Football Daily

Murray Shelton - Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame.
Born April 20, 1893, Dunkirk, New York, was Cornell’s top tier end from 1913 to 1915, Murray Shelton. Shelton and Big Red captain, Quarterback Charles Barrett, made up an efficient and deadly passing combination which relied heavily upon intelligence and instinct. In 1915, they led Cornell to a 9-0 record and were both named to Walter Camp's All-America listing per the National Football Foundation. Late in the season their perfect record was in jeopardy a few times. In game number eight the Big Red scored 33 points in the second half to overcome the challenging Washington & Lee team, 40-21. During another late contest, Penn was on the verge of ending Cornell's clean slate loss column. But, the Big Red caught fire in the final quarter and scored 17 points to claim a 24-9 triumph. Cornell played Harvard, which had not lost a game in four years but the Big Red blacked the Harvard eleven 10-0. The National Football Foundation selected Murray Shelton for entrance into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1973. 

Born in 1901, Frank Sundstrom wasn't just a football player; he was a pillar of Cornell's gridiron glory, a stalwart tackle who carved his name in the annals of college football history. His story isn't just about tackles and touchdowns; it's a testament to the relentless pursuit, unwavering loyalty, and the power of teamwork that defined a golden age for the Cornell Big Red.
Sundstrom's journey began on the gridiron of Middletown, New York, where his raw talent and imposing presence caught the eye of Cornell University. In 1921, he stepped onto the hallowed turf of Ithaca, New York, ready to etch his mark on Cornell football history.

His impact was immediate. Standing tall and strong at 6'1" and 190 pounds, Sundstrom anchored the Big Red defense, a formidable wall against opposing offenses. His intelligence and quickness off the line made him a disruptive force, paving the way for teammates and earning him the nickname "Sunny." The Big Red teams that Sundstrom was a part of went undefeated throughout three seasons, 24-0.

But Sundstrom's legacy isn't just about individual brilliance. It's linked to the legendary 1923 Cornell team, considered one of the greatest college football teams ever. Alongside teammates like George Pfann and Ed Kaw, Sundstrom formed an impenetrable defensive line, shutting down opponents with suffocating efficiency.

That year, Cornell went undefeated and untied, a feat only achieved by a handful of teams in college football history. Sundstrom's ferocious tackles and intelligent play were instrumental in this historic run, earning him All-American honors and solidifying his place as a Cornell legend.

His impact extended beyond the 1923 season. He continued to anchor the Big Red defense until 1924, leaving a legacy of excellence and leadership. Even after graduation, Sundstrom's passion for the game remained, leading him to serve as an assistant coach for the Indiana Hoosiers in 1924.

In 1978, Sundstrom was honored to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, a testament to his enduring legacy. His story isn't just about statistics and accolades; it's about the embodiment of Cornell's spirit, the relentless pursuit of victory, and the unwavering belief in the power of teamwork.

Frank Sundstrom was more than a football player; he was a titan of Cornell's golden age, a legend whose name forever echoes in the halls of Ithaca, a reminder that true greatness lies not just in individual talent but in the collective spirit of a team united in pursuit of victory.

Frank would go on to become a New Jersey Congressman.

Bill Warner, a name synonymous with early 20th century college football, wasn't just a player or coach; he was a pioneer, a visionary, and a Hall of Famer whose influence transcended generations. Unlike his more celebrated brother Glenn "Pop" Warner, Bill carved his own unique path, leaving an indelible mark on the gridiron.

Warner's playing career (1899-1902) at Cornell University established him as a dominant force. Standing at a formidable 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds, he was a "rock" upon which Cornell built one of the best offensive lines in the nation. While not known for flashy plays, Warner's consistency and intelligence garnered him All-America honors in 1901 and 1902, solidifying his reputation as a "workhorse guard."

But Warner's impact truly blossomed in his coaching career. Following his graduation, he head-coached at Cornell in 1903, leading them to a respectable 6-3-1 record in his debut season. He then embarked on a remarkable journey, coaching at various universities across the country, including North Carolina, Colgate, Saint Louis, and Oregon.

Warner's coaching philosophy was ahead of its time. He emphasized offensive innovation, utilizing forward passes and deceptive running plays to challenge traditional defensive schemes. His "Warner System" became a hallmark of his tenure, paving the way for the evolution of the modern passing game.

His success was undeniable. Warner boasted a winning record at every institution he coached, amassing an impressive 180-79-14 record over 22 seasons. He led Colgate to two National Championships (1906, 1908) and his Oregon teams became a force in the Pacific Coast Conference.

Beyond wins and championships, Warner's legacy lies in his lasting impact on the game. He revolutionized offensive strategies, mentored future coaching giants like Pop Warner and Knute Rockne, and laid the foundation for the exciting, pass-driven football we witness today.

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Standing tall and resolute, Jerome "Brud" Holland wasn't just an All-American football player; he was the embodiment of Cornell Big Red spirit. From humble beginnings in upstate New York to shattering racial barriers on the gridiron, Holland carved his name into Cornell and college football history with unwavering determination and dazzling athleticism.
Born in 1916, Holland honed his athletic skills in high school, excelling in both football and basketball. He arrived at Cornell in 1935 ready to prove himself, but faced an immense hurdle: he was the first African American on the university's football team. Undeterred, Holland's talent shone through. His speed, agility, and powerful end-around plays made him a force to be reckoned with.

By his sophomore year, Holland was a starter, shattering stereotypes and leading the Big Red to their first Eastern Intercollegiate League Championship in 1936. His dominance grew, culminating in back-to-back All-American selections in 1937 and 1938. He became a feared opponent, earning the nickname "Bruiser of Ithaca" for his punishing tackles and bone-crunching blocks.

But Holland's impact extended beyond the field. He served as team captain, showcasing his leadership skills and uniting teammates across racial lines. He became a symbol of hope and inspiration for countless African American athletes, paving the way for future generations to break barriers in college sports.

After graduating in 1939, Holland enjoyed a brief professional career with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He soon embarked on a distinguished career in education, administration, and diplomacy, further solidifying his legacy as a multifaceted icon.

Holland's influence on Cornell football remains palpable. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1965, and his jersey number, 39, was retired. Today, his statue stands proudly outside Schoellkopf Field, a constant reminder of his pioneering spirit and enduring legacy.

Jerome Brud Holland wasn't just a football player; he was a trailblazer, a leader, and a Cornell legend. His story is a testament to the power of talent, courage, and the audacious spirit of breaking barriers, both on and off the gridiron.

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In the annals of college football, few tales weave together athletic brilliance, historic rivalry, and personal sacrifice like that of Charley Barrett. He wasn't just a quarterback; he was a triple-threat titan who tamed the wild west of early 20th-century gridiron with a blend of grace, power, and unwavering leadership.

Hailing from the steel town of Bellevue, Pennsylvania, Barrett arrived at Cornell in 1913, a raw talent yearning for the crucible of competition. Under the tutelage of Jack Moakley, he blossomed into a "real triple threat man," mesmerizing opponents with his swift runs, pinpoint passes, and bone-crunching tackles. He possessed a deceptive look – tall and slender, often mistaken for a passer. But the moment he touched the pigskin, his deceptive calm transformed into a whirlwind of athleticism.

His reign on the gridiron coincided with the golden age of the Cornell-Pennsylvania rivalry. Each fall, the gridiron became a battleground, a clash of two titans for Big Ten supremacy. And at the heart of it all stood Barrett, orchestrating victories with surgical precision and jaw-dropping displays of athleticism. His 1915 performance against Penn stands as a testament to his greatness. Trailing by nine points, he led a stunning comeback, racking up touchdowns of 40, 25, and 3 yards, and adding a drop-kick field goal and three extra points. "The Big Red Machine," they called Cornell that year, and Barrett was its engine, its relentless heartbeat.

But his story transcends touchdowns and trophies. He embodied the ideals of the scholar-athlete, excelling in the classroom as well as on the field.

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Timothy P. Brown talks about two very famous collegiate fifth-down plays, Colorado Buffaloes vs. Missouri Tigers in 1990, and the Cornell Big Red vs. Dartmouth Indians in 1940.

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Eddie Kaw got his fame on the football field for the Cornell Big Red and eventually starred as a professional for the Buffalo Bisons.

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The National Football Foundation selected Charley Barrett in 1958 to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Cornell University Logo PNG Cornell University is a private educational organization founded in 1865 in the United States. This institution is focused on analyzing, systematization and practical application of knowledge in various fields of humanities and natural sciences – from philosophy or history to informatics and physics. Their objective is to distribute the knowledge across

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The National Football Foundation selected Bill Warner to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. Bill's famous brother was Glenn Pop Warner. The two played professionally for the All-Syracuse team in the original World Series of Football in 1902.

Warner's impact truly blossomed in his coaching career. Following his graduation, he head-coached at Cornell in 1903, leading them to a respectable 6-3-1 record in his debut season. He then embarked on a remarkable journey, coaching at various universities across the country, including North Carolina, Colgate, Saint Louis, and Oregon.

Always remember the "workhorse guard" who, a century ago, dared to imagine a different way to play the game. Remember Bill Warner, the innovator, the titan, and the Hall of Famer.