A Gridiron Legacy: The History of Gonzaga University Football
Gonzaga University, renowned today for its basketball program, once boasted a vibrant football history. Although the program was disbanded in 1942, its impact on the sport, both on and off the field, remains significant. This article explores the story of Gonzaga football, from its humble beginnings to its lasting legacy.
The Early Years: 1892-1919
Gonzaga's football journey commenced on Thanksgiving Day in 1892, with the blue and white squad playing to a 4-4 tie against the Spokane Athletic Association. Dr. Harry Luhn served as the team's first coach, remaining in the position through the 1898 season. Following the 1898 season, the university decided to discontinue the football program.
In 1908, George Varnell revived the sport at Gonzaga, gathering a group of enthusiastic young men. The team played to a scoreless tie with Blair Business College that year. For the next twelve years, Gonzaga battled regional opponents, laying the foundation for future success.
The Gus Dorais Era: 1920-1924
A pivotal moment in Gonzaga football history arrived in 1920 with the hiring of Gus Dorais as head coach. Dorais, famed as the first quarterback to throw a forward pass, alongside his University of Notre Dame roommate Knute Rockne, brought innovation and excitement to the program.
Dorais coached some of the most memorable Gonzaga squads, including the legendary 1924 team that finished with a 5-0-2 record. This team is often considered the greatest in Gonzaga football history, achieving victories over Washington State University and the University of Montana. Seven players from that team went on to play in the National Football League, including Houston Stockton, Mel Ingram, and Ray Flaherty.
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Under Dorais' leadership, Gonzaga made its lone post-season appearance in the San Diego East-West Classic on Christmas Day, 1922, facing the University of West Virginia. Although Gonzaga lost 21-13, the game led to the team's current nickname. A San Diego sportswriter, impressed by Gonzaga's tenacity, likened them to Bulldogs.
The Late 1930s and Final Season: 1935-1941
The late 1930s saw Gonzaga continue to make waves on the national stage. Tony Canadeo and George Karamatic both earned Associated Press Little All-America honors. The Bulldogs also faced tougher competition, including a 1937 loss to Santa Clara University's Sugar Bowl championship team. Gonzaga also played against both teams from the 1938 Cotton Bowl, losing to Texas Tech University and Saint Mary's College.
In 1940, Gonzaga secured a significant victory, defeating a Gus Dorais-coached Detroit team 13-7. This was one of only two losses for the Titans that season.
1941 marked the final season of collegiate football for Gonzaga. The team posted a 3-7 record, with losses to the University of Portland and Washington State. Gonzaga's last win was a 6-0 victory over Eastern Washington State College (later EWU).
The End of an Era: 1942 and Beyond
In 1942, due to World War II, the Gonzaga football program was disbanded. While there were efforts to revive the program in 1946, they were ultimately unsuccessful. By 1949, Gonzaga Stadium was slowly torn down, marking the end of an era.
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The decision to discontinue the football program was influenced by several factors. These included consistent losses, concerns about academic standards, financial deficits, and a lack of civic interest. The administration believed that continuing the program would harm Gonzaga's self-respect and refused to compromise academic integrity for the sake of football.
Lasting Legacy
Despite its relatively short 40-year history, Gonzaga football left a lasting impact. Two players, Ray Flaherty and Tony Canadeo, were inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. A total of 22 players spent time in professional football.
Ray Flaherty, inducted in 1976, had a long and successful coaching career with the Washington Redskins. He led Washington to two world titles and is credited with developing the modern version of the screen pass. Tony Canadeo, inducted in 1974, played 11 years with the Green Bay Packers, earning All-NFL honors in 1943 and 1949. His number 3 was retired by Green Bay in 1952, and he currently ranks fourth on the Packers' all-time rushing list.
The Stadium
Gonzaga Stadium, built in 1922, served as the home field for the Bulldogs and later hosted city high school football games. However, it was deemed unsafe after the 1947 season. In 1946, the stadium hosted a professional preseason game between the New York Yankees and Brooklyn Dodgers of the All-America Football Conference.
A Look Back
Gonzaga’s football story, spanning from 1892 to 1941, includes a ten-year intercollegiate ban on the sport, changes to the game, and a contribution to the rise of Gonzaga’s national profile. During the early years, young boys could participate in football through the Junior Yard Association (JYA) intramural league. Coach Gus Dorais guided the program through its golden age in the early 1920s, elevating Gonzaga to a ranked team that competed against larger schools.
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After the war, student petitions to revive the football program were carefully considered. Suggestions included reducing the number of players and alumni underwriting scholarships. However, these ideas were insufficient to overcome the program's challenges.
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