1923 Michigan Agricultural Aggies football team

American college football season February 2026 August 2023 1923 Michigan Agricultural Aggies football 1923 Michigan Agricultural Aggies football team.png 285 Independent 3–5 Ralph H. Young 1st Maurice Taylor Aggie Stadium The 1923 Michigan Agricultural Aggies football team was an American football team that represented Michigan Agricultural College (MAC), now known as Michigan State University, as an independent during the 1923 college football season. In their first year under head coach Ralph H. Young, the Aggies compiled a 3–5 record and were outscored by a total of 144 to 56. It was the Aggies' 28th season of intercollegiate football.2017 Football Media Guide Michigan State University 142, 148 March 17, 2020 https://s3.amazonaws.com/msuspartans.com/documents/2017/8/3/_msu_m_footbl_2017_18_misc_non_event__spartan-history.pdf MAC opened its season with a 34–0 loss to Amos Alonzo Stagg's Chicago Maroons. The Aggies also suffered one-sided losses to Wisconsin (21–0), rival Michigan (37–0), and Creighton (27–7). The team's only victories were in games with 1923 Lake Forest Foresters Lake Forest (21–6), 1923 Albion Methodists Albion (13–0), and Detroit (2–0). After the victory over Detroit in the final game of the season, MAC's students were criticized for their "deplorable" actions as "an ordinary mob" resulting in the destruction of private property and a "battle with the police." The Lansing State Journal wrote that the students needed "a good spanking."College Control Lansing State Journal November 20, 1923 4 https://www.newspapers.com/article/lansing-state-journal-college-control/167176622/ Newspapers.com Key players included end Ray "Stub" Kipke, the younger brother of Michigan's All-American halfback Harry Kipke,Brother Against Brother Duel To Thrill Thousands The Port Huron Times-Herald October 27, 1923 13 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-herald-brother-against-brother/167178223/ Newspapers.comM.A.C. May Be Minus Ray Kipke The Grand Rapids Press November 13, 1923 21 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-grand-rapids-press-mac-may-be-min/167178336/ Newspapers.com and quarterback Roland Richards. MAC played its games in a new, but not fully completed, concrete Aggie Stadium with a seating capacity of 16,000 for the 1923 season.Aggie Stadium To Be Ready Oct. 1 Lansing State Journal September 10, 1923 1 https://www.newspapers.com/article/lansing-state-journal-finishing-touches/131629359/ The stadium was officially dedicated in 1924. Schedule y y September 29 at Chicago Stagg Field Chicago, IL L 0-34 22,000 Maroons Show Class in 34-0 Victory: Smother Aggies of Michigan in First Grid Game Chicago Tribune Ted Iserman September 30, 1923 1 (part 2) https://www.newspapers.com/article/chicago-tribune-httpswwwnewspapersc/167177065/ Newspapers.com October 6 1923 Lake Forest Foresters Lake Forest Aggie Stadium East Lansing, MI W 21-6 >8,000 Aggies Initiate New Stadium With Win Over Lake Forest Lansing State Journal October 8, 1923 12 https://www.newspapers.com/article/lansing-state-journal-aggies-initiate-ne/167177187/ Newspapers.com October 13 at Wisconsin Camp Randall Stadium Madison, WI L 0-21 Badgers Show More Strength in Second Game: Triumph Over Aggies by 21-0 Score; Taft Gets Back in Battle The Wisconsin State Journal Tommy Thompson October 14, 1923 19 https://www.newspapers.com/article/wisconsin-state-journal-badgers-show-mor/167177326/ Newspapers.com October 20 1923 Albion Methodists Albion Aggie Stadium East Lansing, MI W 13-0 Aggies Defeat Albion Team 13-0 Avenging 1921 Defeat Lansing State Journal October 22, 1923 12 https://www.newspapers.com/article/lansing-state-journal-aggies-defeat-albi/167177417/ Newspapers.com October 27 at Michigan Ferry Field Ann Arbor, MI (rivalry) L 0-37 Maize and Blue Crushes Over-Matched Aggies In Annual Game, Score 37-0: Varsity Warriors Bury the Farmers (part 1) Detroit Free Press Sam Greene Sam Greene (sportswriter) October 28, 1923 20 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/6671708/maize_and_blue_crushes_overmatched/ November 3 1923 Ohio Wesleyan Battling Bishops Ohio Wesleyan Aggie Stadium East Lansing, MI L 14-19 Aggies Give Wesleyan Scare But Drop Tilt, 19-14 Lansing State Journal November 5, 1923 13 https://www.newspapers.com/article/lansing-state-journal-aggies-give-wesley/167177552/ Newspapers.com November 10 Creighton<hc> Aggie Stadium East Lansing, MI L 7-27 Creighton University Wins From Aggies at Homecoming Lansing State Journal November 12, 1923 13 https://www.newspapers.com/article/lansing-state-journal-creighton-universi/167177659/ Newspapers.com November 17 at Detroit University of Detroit Stadium Detroit, MI W 2-0 Safety in First Quarter, Only Score Made, Enables M.A.C. to Beat U. of D.: Aggies Reveal Tight Defense During Strife Detroit Free Press Stanley L. Brink November 18, 1923 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/23948433/safety_in_first_quarter_only_score/ Newspapers.com Before the season thumb|right|145px|Newly hired head coach, Ralph H. Young With dissatisfaction among MAC alumni after the football team went 6–10–2 between 1921 and 1922, head coach Albert Barron stepped down after the 1922 season.Barron To Quit As M.A.C. Coach The Kalamazoo Gazette December 20, 1922 24 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kalamazoo-gazette-barron-to-quit/167178769/ Newspapers.com Ralph H. Young was hired as both athletic director and head coach of the school's major sports, including football, with his duties set to commence on September 1.Barron had served as acting athletic director following Chester Brewer's resignation.M.A.C. Gets Kazoo Coach: Ralph Young to Fill Berth of Athletic Director Lansing State Journal March 6, 1923 1, 14 https://www.newspapers.com/article/lansing-state-journal-mac-gets-kazoo/167178592/ Newspapers.comMarch 6, 1923 M. A. C. Selects Coach Young as Athletic Chief https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kalamazoo-gazette-m-a-c-selects-c/167095835/ March 2, 2025 The Kalamazoo Gazette 1 Young came to MAC following a successful tenure of six years (combined)Young coached at Kalamazoo from 1916 to 1917 and from 1919 to 1922. at Kalamazoo College.March 9, 1923 Young Has Championship Habit https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-grand-rapids-press-young-has-champio/167096084/ March 2, 2025 The Grand Rapids Press 30 He led Kalamazoo's football team to an overall record of 33–16–2 and won three Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) championships. He also briefly served as the head football coach for DePauw in 1915, giving him a combined overall record of 38–19–2. Young's first staff move was to hire former All-Western Ohio State guard Tarzan Taylor as the school's line coach.September 11, 1923 New Coach Reports to Young at M. A. C. https://www.newspapers.com/article/lansing-state-journal-new-coach-reports/166879468/ February 28, 2025 Lansing State Journal 10 Taylor had just finished winning back-to-back APFA/NFL championships with the Chicago Staleys and Canton Bulldogs, respectively. Young also retained renowned football, basketball, and baseball coach Mysterious Walker to be the team's freshman coach, after spending the previous season as the team's backfield coach.March 2025 Former MAC star fullback George E. Julian offered to unofficially look over the backfield.September 10, 1923 Ohio State Star to Assistant at the M. A. C. https://www.newspapers.com/article/battle-creek-enquirer-ohio-state-star-to/167096035/ March 2, 2025 Battle Creek Enquirer 11 Michigan Agricultural played its previous 23 seasons at Old College Field, but prior to the 1923 season, construction began on a new $160,000 stadium. The stadium was temporarily referred to as Aggie Stadium before being dedicated in 1924 as College Field. The stadium was only partially completed upon the team's home-opener on October 6 but was still able to hold 16,000 people. Game summaries Chicago Week 1: Michigan Agricultural at Chicago Michigan Agricultural Chicago 0 0 0 0 14 5 0 14 September 29 Stagg FieldChicago, IL 22,000 Horatio B. Hackett (Army) Source: September 30, 1923 Maroon Team Flogs Aggies to 34-0 Tune https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-pittsburgh-post-maroon-team-flogs-ag/167130744/ March 3, 2025 The Pittsburgh Post Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 31 Newspapers.com thumb|Chicago's Bill Zorn being tackled during the team's game Michigan Agricultural opened its 1923 season against the University of Chicago at Stagg Field, and lost to the Maroons 34–0 in what was Ralph H. Young's first game as head coach of the Aggies. In a game dominated by Chicago in every aspect, Michigan Agricultural did not score a single point throughout the entire game.Ted Iserman September 30, 1923 Smother Aggies of Michigan in First Grid Game https://www.newspapers.com/article/chicago-tribune-smother-aggies-of-michig/167132044/ March 3, 2025 Chicago Tribune Chicago, Illinois 21 Newspapers.com The Maroons throttled the Aggies with two 20-yard touchdown passes in the first quarter. The dominance continued throughout the game as Chicago captain Jimmy Pyott scored following a fumble by the Aggies. End Campbell Dickson paved the way for the Chicago victory as he scored three of the team's five touchdowns. Michigan Agricultural did not complete a single pass, as their one completion was called back for an offsides penalty, while also throwing three interceptions. The starting lineup was Ray Kipke (left end), Vivian Hultman (left tackle), Donald Haskins (left guard), Harold Eckerman (center), Maurice Taylor (right guard), Edward Eckert (right tackle), Allen Edmunds (right end) Roland Richards (quarterback), Elton NellerIncorrectly spelt as Keller in some sources. (left halfback), Vern Schmyser (right halfback), Ernest Lioret (fullback). Lake Forest Week 2: Lake Forest at Michigan Agricultural Lake Forest Michigan Agricultural 0 0 6 0 14 7 0 0 October 6 Aggie StadiumEast Lansing, MI >8,000 Ray (Illinois) Source: thumb|Photo from the game against Lake Forest On October 6, MAC defeated the team from Lake Forest College, 21–6, in the first game played at the newly-constructed Aggie Stadium. In the first quarter, the Aggies faked a kick from the 30-yard line, Roland Richards throwing a touchdown pass to Ray Kipke in the end zone. On the next play after the kickoff, Kipke ran for 40 yards to the Lake Forest five-yard line. Vern Schmyser then ran for the touchdown. The Aggies scored their third touchdown in the second quarter on a 25-yard touchdown pass from Richards to Kipke. Lake Forest scored its points in the third quarter on a 60-yard drive capped with a touchdown run by Bell. The starting lineup was Ray Kipke (left end), Maurice Taylor (left tackle), Vivian Hultman (left guard), Harold Eckerman (center), Paul Hackett (right guard), Donald Haskins (right tackle),Incorrectly referred to as Hasken in some sources. Allen Edmunds (right end), Roland Richards (quarterback), Elton Neller (left halfback), Vern Schmyser (right halfback), Ernest Lioret (fullback). October 7, 1923 Open Stadium With Victory https://www.newspapers.com/article/battle-creek-enquirer-open-stadium-with/167206666/ March 4, 2025 Battle Creek Enquirer Battle Creek, Michigan 20 Newspapers.com Wisconsin Week 3: Michigan Agricultural at Wisconsin Michigan Agricultural Wisconsin 0 0 0 0 0 7 0 14 October 13 Camp Randall StadiumMadison, WI W. D. Knight (Dartmouth) Source: Prior to the game, MAC captain Maurice Taylor was ruled out for the game due to a leg injury he had suffered prior to the season. October 11, 1923 Aggies to Play Minus Captain https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-aggies-to-play-minus/167279487/ March 5, 2025 Detroit Free Press Detroit, Michigan 20 Newspapers.com On October 13, MAC lost to Wisconsin, 21–0, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. On their opening possession, the Aggies drove to Wiconsin's five-yard line but failed to score. MAC quarterback Roland Richards was injured in the first quarter and did not return to the game. The Aggies managed only four first downs in the game. Wisconsin's first touchdown followed a muffed punt by Hultman from the end zone, the ball going out of bounds at MAC's 15-yeard line. Albion Week 4: Albion at Michigan Agricultural Albion Michigan Agricultural 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 6 October 20 Aggie StadiumEast Lansing, MI Costello (Georgetown) Source: thumb|Albion punting On October 20, MAC defeated the team from Albion College, 13–0, in the second game played at the new Aggie Stadium. The Aggies scored both of its touchdowns after blocking Albion punts. After a scoreless first half, Robinson blocked an Albion punt in the third quarter, and Ray Kipke recovered the ball on Albion's 27-yard line. On the next play, Roland Richards threw a touchdown pass to Hugh Robinson. In the fourth quarter, Vivian Hultman blocked the second punt and recovered the ball at the 33-yard line. Vern Schmyser scored on a short run. The starting lineup was Ray Kipke (left end), Edward Eckert (left tackle), Vivian Hultman (left guard), Harold Eckerman (center), Maurice Taylor (right guard), Donald Haskins (right tackle), Allen Edmunds (right end),Incorrectly spelt as Edmonds in some sources. Boeheringer (quarterback),Listed as the starter, but is not mentioned in the 1924 Wolverine Yearbook. Vern Schmyser (left halfback), Arthur Beckley (right halfback), Elton Neller (fullback). October 21, 1923 Michigan Aggies Beat Albion 13 to 0 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-saginaw-news-michigan-aggies-beat-al/167211816/ March 4, 2025 The Saginaw News Saginaw, Michigan 21 Newspapers.com Michigan Week 5: Michigan Agricultural at Michigan Michigan Agricultural Michigan 0 0 0 0 24 6 7 0 October 27 Ferry Field Ann Arbor, MI Harry Costello Leading up to the team's rivalry game, captain Maurice Taylor returned to his position as a tackle after being moved into the guard spot while nursing his leg injury. Edward Eckert, who started at tackle in Taylor's place, was hospitalized before the game due to an illness. October 24, 1923 Aggied Drill on Yost Plays https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-aggied-drill-on-yost/167279828/ March 5, 2025 Detroit Free Press Detroit, Michigan 17 Newspapers.com On October 27, 1923, the Aggies lost to Michigan, 37–0, at Ferry Field. Harry Kipke's "broken field running figured prominently in Michigan's scoring." Richard Vick started in place of Herb Steger, who was held in reserve for the Iowa game the following week. A newspaper account of the game reported that Vick "played brilliantly, plunging and passing for repeated gains," revealing "a wealth of strength among the Michigan reserves."Michigan Crushes Aggies in Gridiron Walkaway, 37 to 0 The Indianapolis Sunday Star October 28, 1923 2 The 1924 Michiganensian reported that the Aggies "furnished a good practice game" and noted the every player on the Michigan bench was able to play in the game.1924 Michiganensian, "Review of Season," page 226. Ohio Wesleyan Week 6: Ohio Wesleyan at Michigan Agricultural Ohio Wesleyan Michigan Agricultural 3 13 0 3 0 0 7 7 November 3 Aggie StadiumEast Lansing, MI Nichols (Oberlin) Source: thumb|Punter Arthur Beckley punting against Ohio Wesleyan On November 3, MAC lost to Ohio Wesleyan, 19–14. Two of MAC's starters, Hugh Robinson and Edward Eckert, missed the game due to illness. The Battling Bishops jumped to a 16–0 lead at halftime. The Aggies battled back with two second-half touchdown receptions by Ray Kipke. The starters for MAC were Ray Kipke (left end), Spikeman (left tackle), M. Taylor (left guard), Eckerman (center), Hultman (right tackle), Hasking (right tackle), Edmonds (right end), Lyman (quarterback), Neller (left halfback), Schmyser (right halfback), and Beckley (fullback). Creighton Week 7: Creighton at Michigan Agricultural Creighton Michigan Agricultural 13 7 0 7 0 0 0 6 November 10 Aggie StadiumEast Lansing, MI Ray (Illinois) Source: thumb|Creighton kicking off to MAC during the team's homecoming game On November 10, MAC lost to Creighton, 27–6, spoiling the Aggies' homecoming celebration at Aggie Stadium. Creighton's backs intercepted five passes in the game. Creighton scored twice in the first quarter, the second touchdown being scored on a 35-yard interception return. In the third quarter, the Aggies drove 67 yards for a touchdown, Roland Richards scoring on a short run. In the fourth quarter, Creighton returned an interception 40 yards for a touchdown to seal the victory. MAC starting lineup in the game was Ray Kipke (left end), Roy Spiekerman (left tackle), Vivian Hultman (left guard), Harold Eckerman (center), Maurice Taylor (right guard), Donald Haskins (right tackle), Allen Edmonds (right end), Roland Richards (quarterback), Arthur Beckley (left halfback), Vern Schmyser (right halfback), and Elton Neller (fullback). Detroit Week 8: Michigan Agricultural at Detroit Michigan Agricultural Detroit 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 November 17 University of Detroit StadiumDetroit, MI E. C. Eldridge (Michigan) Source: On November 17, MAC concluded its season with a 2–0 victory over the Detroit Titans in Detroit. The Aggies scored off Detroit's first possession. On fourth down, Detroit tried to kick, but the pass from center went over Barrett's head and into the end zone. Barrett picked up the ball and tried to run, but he was tackled behind the goal line for a safety. Neither team was able to score any points on offense.Safety Gives Aggies Victory Over U. of D. (part 2) Detroit Free Press November 18, 1923 27 https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-safety-gives-aggies-v/167208477/ Newspapers.com Throughout the game, Detroit struggled to even pass the 50-yard line as MAC's punter, Arthur Beckley, routinely pinned the team deep in its own territory. November 18, 1923 Coach Young's Aggies Trim Detroit, 3 [sic]-0 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kalamazoo-gazette-coach-youngs-aggi/167209564/ March 4, 2025 Kalamazoo Gazette Kalamazoo, Michigan 21 Newspapers.com After the victory, MAC's students were criticized for their "deplorable" actions as "an ordinary mob" resulting in the destruction of private property and a "battle with the police." The Lansing State Journal wrote that the students needed "a good spanking." Personnel Roster thumb|The full team during September training Michigan Agricultural Aggies 1923 roster Guards Vivian Hultman Paul Hackett Tackles Maurice Taylor (C) Edward Eckert Roy Spickerman Donald HaskinsCenter Harold Eckerman Ends Allen Edmunds Ray Kipke Hugh RobinsonBacks Elton Neller Ernest Lioret Arthur Beckley Roland Richards Vern Schmyser Richard Lyman Coaching staff Michigan State Spartans Name Position Seasons atMichigan Agricultural Alma Mater Ralph H. Young Head coach 1 Washington & Jefferson College Tarzan Taylor Line coach 1 Ohio State (1921) Mysterious Walker Freshmen coach 2 Chicago (1907) C. D. Miller Manager Jack HeppinstallTrainerGeorge E. JulianBackfield coach (unofficial)1Michigan Agricultural (1915) Freshmen team thumb|1923 Michigan Agricultural Aggies freshman team The freshman team played a three-game schedule and finished with an overall record of 2–1. The team began their season losing to Grand Rapids Junior College, 20–0, before beating the Assumption College of the University of Western Ontario, 13–6, and Highland Park Junior College, 37–6. Assumption Eleven Gives Michigan Aggies a Scare https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-windsor-star-assumption-eleven-gives/167172636/ Windsor Star Windsor, Ontario November 5, 1923 15 March 3, 2025 Newspapers.com Aggie Freshmen Down Highland Park Outfit https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-saginaw-news-aggie-freshmen-down-hig/167127897/ The Saginaw News Saginaw, Michigan November 17, 1923 3 March 3, 2025 Newspapers.com The team was coached by Mysterious Walker and fullback E. A. Juhl was the captain. Aggie Freshmen Down Highlanders https://www.newspapers.com/article/lansing-state-journal-aggie-freshmen-dow/167128138/ Lansing State Journal Lansing, Michigan November 17, 1923 16 March 3, 2025 Newspapers.com Roster Michigan Agricultural Aggies 1923 freshman roster Guards G. R. Smith C. L. ColeAlso played as an end. C. E. Gerdel E. A. Wenner Tackles G. C. Pierce F. CardCenter J. W. Slaughter C. E. Keefer Ends C. Fredericks Ivan Collett O. B. Evans T. L. SherburneBacks E. A. Juhl (C) J. A. Hands M. L. Schultz Hugh Hart W. H. Snyder L. E. Laubaugh L. M. Wolfinger C. E. Limpert Bohn Grim Notes References Michigan Agricultural Category:Michigan State Spartans football seasons Michigan Agricultural Aggies football