardest fighters on the team, playing the game every moment he was on the field.
“Frank” Sellers—One of the pluckiest boys on the team was “Frankie.” His fourth year on the squad, he fought and won his letter. He played in the backfield and was well trained in football tactics.
“Fred” Rice—Rice, while one of the smallest men on the team, was a power in the backfield. His efforts in backing up the line saved the score many times. He made the All-Southeastern second team.
“Steve” Reed—Reed played the right guard. He played a stubborn, obstinate game, never giving ground and always fighting. This was his first year on the team.
Paul Hogan—Hogan has the distinction of being the only junior that played enough to win a letter. This was his second year on the team, and he will be of much aid to the team next year. He played both left end and in the backfield.
Charles McGarvey—McGarvey, while only a sophomore, was one of the largest men on the team. He played left tackle. “Chuck” made the All-Southeastern second team.
“Ed” Wills—Wills managed all finances of the team. He was willing to work and helped make the season a success.
This 1929 The X-Ray yearbook message by Coach Ralph Raach looks ahead to the next
season after Wellston’s championship year. It is especially valuable for Charles McGarvey’s
story because Raach opens by reminding students that the school still has “two big, fine,
manly, tackles” returning, a line that almost certainly includes McGarvey entering his junior year.
The X-Ray, 1929. Coach Ralph Raach’s message looking ahead to the next Wellston football season.
Season context: 1928 championship season, looking ahead to 1929
Think! Think! Wellston High School students, what you have left for a football team next year,
two big, fine, manly, tackles! That fact is sufficient cause for every student in school to get
behind the team and boost it to another great season. Besides that, we have Hogan, who will be
capable of running the movements of the team on the field with precision.
I am extremely optimistic about next year’s team, if the boys will train, and if they will be
a bunch of scuffers. In fact, they will have to be to come up to and to keep up to this year’s
record.
Our season will consist of seven hard games. The opening game with Oak Hill will be a fine
chance to see the merits of our new players, such as Hendershot, Platt, Perkins, Genicks,
Jordan, Rhodes, Duhl, Braley, Verl Fisher, Wills, Howard Fisher, Houghland, Sproule, and
the other material which Wellston will have. After that game, we go through a conference
season which will be very strenuous and which will take every bit of strength that the boys
can put forth. The midseason peak will be reached with the New Boston game, and then on to
the grand climax when Wellston plays Jackson.
I, personally, will be much more impressed with my boys next year than I was this year. So
that tends to indicate that if the boys of 1929, with their size and ability, will take my
coaching seriously, every one will be proud of them and they themselves will be able to say,
“I have played a good game and won.”
So, boys of the 1929 squad, I want to take this means of wishing you success and a glorious
season. Come on, students, let’s give the boys of 1929 a yell,
This 1929 The X-Ray yearbook photograph shows Coach Ralph Raach during his first
year teaching and coaching at Wellston High School. The accompanying caption notes that
he came from Hillsdale College, where he made the All-Michigan team as tackle, and that
he led Wellston football to its first Southeastern Championship.
The X-Ray, 1929. Photograph of Coach Ralph Raach, Wellston High School football coach.
Coach Ralph Raach spent his first year teaching and coaching in Wellston High.
Mr. Raach came from Hillsdale College, Michigan, where he made the All-Michigan Team
as tackle.
In basketball he led the team through the drawings and to the winning of the
Jackson-Vinton County tournament. He coached the football team to its first
Southeastern Championship.
This 1929 The X-Ray yearbook photograph shows Mr. Leland Jenkins, who served as
financial manager for all athletics and as assistant coach at Wellston High School. The
accompanying caption credits his scouting work for Coach Ralph Raach as an important asset
in helping the football team win the championship.
The X-Ray, 1929. Photograph of Leland Jenkins, assistant coach and financial manager for athletics at Wellston High School.
Role: Assistant coach and financial manager for athletics
Mr. Leland Jenkins has taught in Wellston High School two years. This year he was
financial manager for all athletics, and assistant coach. His scouting for Mr. Raach
at many football games was a big asset in winning the championship.
This 1929 The X-Ray yearbook message by Leland Jenkins, faculty manager of 1928-1929,
looks ahead to the next Wellston football season. It is especially useful for Charles McGarvey’s
story because Jenkins specifically names McGarvey and Jacobs as the two returning tackles around
whom the coming team could be built.
The X-Ray, 1929. Leland Jenkins’s message projecting Wellston’s next football season.
Season context: 1928 championship season, looking ahead to 1929
Hurrah! Only five more months and Wellston’s 1929 football warriors will swing into action.
Just what the future season holds for this team is a matter of much speculation and guess-work.
In all probability, Wellston will not be represented by the powerful and aggressive eleven in
1929 as she was the year previous.
We have been confronted each year with few letter men and many inexperienced players. The
coming year is no exception. We will have only three letter men out of fourteen back, two
tackles, McGarvey and Jacobs, and one end, Hogan. It is an accepted fact that no coach likes
to build a team from a nucleus of three men. In this particular case, however, the condition
is not so bad, since a common expression among coaches is, “Give me two good tackles and I
will build you a strong defensive team.” It is going to be hard for any team to score many
points against us, as I am predicting a very strong defensive eleven. I haven’t, however, so
strong a prediction when speaking of the team offensively. The whole backfield will be green,
but should develop quickly; the ends will be fairly accurate in catching passes and covering
punts; and the line inside of tackles will be heavy, but somewhat slow, all inexperienced.
When the final percentage of games won and lost is figured, Wellston will be close to the
.500 percent mark, losing many of her games because of no scoring punch, and holding many
highly touted schools to exceptionally low scores because of her strong defensive tactics.
“Skeeters and Second Team Give All Boys Experience”
This page from the 1929 The X-Ray yearbook documents Wellston High School’s
second team basketball program during the 1928-29 season. It is especially relevant to
Charles McGarvey because it identifies him as one of the boys expected to compete for a
place on the varsity the following year and includes him in the second-row team caption.
The X-Ray, 1929. Wellston High School second team basketball page from the 1928-29 season.
McGarvey note: Named among players expected to compete for a varsity place the following year
Skeeters and Second Team Give All Boys Experience
Twelve Players Awarded Numerals
Second Team
The second team was made up of boys who weighed over one hundred and twenty pounds, but
who couldn’t quite make the Varsity. They were taught the fundamentals of basket ball,
which should help Kesinger, Bishop, McGarvey, Patrick, and George Wills to make a place
on the varsity next year.
This group of boys was coached by Mr. Higley, who gave numerals to the six following:
Fred Rice, Arthur Bishop, Herbert Kesinger, Charles McGarvey, Grant Patrick, and George
Wills. A numeral was also given to Harry Foster, the manager of the Skeeters and second team.
The second team won three of the five games played.
Coaton ............... 18 2d Team .... 16
Hamden 2ds ........ 15 2d Team .... 26
McArthur 2ds ....... 8 2d Team .... 9
Byer .................... 20 2d Team .... 19
Bloomfield .......... 19 2d Team .... 23
Opponents’ Total ... 80 2d Team T. 93
SECOND TEAM
Upper Row, Ovid Helm, financial manager; John Houghland, financial manager; Mr. Higley,
Coach, Albert Knox, Donald Stewart, Harry Foster, Manager.
Second Row, George Wills, Grant Patrick, Arthur Bishop, Fred Rice, Charles McGarvey,
Herbert Kesinger, Donald Gettles.
Lower Row, Franklin Long, Harley Sadler, Clyde Scott, Estel Jacobs, William Bartoe,
Kenneth Everett.
This 1929 The X-Ray yearbook photograph shows the Wellston High School second team
basketball squad from the 1928-29 season. Charles McGarvey appears in the second row and is
identified in the printed caption among the players and staff connected with the team.
The X-Ray, 1929. Photograph of the Wellston High School second team basketball squad from the 1928-29 season.
Wellston Varsity Football Records During Charles McGarvey’s Playing Years
This record summary documents the varsity football seasons Charles McGarvey was part of at Wellston High School.
During his years on the varsity squad, Wellston finished 6-1-1 in 1928, 1-6 in 1929, and 2-6 in 1930.
In SEOAL competition, the team records were 5-0-1, 1-5, and 1-5.
Rather than reflecting a coach’s overall career, these figures specifically capture the team’s performance during Charles McGarvey’s varsity playing years.
Wellston High School varsity football records for the 1928, 1929, and 1930 seasons, the years Charles McGarvey played varsity football.
Career Record of Coach Ralph Raach at Wellston High School
This record summary documents the varsity football record compiled by Coach Ralph Raach during his years at Wellston High School.
Raach coached from 1928 through 1931, with season records of 6-1-1 in 1928, 1-6 in 1929, 2-6 in 1930, and 3-5 in 1931.
Across his four seasons, his teams posted a combined record of 12-18-1.
In SEOAL competition, Wellston went 8-15-1 during Raach’s tenure.
Ralph Raach’s season-by-season varsity football record at Wellston High School, including his combined career totals through 1931.