1943 Pittsburgh Panthers football team

American college football season August 2023 February 2026 1943 Pittsburgh Panthers football 285px|1943 Pitt Panthers Independent 3–5 Clark Shaughnessy 1st Pitt Stadium The 1943 Pittsburgh Panthers football team represented the University of Pittsburgh as an independent during the 1943 college football season. The team compiled a 3–5 record under new head coach Clark Shaughnessy.1943 Pittsburgh Panthers Stats Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football May 21, 2016 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/pittsburgh/1943.html At the start of the season, Shaughnessy introduced red and white uniforms that departed from the team's traditional blue and gold color scheme. The team reverted to blue and gold in late 1945.Keck Harry Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph November 20, 1945 18 Pitt Returns to Old Blue and Gold Standard https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87584911/ In the final Litkenhous Ratings, Pittsburgh ranked 65th among the nation's college and service teams with a rating of 76.2.Litkenhous E. E. Edward E. Litkenhous Litkenhouse Selects U. S. Grid Leaders https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-salt-lake-tribune/122968858/ The Salt Lake Tribune Salt Lake City, Utah December 17, 1943 18 April 16, 2023 Newspapers.com Schedule September 25 l Notre Dame Pitt Stadium Pittsburgh, PA rivalry 0–41 43,437–59,050 Sell Jack 59,050 Saw Shaughnessy Debut Fail Pittsburgh Post-Gazette September 27, 1943 16 https://www.newspapers.com/article/pittsburgh-post-gazette-59050-saw-shaug/125141207/ May 22, 2023 Newspapers.com October 2 l y Great Lakes Navy Naval Station Great Lakes North Chicago, IL 0–40 22,000 Lach Leads Bluejackets to 3rd Victory Chicago Sunday Tribune October 3, 1943 27 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/17702079/lach_leads_bluejackets_to_3d_victory/ Newspapers.com October 9 w West Virginia Pitt Stadium Pittsburgh, PA rivalry 20–0 12,000–15,000 https://www.newspapers.com/article/evening-star-pitt-in-its-own-class-bea/151633801/ The Sunday Star Pitt, in its own class, beats West Virginia October 10, 1943 July 19, 2024 Newspapers.comPitt Hands W. Virginia 20–0 Defeat The Philadelphia Inquirer October 10, 1943 Sports-2 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-philadelphia-inquirer-pitt-beats-wes/125393944/ May 27, 2023 Newspapers.comKeck Harry Pitt Ends Drought, Tops W. VA., 20–0 Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph October 10, 1943 Section 2–3 https://www.newspapers.com/article/pittsburgh-sun-telegraph-pitt-scores-and/125354623/ May 26, 2023 Newspapers.com October 16 l y Illinois Memorial Stadium Champaign, IL 25–33 7,144 Barry Howard Illinois Speed Defeats Pitt Passes, 33–25 Chicago Sunday Tribune October 17, 1943 Part 2-1 https://www.newspapers.com/article/chicago-tribune-illinois-defeats-pitt-pa/125394371/ May 27, 2023 Newspapers.com October 23 w 1943 Bethany Bison Bethany (WV) Pitt Stadium Pittsburgh, PA 18–0 6,000 October 30 w 1943 Carnegie Tech Tartans Carnegie Tech Pitt Stadium Pittsburgh, PA 45–0 12,000 November 6 l Ohio State Pitt Stadium Pittsburgh, PA 6–46 30,000 November 20 l Penn State Pitt Stadium Pittsburgh, PA rivalry 0–14 12,242–20,000 Preseason On January 22, Chester L. Smith of The Pittsburgh Press reported that Pitt head coach Charles Bowser was leaving his post, and applying for a commission in the United States Navy Pre-Flight Schools under the command of Lieutenant-Commander Tom Hamilton, who would become Pitt's Athletic Director from 1949 to 1959.Smith Chester L. Pitt Football Mentor Asks For Navy Job The Pittsburgh Press January 22, 1943 1 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-pittsburgh-press-pitt-mentor-to-join/124580816/ May 13, 2023 Newspapers.com On August 27, Bowser was named executive director of the USO Council in the Pittsburgh district.Bowser Appointed Executive of USO The Pittsburgh Press August 27, 1943 14 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-pittsburgh-press-bowser-appointed-ex/124568011/ May 13, 2023 Newspapers.com After the war he sold insurance for the Aetna Insurance Company in the Pittsburgh area. Ex-Pitt Coach Charles Bowser https://www.newspapers.com/clip/65846475/obituary-for-charles-w-bowser-aged-90/ The Pittsburgh Press Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania July 31, 1989 12 May 13, 2023 Newspapers.com thumb|left|Coach Shaughnessy On January 25, the University of Pittsburgh Board of Trustees formally approved the resignation of Charles Bowser, as Pitt football coach, and appointed Clark Shaughnessy as his successor. Athletic Director James Hagan stated: "In Shaughnessy we found a popular figure, who is liked by everyone...He has done a great teaching job wherever he has coached during the past 28 years, and gets the most out of what he has to work with...I'm convinced that Shaughnessy honestly believes in Pitt and feels he can do a good job."Beachler Eddie Famous T-Formation Mentor Seen as Agent of Panthers' Return to Gridiron's 'Main Line' The Pittsburgh Press January 26, 1943 18 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-pittsburgh-press-clark-d-shaughness/124587925/ May 13, 2023 Newspapers.com On January 30, Shaughnessy hired ex-Chicago Bear guard Dr. Daniel Fortmann. He served as the assistant coach, and pursued his medical career on the staff of Presbyterian Hospital.Beachler Eddie Danny Fortmann to Assist Shaughnessy at Pitt The Pittsburgh Press January 31, 1943 Second Section-1 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-pittsburgh-press-fortmann-to-assist/124589504/ May 13, 2023 Newspapers.com On February 8, Shaughnessy announced that he would retain Charles “Doc” Hartwig from Bowser's coaching staff as an assistant.Assistant The Pittsburgh Press February 8, 1943 19 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-pittsburgh-press-hartwig-retained-as/124593760/ May 13, 2023 Newspapers.com In February, The Pittsburgh Press and The Pitt News reported that returning starters Jack Durishan (tackle) and Bill Dillon (guard), plus reserves Harold Scott (center), Wilbur Newstetter (guard) and John Montana (fullback) were to report for active duty the first week of March. Halfback Tony DiMatteo, along with back-up quarterbacks Bob Smith and Ed Slavin had withdrawn earlier in the year.Pitt To Lose 7 Athletes The Pittsburgh Press February 21, 1943 Fourth Section-2 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-pittsburgh-press-pitt-to-lose-7-athl/124593505/ May 13, 2023 Newspapers.com Wilbur Newstetter and John Montana were also called to serve.Sports Hard Hit 14 Athletes Leave The Pitt News 36 6 February 26, 1943 3 https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735062140730/viewer#page/3/mode/1up May 13, 2023 In 1943 most colleges and universities were either part of the V-12 Navy College Training Program or the Army Specialized Training Program. The Navy program allowed their students to take part in athletics at the member institutions. The Army program did not allow their students to join the athletic teams. Pitt hosted the Army Specialized Training Program on its campus.Pitt During WWII University of Pittsburgh Library System Historic Pittsburgh https://historicpittsburgh.org/islandora/object/pitt:WWII01.UA May 20, 2023 With Pitt on the trimester system for the war effort, the spring practice drills did not start until June 28, so Shaughnessy could include all the incoming freshmen. 51 students attended the first session, and by July 3 the number had risen to 72. Practices were scheduled an hour and a half 4 days per week.Henry Jack 51 Seek Pitt Grid Berths Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph June 29, 1943 18 https://www.newspapers.com/article/pittsburgh-sun-telegraph-spring-practice/124680381/ May 14, 2023 Newspapers.com Shaughnessy brought in Chicago Bear quarterback Sid Luckman to teach the T- Formation system to the Panther quarterbacks.Luckman to Join Pitt Grid Staff Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph July 2, 1943 24 https://www.newspapers.com/article/pittsburgh-sun-telegraph-luckman-to-join/124681150/ May 14, 2023 Newspapers.com On August 7, the Panthers ended their summer training with an intra-squad game. With several thousand fans in attendance, the Gold bested the Blue 26–16. Freshman Carl Mosso, all-state halfback from New Jersey, scored two touchdowns.Doyle Charles J. Pitt Gold Eleven Tops Blue, 26–16 Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph August 8, 1943 Section 2–3 https://www.newspapers.com/article/pittsburgh-sun-telegraph-pitt-gold-eleve/124684523/ May 14, 2023 Newspapers.com Two weeks later he was summoned home by his draft board.Modzelesky Rejoins Pitt The Pittsburgh Press August 20, 1943 27 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-pittsburgh-press-modzelesky-rejoins/124684123/ May 14, 2023 Newspapers.com The student activities book was replaced by a single card that was punched upon entrance to the stadium. Most of the band members were marching with Uncle Sam, so the Army Corps band supplied the halftime music. New cheerleaders and the Panther mascot would be on the sidelines.Cards Replace Activities Books The Pitt News 37 1 September 24, 1943 7 https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735062138460/viewer#page/7/mode/1up May 17, 2023 Coach Shaughnessy decided that the Panthers would wear red and white uniforms instead of their usual blue and gold. He told The Pittsburgh Press: "It will be the most stylish-looking team in the country. Oh, there's Stanford, too. But in equipment and color scheme and practicality our boys will lead."Monohan Kaspar Fleet Footed Footballers in Fancy Frocks, Frighten Frivolous Film Fancier The Pittsburgh Press June 23, 1943 22 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-pittsburgh-press-pitt-to-wear-red-an/124918529/ May 18, 2023 Newspapers.com Coaching staff 1943 Pittsburgh Panthers football staff Coaching staff Clark Shaughnessy – head coach Dr. Danny Fortmann – assistant coach Charles Hartwig – assistant coach John Dickinson – assistant coach Stan Olenn – freshman coach   Support staff James Hagan - director of athletics Frank Carver – publicity director Bill Rudoy – varsity student manager Bob Marks – freshman manager Roster 1943 Pittsburgh Panthers football rosterPittsburgh Panthers Player Position Games Weight Class Prep School Hometown William Abromitis*fullback4190freshmanTamaqua H. S. Tamaqua, PA Harry Alwardtackle1165freshman Boston H. S.Boston, PA Al Beckmancenter1220freshmanBrentwood H. S.Brentwood, PA Robert Bockcenter1 178freshman Brentwood H. S.Brentwood, PA Jay Brown*end5190sophomoreKiski PrepPittsburgh, PA Dean Careyhalfback1157freshmanBiglerville H. S.Biglerville, PA Angelo Carlaccinihalfback1165junior Tarentum H. S. Tarentum, PA Louis Chelko*halfback7 162junior Brackenridge H. S.Brackenridge, PA Joseph DeFrank*tackle7 210freshman McClellandtown H. S.McClellandtown, PA James DeLongtackle 0 190freshman Reading H. S.Reading, PA Ken Doriotend 0170junior Pittsburgh, PA Milton Ebert*tackle 8 224freshman Erie H. S.Erie, PA Norman Edelmanguard 0 165sophomoreMcKeesport H. S.McKeesport, PA Bob Ernstend0165 freshmanSouth Hills H. S.Pittsburgh, PA Gary Feniello*guard 6180freshmanConnellsville H. S.Connellsville, PA Donald Fisher*center7178sophomore Williamsport H. S.Williamsport, PA John Foley*quarterback 4 180freshman Scranton H. S.Scranton, PA Robert Fowler*tackle5190sophomore New Brighton H. S.New Brighton, PA John Foxcenter2180junior Sharon H. S.Sharon, PA William Galand*tackle 7 185freshmanDunbar H. S.Dunbar, PA Frank Gallohalfback1146sophomoreVandergrift H. S.Vandergrift, PA Walter Germusa*guard4165freshmanMidland H. S.Midland, PA Samuel Greccoguard1160freshmanButler H. S.Butler, PA Ralph Hammond*center8 194seniorAllderdice H. S. Pittsburgh, PA Warren Humestackle 1 185freshman New Bethlehem, PA John Itzel*fullback7195juniorCentral Catholic H. S.Pittsburgh, PA Walter Jones*halfback 5 165juniorDormont H. S.Dormont, PA Llewllyn Jordanguard0190sophomore Scranton H. S.Scranton, PA Thomas Kalmanir*halfback7 175freshman Jerome H. S.Jerome, PA Joe Kielb*halfback8170juniorSchenley H. S.Pittsburgh, PA Frank Knisley*halfback7187juniorYoungstown H. S.Youngstown, OH George Linellihalfback 1 165freshmanPeabody H. S.Pittsburgh, PA Herbert Lurietackle1160freshmanAllderdice H. S.Pittsburgh, PA John Lozarfullback 0 170freshmanMcClellandtown H. S.McClellandtown, PA James McDonoughtackle 3 210freshmanCarnegie H. S.Carnegie, PA Bob McLanetackle0185sophomore Erie H. S.Erie, PA Clair Malarkeyend 2 179Dental SchoolBridgeville H. S. Bridgeville, PA George Malinahalfback0165freshmanDormont H. S.Dormont, PA James Maloney*end 8 180 freshman Central Catholic H. S.Pittsburgh, PA Albert Manerinohalfback0145freshmanEvans City H. S.Evans City, PA Albert Marrongonitackle 3 204seniorNew Castle H. S.New Castle, PA Paul Massey*end8170freshmanBeaver Falls H. S.Beaver Falls PA Don Matthews*halfback 8 160sophomoreCoatesville H. S.Coatesville, PA Francis Mattioli*guard8195Dental SchoolBrackenridge H. S.Brackenridge, PA Joe Mocha*quarterback 8 168 freshmanSt. Clair H. S. St. Clair, PA Paul Oberkirchertackle 1 180freshmanBedford H. S.Bedford, PA Donald Owencenter2160freshmanMt. Lebanon H. S.Pittsburgh, PA John Pagerquarterback 1 181freshmanWest Aliquippa H. S.West Aliquippa, PA Myron Pavukend1170freshmanJessup H. S.Jessup, PA Joe Pierre*end 8 175senior Windber H. S. Windber, PA Paul Piothend 0 185freshmanAllderdice H. S.Pittsburgh, PA Cyril Plazak*quarterback4175sophomoreBrackenridge H. S.Brackenridge, PA Steve Polach*guard 8 165freshmanUniontown H. S.Uniontown, PA Michael Podraskytackle1185juniorJessup H. S.Jessup, PA George Ranii*tackle 8 215freshmanAspinwall H.S.Aspinwall, PA James Reber*end5190Dental SchoolAllderdice H. S.Pittsburgh, PA Edward Reesehalfback 1 1501freshmanPeabody H. S.Pittsburgh, PA Martin Rosepink*end 4 200seniorVerona H. S.Verona, PA George Saphoshalfback 1 140freshman Fifth Avenue H. S.Pittsburgh, PA Max Scherbguard1190freshmanAllderdice H. S. Pittsburgh, PA Robert Schneiderguard 3 185freshmanCentral Catholic H. S.Pittsburgh, PA Lee Schreibesend0170junior Pittsburgh, PA Herbert Sheinbergtackle 1 165freshmanPeabody H. S.Pittsburgh, PA Howard Simonend 0 149 freshmanPerry H. S.Pittsburgh, PA Peter Siedylahalfback1161freshmanGlassport H. S.Glassport, PA Gerald Spectortackle 0 218sophomoreAllderdice H. S.Pittsburgh, PA Paul Steinlaufguard1180freshmanPeabody H. S.Pittsburgh, PA Robert Steytlerhalfback 1 170juniorAllderdice H. S.Pittsburgh, PA Vince Sundryhalfback0155freshmanBlairsville H. S.Blairsville, PA Richard Trachok*fullback 8 170freshmanJerome H. S.Jerome PA Leonard Westtackle 2 184freshman Atlasburg H. S.Atlasburg, PA Bryan Williamstackle0 178senior Pittsburgh, PA Bill Rudoy*student manager graduated after the first game Bob Marksfreshman student manager joined the army after first game Fred Piazzastudent manager James Helmanstudent manager * Letterman September 25, 1943 University of Pittsburgh Athletic Department 1943 Pitt Varsity Squad Pitt vs.Notre Dame Souvenir Program 1Football Lettermen University of Pittsburgh 2008 Pitt Football Media Guide 178–182 April 13, 2023 https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735062136134/viewer#page/175/mode/1up Game summaries Notre Dame Week 1: Notre Dame at Pitt Notre Dame Pitt 13 14 7 7 0 0 0 0 September 25, 1943 Pitt Stadium Pittsburgh, PA 2:00 p.m. 59,050 cool R. W. Huegel (Marquette) 1943 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team thumb|left|Program for September 25 game versus Notre Dame thumb|Ticket stub for September 25 game versus Notre Dame On September 25, Pitt, wearing their red jerseys, opened the season against third-year coach Frank Leahy's Notre Dame Fighting Irish. The all-time series was tied 5–5–1, but the teams had not met since 1937, when Jock Sutherland was coach.Borghetti E. J. All-Time Series University of Pittsburgh 2008 Pitt Football 142 https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735062136134/viewer#page/139/mode/1up March 24, 2023 Notre Dame had a V-12 Navy College Training Program on their campus and 29 of the 35 men on the travel squad were Navy or Marine trainees. Pitt countered with a squad of freshmen and 4-Fs.Hughes Carl Irish's Navy Marine Trainees May Spoil Shaughnessy's Debut The Pittsburgh Press September 25, 1943 8 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-pittsburgh-press-pitt-ready-for-open/125089311/ May 21, 2023 Newspapers.com The Irish lineup had 5 consensus 1943 All-Americans: halfback – Creighton Miller; tackle – Jim White; guard – Pat Filley; end – John Yonaker and quarterback – Angelo Bertelli, who also won the Heisman Trophy.Consensus All-America Teams (1940-1949) Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football May 21, 2023 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/all-america-1940-1949.html#1943 Johnny Lujack started at quarterback ahead of Bertelli and center Herbert Coleman was named second team on the United Press All-America team.Fraley Oscar Bertelli Tops Voting as Five Irish Gridders Rate UP All-Americans The Pittsburgh Press December 3, 1943 38 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-pittsburgh-press-1943-up-all-america/125089783/ May 21, 2023 Newspapers.com Coach Shaughnessy was far from optimistic: "If Notre Dame doesn't beat us by at least 30 points it ought to go back home ashamed of itself." Pitt guard Francis Mattioli, tackle Martin Rosepink, center Ralph Hammond and halfback Louis Chelko were the only returning lettermen. Mattioli was named captain for the game.Keck Harry Pitt Coach Expects Defeat Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph September 22, 1943 34 https://www.newspapers.com/article/pittsburgh-sun-telegraph-pitt-coach-expe/125092059/ May 21, 2023 Newspapers.com In front of 59,050 fans, the largest opening day football crowd in Pittsburgh history, Notre Dame beat the Panthers handily 41–0. Jim Costin of The South Bend Tribune wrote: "The one-sided result proved conclusively what was apparent to everyone who wouldn't be blinded to the facts of life–that college teams that must depend upon players under the draft age of 18, and on 4-F's simply have no business on the same field with teams manned by naval special trainees."Costin Jim Rykovich and Miller Score Twice in Rout The South Bend Tribune South Bend, IN September 26, 1943 Section 2-1 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-south-bend-tribune-notre-dame-410-o/125139698/ May 22, 2023 Newspapers.com Irish halfback Creighton Miller and substitute back Julius Rykovich each scored two touchdowns. Bob Palladino and Angelo Bertelli added one each. Bertelli connected on 3 of 4 placements and Fred Early made both of his attempts to reach a total of 41. Notre Dame dominated the stats as they earned 20 first downs, gained 372 yards rushing and completed 3 of 6 passes for another 30 yards. They did not throw a pass in the second half. Pitt made 6 first downs, 26 yards rushing and completed 1 of 13 passes for 19 yards.Keck Harry Irish Crush Green Panthers, 41–0 Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph September 26, 1943 Section 2-2 https://www.newspapers.com/article/pittsburgh-sun-telegraph-irish-crush-pan/125142577/ May 22, 2023 Newspapers.com Notre Dame finished the season ranked #1 in the AP football poll with a 9–1 record.Frank Leahy Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football May 22, 2023 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/frank-leahy-1.html The Pitt starting lineup for the game against Notre Dame was Joe Pierre (left end), Milton Ebert (left tackle), Francis Mattioli (left guard), Donald Fisher (center), Gary Feniello (right guard), Martin Rosepink (right tackle), James Maloney (right end), Joseph Mocha (quarterback), Frank Knisley (left halfback), Louis Chelko (right halfback) and William Abromitis (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were Paul Massey, Clair Malarkey, Michael Podrasky, Joseph DeFrank, Leonard West, George Ranii, Walter Germusa, Steve Polach, Ralph Hammond, Joseph Kielb, Richard Trachok, Thomas Kalmanir, Don Matthews, Angelo Carlaccini, and Cyril Plazak. Notre Dame Pittsburgh collapsed 1 Notre Dame 9 34 RushTD Creighton Miller 4 no good Angelo Bertelli run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 6 1 Notre Dame 4 65 RushTD Creighton Miller 41 good Angelo Bertelli run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 13 2 Notre Dame 11 67 RushTD Angelo Bertelli 20 good Angelo Bertelli run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 20 2 Notre Dame 2 8 RushTD Bob Palladino 4 good Fred Earley run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 27 3 Notre Dame 9 55 RushTD Julius Rykovich 3 good Angelo Bertelli run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 34 4 Notre Dame 5 70 RushTD Julius Rykovich 3 good Fred Earley run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 41 41 0 at Great Lakes Week 2: Pitt at Great Lakes Pitt Great Lakes 0 0 0 0 13 13 0 14 October 2, 1943 Ross Field Great Lakes, IL 2:00 p.m. 22,000 cool and windy John Getchell (St. Thomas) 1943 Great Lakes Navy Bluejackets football team thumb|left|Pitt defense trying to halt Notre Dame back Julius Rykovich On October 2, the Panthers traveled to the Great Lakes Naval Station near Lake Michigan to play the Bluejackets in front of 22,000 sailors in training. Coach Tony Hinkle's Jackets were 2–1 on the season. They had beaten Fort Riley and Iowa, and had lost to Purdue. With a backfield consisting of Steve Lach (Duke), Steve Juzwik (Notre Dame), Dewey Proctor (Furman) and Emil Sitko (Notre Dame), the Panthers were facing an All-Star team of seasoned college players.Shevlin Maurice Great Lakes to Meet Pitt Eleven Today The Chicago Tribune October 2, 1943 19 https://www.newspapers.com/article/chicago-tribune-pitt-versus-great-lakes/125180484/ May 23, 2023 Newspapers.com The Bluejackets beat the Panthers 40–0. Steve Lach, who scored 2 touchdowns against the Panthers in Duke's 27–7 victory in 1941, scored 2 again to lead the Jackets. The remaining touchdowns were scored by Emil Sitko, Stan Vrabec, Ken Roskie and Art Murakowski. Joe Rogers added three placements and Frank Yokas made one. Great Lakes dominated on offense and defense. They made 16 first downs and gained 416 total yards, while holding the Panthers to 7 first downs and 121 total yards. The Panthers fumbled 7 times and threw 2 interceptions.Shevlin Maurice Pitt's T Formation Just Man in Motion; Sailors Win, 40–0 The Chicago Tribune October 3, 1943 Part 2–5 https://www.newspapers.com/article/chicago-tribune-sailors-dominate-panther/125189089/ May 23, 2023 Newspapers.com The Bluejackets finished the season ranked #6 in the AP football poll with a 10–2 record.1943 Great Lakes Navy Bluejackets Schedule and Results Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football May 23, 2023 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/great-lakes-navy/1943-schedule.html The Pitt starting lineup for the game against Great Lakes was James Maloney (left end), Martin Rosepink (left tackle), Francis Mattioli (left guard), Don Fisher (center), George Ranii (right guard), Milton Ebert (right tackle), Joe Pierre (right end), Joseph Mocha (quarterback), Frank Knisley (left halfback), Louis Chelko (right halfback) and William Abromitis (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were Clair Malarkey, Paul Massey, Joseph DeFrank, William Galand, Steve Polach, Gary Feniello, Ralph Hammond, Joseph Kielb, Cyril Plazak, John Itzel, Richard Trachok, Don Matthews and Thomas Kalmanir.Improving! The Pittsburgh Press October 3, 1943 Third Section-12 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-pittsburgh-press-pitt-versus-great-l/125192068/ May 23, 2023 Newspapers.com Pittsburgh Great Lakes collapsed 1 Great Lakes 5 27 RushTD Steve Lach 12 good Joe Rogers run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 7 1 Great Lakes 1 65 RushTD Steve Lach 65 no good (wide) Joe Rogers run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 13 2 Great Lakes 7 41 RushTD Emil Sitko 9 no good (wide) Joe Rogers run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 19 2 Great Lakes 4 25 RecTD Stan Vrabec Buist Warren 23 good Joe Rogers run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 26 4 Great Lakes 4 18 RushTD Ken Roskie 6 good Joe Rogers run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 33 4 Great Lakes 5 24 RushTD Art Murakowski 1 good Frank Yokas run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 40 0 40 West Virginia Week 3: West Virginia at Pitt West Virginia Pitt 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 14 October 9, 1943 Pitt Stadium Pittsburgh, PA 2:00 p.m. 12,000–15,000 sunny Thomas Timlin (Niagara) 1943 West Virginia Mountaineers football team thumb|left|Program for October 9 game versus West Virginia thumb|Ticket stub for October 9 game versus West Virginia After a three-year lapse, the Backyard Brawl resumed on October 9. Pitt led the all-time series 26–8–1. Former Mountaineers coach Ira Rodgers replaced Bill Kern, who was serving in the Navy. Rodgers' Mountaineers were 0–1 on the season having lost to Virginia the previous week.1943 West Virginia Mountaineers Schedule and results Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football May 25, 2023 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/west-virginia/1943-schedule.html Coach Rodgers was at the helm in 1928, when West Virginia last beat Pitt (9–6).Record Book Pitt Football 2005 2005 University of Pittsburgh 160 https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735051647059/viewer#page/161/mode/1up May 26, 2023 Prior to the game, the Pitt students held a pep rally. Coach Shaughnessy designated center Ralph Hammond captain for the game. Hammond named Martin Rosepink co-captain, because Rosepink was entering the Navy on Tuesday following the game. The Pitt Band was resurrected and performed at the rally and at halftime. The athletic department would sell $.25 tickets to children 12 and under for the rest of the home games.Hughes Carl Old Rivals Clash Before 15,000 Fans The Pittsburgh Press October 9, 1943 8 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-pittsburgh-press-old-rivals-clash-be/125344547/ May 26, 2023 Newspapers.comPitt's Band Will Play at Pep Rally and Game The Pitt News 37 3 October 8, 1943 1 https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735062138486/viewer#page/1/mode/1up May 26, 2023 The Panthers continued their mastery over the Mountaineers with a 20–0 shutout. Back-up quarterback Joe Kielb scored the first Panther points of the season in the second quarter on fourth down, with a 1-yard dash around the left end. The Panthers led 6–0 at halftime. After a scoreless third period, the Panthers added two more scores in the final quarter. Tom Kalmanir rushed 25-yards to cap a 6-play, 76-yard drive. Gary Feniello added the placement. The Panther offense drove 50 yards for the last score. Bill Abromitis ran the final 10 yards and Feniello added the extra point. The Panthers had the edge statistically with 15 first downs and 234 yards gained, against the Mountaineers 7 first downs and 100 yards gained. Pitt completed only 2 of 9 passes for 51 yards and had 3 intercepted. The Mountaineers completed 5 of 14 for 48 yards with 1 interception. West Virginia finished the season with a 4–3 record. The Pitt starting lineup for the game against West Virginia was Joe Pierre (left end), Martin Rosepink (left tackle), Gary Feniello (left guard), Ralph Hammond (center), Francis Mattioli (right guard), Milton Ebert (right tackle), James Maloney (right end), Joseph Mocha (quarterback), John Itzel (left halfback), Louis Chelko (right halfback) and William Abromitis (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were Paul Massey, Joseph DeFrank, Robert Fowler, Leonard West, Albert Marrangoni, William Galand, George Ranii, Walter Germusa, Steve Polach, Robert Bock, Donald Fisher, Frank Knisley, Walter Jones, Thomas Kalmanir, Joseph Kielb, Richard Trachok, Don Matthews, Cyril Plazak and Jay Brown. West Virginia Pittsburgh collapsed 2 Pittsburgh 8 38 RushTD Joe Kielb 1 no good Gary Feniello run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 6 4 Pittsburgh 6 76 RushTD Tom Kalmanir 25 good Gary Feniello run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 13 4 Pittsburgh 6 50 RushTD Bill Abromitis 1 no good Gary Feniello run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 20 0 20 at Illinois Week 4: Pitt at Illinois Pitt Illinois 0 0 6 19 6 13 0 14 October 16, 1943 Memorial Stadium Champaign, IL 2:00 p.m. 7,144 windy and cold William A. Blake (Loras College) 1943 Illinois Fighting Illini football team thumb|left|Program for October 16 game versus Illinois On October 16, the Panthers traveled to Champaign, IL to play the Fighting Illini for the first time. Ray Eliot's Illini were 1–3 on the season. The Illini, like Pitt, were a team of 17-year-olds and 4-Fs. They lost their first three games, but earned their first victory the previous week against Wisconsin.1943 Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule and Results Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football May 27, 2023 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/illinois/1943-schedule.html Two starters, end James Srednicki and guard Ralph Palmer, were due to report for military service.Kahn Elaine Pitt Clashes With Illinois Tomorrow The Pitt News 37 4 October 15, 1943 6 https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735062138494/viewer#page/6/mode/1up May 27, 2023 Coach Shaughnessy replaced Martin Rosepink with Bill Galand at left tackle. Fullback Bill Abromitis played his final game as a Panther before entering the Navy. Left end Joe Pierre, one of two remaining holdovers from last year, was designated captain for this game. The Panthers were 0–8 against the (Western) Big Ten Conference since they de-emphasized the football program, and they were the underdog in this game.Keck Harry Keck Says Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph October 16, 1943 9 https://www.newspapers.com/article/pittsburgh-sun-telegraph-keck-says/125503933/ May 29, 2023 Newspapers.com The Panthers made a game of it, but lost to the Illini 33–25. After falling behind 19–0 in the first half, the Panthers offense scored 25 second half points, but their defense surrendered 14 more points to seal their fate. Illinois drove 66 yards on the opening drive with Eddie Bray going the final 23 yards for a 6–0 lead. In the second period, Bray ended an 80-yard touchdown march with a 38-yard run. Lester Joop missed both placements. Late in the half, Eddie McGovern scored on an 11-yard run and he added the extra point for the 19–0 lead. In the third quarter, Joe Pierre recovered an Illinois fumble on the Illini 25-yard line. Four plays later, John Itzel scored from the 1-yard line. Early in the final stanza, Pitt scored again on a 5-yard touchdown scamper by Itzel to cut the margin to 19–12. The Illini answered with McGovern racing 64-yards and he added the point after to make the score 26–12. Pitt drove 62-yards for their third touchdown, a 5-yard run by Frank Knisley, to cut the lead to 26–18. Illinois answered again with a 51-yard drive. McGovern scored his third touchdown on a 14-yard dash around left end, and Dan Greenwood converted the placement. Pitt drove 69-yards with John Itzel scoring his third touchdown, and Joe Kielb added the extra point to end the scoring.Barry Howard Illini Score 33–25 Victory Over Panthers Chicago Sunday Tribune October 17, 1943 Part 2-2 https://www.newspapers.com/article/chicago-tribune-illinois-beats-panthers/125518683/ May 29, 2023 Newspapers.com Offensively the Panthers gained 14 first downs to 11 for the Illini. Illinois gained 318 yards on the ground to 103 yards for Pitt, although the Panthers completed 14 of 17 passes for 156 yards. At one point quarterback Joe Mocha completed 9 passes in a row. The Pitt starting lineup for the game against Illinois was Joe Pierre (left end), Milton Ebert (left tackle), Francis Mattioli (left guard), Ralph Hammond (center), Gary Feniello (right guard), William Galand (right tackle), James Maloney (right end), Joseph Mocha (quarterback), John Itzel (left halfback), Louis Chelko (right halfback), and William Abromitis (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were Jay Brown, Paul Massey, James Reber, George Ranii, Gary Feniello, Robert Fowler, William Galand, Steve Polach, Joseph Kielb, Thomas Kalmanir, Don Matthews, Richard Trachok and Frank Knisley.Fighting Panthers Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph October 17, 1943 Section 2-2 https://www.newspapers.com/article/pittsburgh-sun-telegraph-fighting-panthe/125519926/ May 29, 2023 Newspapers.com Pittsburgh Illinois collapsed 1 Illinois 4 66 RushTD Eddie Bray 23 no good Lester Joop run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 6 2 Illinois 80 RushTD Eddie Bray 38 no good Lester Joop run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 12 2 Illinois 3 47 RushTD Eddie McGovern 11 good Eddie McGovern run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 19 3 Pittsburgh 5 25 RushTD John Itzel 1 no good Gary Feniello run/pass good/failed/incomplete 6 19 4 Pittsburgh 6 60 RushTD John Itzel 5 no good Gary Feniello run/pass good/failed/incomplete 12 19 4 Illinois 2 64 RushTD Eddie McGovern 64 good Eddie McGovern run/pass good/failed/incomplete 12 26 4 Pittsburgh 6 72 RushTD Frank Knisley 5 no good Gary Feniello run/pass good/failed/incomplete 18 26 4 Illinois 5 51 RushTD Eddie McGovern 14 good Don Greenwood run/pass good/failed/incomplete 18 33 4 Pittsburgh 5 69 RushTD John Itzel 8 good Joe Kielb run/pass good/failed/incomplete 25 33 25 33 Bethany Week 5: Bethany at Pitt Bethany Pitt 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 12 October 23, 1943 Pitt Stadium Pittsburgh, PA 2:00 p.m. 6,000 cool John H. Coles (Westminster) Bethany College (West Virginia) thumb|left|Program for October 23 Bethany game On October 23, the Panthers welcomed the Bethany Bisons for the seventh time. Pitt had won the previous 6 meetings and had yet to surrender a point to Bethany (194–0).https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735051653081/viewer#page/126/mode/1up 2010 Pitt Football 2010 University of Pittsburgh 125 May 30, 2023 The Bisons had a Naval Training Program on campus, and expected to do well on the gridiron. But, John Knight's Bisons were 0–3 on the season, having lost to Miami (Ohio), Ohio Wesleyan and Oberlin.Keck Harry Panthers Seen Sure Victors Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph October 23, 1943 9 https://www.newspapers.com/article/pittsburgh-sun-telegraph-pitt-versus-bet/125583336/ May 30, 2023 Newspapers.com Coach Shaughnessy replaced: Bill Abromitis with Frank Knisley at fullback; Bill Galand with James Reber at tackle; and Gary Feniello with George Ranii at guard. Halfback Louis Chelko was designated Captain for the game. Pitt continued its mastery over the Bisons with a hard-fought 18–0 victory. The first half was scoreless. The Panthers offense received the third-quarter kick-off and moved the ball 58 yards in 19 plays. Tom Kalmanir raced 2-yards around left end for the score. Paul Massey missed the placement. Pitt scored twice in the final stanza. A 16-yard touchdown pass from Joe Mocha to Joe Pierre doubled the score to 12–0. Following the kick-off, Bethany substitute halfback, Charles Fultineer, fumbled a Ralph Hammond punt, and Joe Kielb recovered for the Panthers on the Bison 29-yard line. On second down, Tom Kalmanir ran 28 yards around left end for the final touchdown. Both of Massey's extra point attempts were blocked. Late in the game, Kalmanir returned a punt 77-yards for an apparent touchdown, but the Panthers were penalized for clipping.Hughes Carl Big Green Stymied By Weak Offensive The Pittsburgh Press October 24, 1943 Third Section-12 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-pittsburgh-press-pitt-defense-wins-g/125641035/ May 31, 2023 Newspapers.com The Pitt starting lineup for the game against Bethany was Joe Pierre (left end), James Reber (left tackle), Francis Mattioli (left guard), Ralph Hammond (center), George Ranii (right guard), Milton Ebert (right tackle), Paul Massey (right end), Joseph Mocha (quarterback), John Itzel (left halfback), Louis Chelko (right halfback) and Frank Knisley (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were James Maloney, Jay Brown, Joseph DeFrank, Robert Fowler, William Galand, Robert Schneider, Steve Polach, Don Fisher, John Foley, Walter Jones, Joseph Kielb, Richard Trachok and Don Matthews. Bethany Pittsburgh collapsed 3 Pittsburgh 19 58 RushTD Tom Kalmanir 2 no good (wide) Paul Massey run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 6 4 Pittsburgh 46 RecTD Joe Pierre Joe Mocha 16 no good (blocked) Paul Massey run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 12 4 Pittsburgh 2 29 RushTD Tom Kalmanir 28 no good (blocked) Paul Massey run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 18 0 18 Carnegie Tech Week 6: Carnegie Tech at Pitt Carnegie Tech Pitt 0 0 0 6 7 19 13 6 October 30, 1943 Pitt Stadium Pittsburgh, PA 2:00 p.m. 12,000 cool Yans Wallace Carnegie Mellon Tartans football thumb|left|Program for October 30 game versus Carnegie tech thumb|Ticket stub for October 30 game versus Carnegie Tech On October 30, the Panthers and Tartans played the final chapter of the "City Game". Pitt led the series 23–5–1. Tech's last win was in 1938, when, in front of 61,000 fans, the Sugar Bowl bound Tartans, under the leadership of former Pitt star Bill Kern, beat the Panthers 20–10. The Tartans were now led by Joe Skladany, another former Pitt All-American. This was the final game of Tech's abbreviated war-time schedule. They were winless in their first four games. They tied Lehigh and lost to Rochester, Case and West Virginia. Due to injuries, Skladany had to replace a tackle, end, quarterback and fullback in his starting lineup.Keck Harry Tartan Eleven in Final Game of War Season Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph October 30, 1943 9 https://www.newspapers.com/article/pittsburgh-sun-telegraph-tartan-eleven-i/125679432/ June 1, 2023 Newspapers.com Pitt was a heavy favorite, but Coach Shaughnessy was cautious: "There's no rhyme nor reason why Tech should beat us Saturday, but that makes me worry more than ever. I know how scraps like this can be and I don't intend to let up any between now and Saturday just because we're supposed to win." Tom Kalmanir replaced Louis Chelko at left halfback in the starting lineup and Francis Mattioli was designated Captain.Hughes Carl Shaughnessy Takes No Chances on Tech The Pittsburgh Press October 28, 1943 23 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-pittsburgh-press-shaughnessy-takes-n/125680288/ June 1, 2023 Newspapers.com 12,000 spectators watched as the Panthers beat the Tartans 45–6. This was the largest margin of victory in the 30-game series. Shaughnessy played 39 substitutes, and seven different Panthers scored touchdowns. Fullback Frank Knisley's 1-yard plunge at the end of the opening quarter started the rout. Paul Massey added the extra point. In the second period, a Joe Mocha 40-yard touchdown pass to John Itzel and Paul Massey missed extra point was followed by a 33-yard touchdown pass from Joe Kielb to Dick Trachok. Gary Feniello was good on the placement and Pitt led 20–0. Late in the quarter substitute halfback, Walter Jones, ran 59-yards and John Foley missed the extra point to raise the halftime score to 26–0. Pitt opened the third quarter with a 33-yard touchdown pass from Joe Mocha to Tom Kalmanir. Frank Knisley missed the placement. Then, Joe Kielb connected with Don Matthews on a 27-yard touchdown pass, and Matthews added the point after to bring the score to 39–0 at the end of the third quarter. The Tartans offense sustained a drive in the last period, and an Irwin Breier 37-yard touchdown pass to Al Ghizzoni gave the Tech Homecoming crowd a reason to cheer. Breier's placement was blocked. Pitt closed the scoring on a 45-yard interception return by Bob Steytler. After fumbling the snap, Steytler was stopped short on running for the extra point.Hughes Carl Dead Game Skibos Put Up Good Fight The Pittsburgh Press October 31, 1943 Third Section-12 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-pittsburgh-press-pitt-beats-tech-45/125689638/ June 1, 2023 Newspapers.com The Pitt starting lineup for the game against Carnegie Tech was Paul Massey (left end), James Reber (left tackle), Francis Mattioli (left guard), Ralph Hammond (center), George Ranii (right guard), Milton Ebert (right tackle), Joe Pierre (right end), Joseph Mocha (quarterback), John Itzel (left halfback), Thomas Kalmanir (right halfback) and Frank Knisley (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were John Pager, Myron Pavuk, Donald Owen, James Maloney, Jay Brown, Paul Oberkircher, Warren Humes, Herbert Lurie, Herbert Sheinberg, Robert Fowler, James McDonough, Albert Marrangoni, William Galand, Robert Schneider, Max Scherb, Peter Siedyia, Paul Steinlauf, Joseph DeFrank, Steve Polach, Gary Feniello, Harry Alward, Al Beckman, Robert Bock, Donald Fisher, George Saphos, Edward Reese, Frank Gallo, Samuel Grecco, George Linelli, John Foley, John Fox, Walter Germusa, Robert Steytler, Dean Carey, Walter Jones, Joseph Kielb, Richard Trachok, Don Matthews and Cyril Plazak.Keck Harry Passers, Kalmanir Stand Out Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph October 31, 1943 Section 2-2 https://www.newspapers.com/article/pittsburgh-sun-telegraph-local-lacing/125690768/ June 1, 2023 Newspapers.com Carnegie Tech Pittsburgh collapsed 1 Pittsburgh 5 48 RushTD Frank Knisley 1 good Paul Massey run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 7 2 Pittsburgh 1 40 RecTD John Itzel Joe Mocha 40 no good Paul Massey run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 13 2 Pittsburgh RecTD Dick Trachok Joe Kielb 33 good Gary Feniello run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 20 2 Pittsburgh 1 59 RushTD Walter Jones 59 no good John Foley run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 26 3 Pittsburgh 57 RecTD Tom Kalmanir Joe Mocha 33 no good Frank Knisley run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 32 3 Pittsburgh 1 27 RecTD Don Matthews Joe Kielb 27 good Don Matthews run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 39 4 Carnegie Tech RecTD Al Ghizzoni Irwin Breier 37 no good (blocked) Irwin Breier run/pass good/failed/incomplete 6 39 4 Pittsburgh 1 45 IntTD John Itzel 45 no good (fumbled snap) Robert Steytler run/pass good/failed/incomplete 6 45 6 45 Ohio State Week 7: Ohio State at Pitt Ohio State Pitt 25 21 0 0 0 0 6 0 November 6, 1943 Pitt Stadium Pittsburgh, PA 2:00 p.m. 30,000 fair and warm Russell H. Rupp (Lebanon Valley) 1943 Ohio State Buckeyes football team thumb|left|Program for November 6 game versus Ohio State thumb|Pass for November 6 game versus Ohio State On November 6, Coach Paul Brown's Ohio State Buckeyes were Pitt's opponent. The Buckeyes arrived in Pittsburgh with a 1–5 record.1943 Ohio State Buckeyes Schedule and Results Sports Reference LLC SR/Coillege Football June 3, 2023 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/ohio-state/1943-schedule.html After the Carnegie Tech victory, Coach Shaughnessy was optimistic: "I'm not saying what the result of the game with Ohio State will be, but I think it will be a fine battle all the way."Doyle Chilly Panthers Look Ahead to Ohio State game Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph October 31, 1943 Section 2-2 https://www.newspapers.com/article/pittsburgh-sun-telegraph-panthers-look-a/125845573/ June 4, 2023 Newspapers.com Shaughnessy lost 6 straight games to Ohio State when he coached Chicago and the Panthers had not beaten a Western Conference team since the football program was de-emphasized (0–9). Louis Chelko was back in the lineup at left halfback, and Ralph Hammond was the designated Captain for the two touchdown underdog Panthers.Sell Jack Visitors Rated two Touchdowns Better Than Foe Pittsburgh Post-Gazette November 6, 1943 12 https://www.newspapers.com/article/pittsburgh-post-gazette-pitt-two-touchdo/125847081/ June 4, 2023 Newspapers.com In front of 30,000 Homecoming fans, the second-largest crowd of the season, Ohio State scored 7 unanswered touchdowns in the first half, and cruised to a 46–6 blowout victory over the Panthers. The Pitt defense could not stop the Buckeyes' first or second stringers. Mercifully, Coach Brown played his third and fourth string in the second half. Buckeye halfback, Ernie Parks, scored the first time he touched the ball on a 68-yard end sweep and the rout was on. Next, Dean Sensanbaugher scored on a 21-yard reverse before Parks added his second touchdown on a 9-yard run at the end of a 65-yard drive. Fullback, Glen Oliver, scored the next three touchdowns. Late in the half, Bob Hecker connected with Ernie Plank on a 40-yard touchdown pass. John Stungis converted 4 of 7 extra points and the Buckeyes had a 46–0 halftime lead. In the third period the Panthers managed a 5-play, 73-yard drive that ended with a John Itzel 1-yard plunge for the score. Itzel missed the placement. Ohio had 2 scoring opportunities in the second half, but the Panther defense managed to thwart both drives.Keck Harry Ohio State Runs Over Pitt, 46–6 Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph November 7, 1943 Section 2-2 https://www.newspapers.com/article/pittsburgh-sun-telegraph-ohio-state-runs/125849889/ June 4, 2023 Newspapers.com The Buckeyes finished Paul Brown's last season with a 3–6 record. The Pitt starting lineup for the game against Ohio State was Joe Pierre (left end), Milton Ebert (left tackle), Francis Mattioli (left guard), Ralph Hammond (center), George Ranii (right guard), James Reber (right tackle), Paul Massey (right end), Joseph Kielb (quarterback), John Itzel (left halfback), Louis Chelko (right halfback) and Frank Knisley (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were James Maloney, Jay Brown, Joseph DeFrank, James McDonough, William Galand, Robert Schneider, Steve Polach, Donald Fisher, Joseph Mocha, John Foley, Walter Jones, Richard Trachok, Thomas Kalmanir and Don Matthews. Ohio State Pittsburgh collapsed 1 Ohio State 1 68 RushTD Ernie Parks 68 no good John Stungis run/pass good/failed/incomplete 6 0 1 Ohio State 3 35 RushTD Dean Sensanbaugher 21 no good John Stungis run/pass good/failed/incomplete 12 0 1 Ohio State 9 64 RushTD Ernie Parks 9 good John Stungis run/pass good/failed/incomplete 19 0 1 Ohio State 5 67 RushTD Glen Oliver 29 no good John Stungis run/pass good/failed/incomplete 25 0 2 Ohio State 5 60 RushTD Glen Oliver 3 good John Stungis run/pass good/failed/incomplete 32 0 2 Ohio State 6 34 RushTD Glen Oliver 3 good John Stungis run/pass good/failed/incomplete 39 0 2 Ohio State 2 45 RecTD Ernie Plank Bob Hecker 40 good John Stungis run/pass good/failed/incomplete 46 0 3 Pittsburgh 5 73 RushTD John Itzel 1 no good John Itzel run/pass good/failed/incomplete 46 6 46 6 Penn State Week 8: Penn State at Pitt Penn State Pitt 7 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 November 20, 1943 Pitt Stadium Pittsburgh, PA 2:00 p.m. 20,000 fair and cool Lt. F. H. Keating (Fitchburg State Teachers College) 1943 Penn State Nittany Lions football team thumb|left|Program for November 20 game versus Penn State thumb|Ticket stub for November 20 game versus Penn State The final game on the schedule of this war-time season was against Penn State. Pitt led the all-time series 24–16–2, but the Lions had won the last two games and three of the past four games.Borghetti E. J. All-Time Series University of Pittsburgh 2008 Pitt Football 143 https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735062136134/viewer#page/140/mode/1up June 4, 2023 Penn State was one of two schools that had the Army, Navy and Air Force Training Programs on campus. Coach Bob Higgins had 600 trainees report for try-outs. His main problem was who would be available at game time. Oddly, Bill Abromitis was the starting halfback for the Lions. The first four weeks of the season Bill was the starting fullback for the Panthers, and then he joined the Navy.Panaccio Tim Beast of the East 0-88011-068-6 Leisure Press West Point, NY 1982 140 The Lions were 4–3–1 for the season.1943 Penn State Nittany Lions Schedule and Results Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football June 4, 2023 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/penn-state/1943-schedule.html Coach Shaughnessy had to adjust the Pitt lineup due to injuries: Jimmy McDonough replaced Milt Ebert at left tackle; Dick Trachok replaced Frank Knisley at fullback; and Walter Jones replaced Louis Chelko at right halfback. Since the Nittany Lions defense only surrendered 53 points in their 8 games, while the Panthers defense gave up 166 points in 7 games, the Panthers were two touchdown underdogs.Keck Harry Abromitis Named to Start, 15,000 to See Tussle Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph November 20, 1943 9 https://www.newspapers.com/article/pittsburgh-sun-telegraph-abromitis-named/125858825/ June 4, 2023 Newspapers.com Penn State beat the Panthers 14–0 and for the first time in forty years, extended their win streak over Pitt to three games. Former Pitt fullback, Bill Abromitis set up the first touchdown with a 17-yard pass completion to Dick Trumbull to the 3-yard line. Then, on second down he ran the ball into the end zone. Ed Czekaj booted the point after and State led 7–0. Late in the second quarter, State gained possession on the Panther 45-yard line. A 21-yard reverse by Tubby Crawford and 10-yard run by Cass Sisler highlighted the drive to the 8-yard line. The Pitt defense stiffened and the Lions lined up for a field goal with Dick McCown holding for Ed Czekaj's attempt from the 12-yard line. It was a fake and Dick McCown raced around right end for the touchdown. Ed Czekaj added the point and State led 14–0. The second half was scoreless. Pitt was in State territory once in the third period, and again on the last play of the game. Statistically, the Panthers' offense gained minus-26 yards on the ground, and completed 4 of 18 passes for 97 yards. Penn State intercepted 2 passes and recovered 3 Pitt fumbles. Pitt ended the season with a 3–5 record. They scored 114 points and surrendered 174. Coach Shaughnessy told the Sun-Telegraph: "I'm satisfied, our boys fought their hearts out, showed they knew how to tackle and that they are better than they looked in the game with Ohio State."Keck Harry State Downs Pitt, 14–0 Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph November 21, 1943 Section 2–3 https://www.newspapers.com/article/pittsburgh-sun-telegraph-state-downs-pit/125892972/ June 5, 2023 Newspapers.com Even though Bill Abromitis ended up on the Penn State team, his school of choice was Pittsburgh, so he received his football letter from Pitt.Panaccio Tim Beast of the East 0-88011-068-6 Leisure Press West Point, NY 1982 142 The Pitt starting lineup for the game against Penn State was Joe Pierre (left end), James McDonough (left tackle), Francis Mattioli (left guard), Ralph Hammond (center), George Ranii (right guard), James Reber (right tackle), Paul Massey (right end), Joseph Mocha (quarterback), John Itzel (left halfback), Walter Jones (right halfback) and Richard Trachok (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were James Maloney, Donald Owen, Joseph DeFrank, Albert Marrongoni, Milton Ebert, William Galand, Robert Schneider, Walter Germusa, Steve Polach, Gary Feniello, John Fox, Donald Fisher, John Foley, Joseph Kielb, Kalmanir, Louis Chelko and Don Matthews. Penn State Pittsburgh collapsed 1 Penn State 8 37 RushTD Bill Abromitis 6 good Ed Czekaj run/pass good/failed/incomplete 7 0 2 Penn State 7 45 RushTD Dick McCown 12 good Ed Czekaj run/pass good/failed/incomplete 14 0 14 0 Individual scoring summary 1943 Pittsburgh Panthers scoring summaryPittsburgh Panthers Player Touchdowns Extra points Field goals Safety Points John Itzel500030 Tom Kalmanir400024 Frank Knisley200012 Joe Kielb11007 Don Matthews11007 Richard Trachok10006 Walter Jones10006 Robert Steytler10006 Joe Pierre10006 Bill Abromitis10006 Gary Feniello03003 Paul Massey01001 Totals18600114 Postseason Three Panthers were named to the Associated Press All-State football team. Third-year guard, Francis Mattioli, was named to the second team as a tackle. Two seventeen-year-old freshmen, quarterback Joe Mocha and halfback Tom Kalmanir, received honorable mention.Pitts Place on All-State Team The Pitt News 37 11 December 3, 1943 7 https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735062138569/viewer#page/7/mode/1up June 10, 2023 The Athletic Department gave letters to William Abromitis, Jay Brown, Louis Chelko, Joseph DeFrank, Milton Ebert, Gary Feniello, Don Fisher, John Foley, Robert Fowler, William Galand, Walter Germusa, Ralph Hammond, John Itzel, Walter Jones, Thomas Kalmanir, Joe Kielb, Frank Knisley, James Maloney, Paul Massey, Don Matthews, Francis Mattioli, Joe Mocha, Joe Pierre, Cyril Plazak, George Ranii, james Reber, Martin Rosepink, Rich Trachok and Bill Rudoy.Football Lettermen University of Pittsburgh Media Relations Office 2010 Pitt Football 178–184 June 10, 2023 https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735051653081/viewer#page/179/mode/1up References Pittsburgh Category:Pittsburgh Panthers football seasons Pittsburgh Panthers football