The Overhand Spiral and a Mother

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Listeners are invited into the depths of football history as Darin Hayes and Tim Brown uncover the life and legacy of Frank Hering, a figure whose contributions to the game are both innovative and surprising. Herring, a quarterback with the University of Chicago in the 1890s, is celebrated for his development of the overhand spiral pass, a technique that transformed the passing game and paved the way for modern football. The conversation highlights the challenges of the era, including the unwieldy size of early footballs and the strategic limitations of the time, providing a rich backdrop for Herring's achievements. As the narrative unfolds, the duo recounts Herring's pivotal moments on the field, including his experiences during the Chicago Maroons' groundbreaking travels to play against Stanford and other teams, emphasizing the significance of these early games in the context of football's evolution.

The conversation stems from one of Tim's famous Football Archaeology TidBits titled: Frank Hering, The Overhand Spiral, and Mother's Day

We have the audio-only podcast version at: Touchdowns and Traditions: How Frank Hering Became the Father of Mother's Day

Frank E. Hering was an American football player and coach. He is best known for his time as the head football coach at the University of Notre Dame from 1896 to 1898. Hering is often called the "Father of Notre Dame Football" for his role in transforming the program from an intramural activity into a competitive intercollegiate sport. He also served as Notre Dame's first basketball coach and coached the school's baseball team.

In a twist that captivates the audience, the episode also links Herring to the inception of Mother's Day. Tim Brown shares the intriguing story of how Herring's involvement with the Elks led him to propose a day dedicated to honoring mothers, culminating in the formal recognition of Mother's Day by Congress in 1914. This unexpected connection between sports and social advocacy adds depth to the discussion, highlighting how individuals can influence culture beyond their primary fields. Hayes and Brown's engaging dialogue seamlessly weaves these two narratives together, showcasing the profound impact that one person can have in both the world of sports and society at large. This episode not only enriches listeners' understanding of football history but also celebrates the often-overlooked contributions of those who have shaped our cultural traditions.