1937 Pittsburgh Panthers football team

American college football season February 2026 August 2023 1937 Pittsburgh Panthers football Independent 1 9–0–1 Jock Sutherland 14th Single-wing Pitt Stadium AP Poll national championEastern champion The 1937 Pittsburgh Panthers football team represented the University of Pittsburgh as an independent during the 1937 college football season. In its 14th season under head coach Jock Sutherland, the team compiled a 9–0–1 record, shut out six of its ten opponents, and outscored all opponents by a total of 203 to 34.Game-by-Game Results University of Pittsburgh 2008 Pitt Football Media Guide 150 August 13, 2022 https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735062136134/viewer#page/147/mode/1up The team played its home games at Pitt Stadium in Pittsburgh. The Panthers were crowned national champions by the final AP poll, which was released in late November, and by most NCAA-designated major selectors.http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/football_records/2018/FBS.pdf 2018 NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision Records National Collegiate Athletic Association August 2018 112 November 29, 2018 Pitt was also awarded the Lambert-Meadowlands Trophy as the champion of the East. An invitation to the Rose Bowl on New Year's Day was declined. Schedule 1937 AP September 24 w 1937 Ohio Wesleyan Battling Bishops Ohio Wesleyan Pitt Stadium Pittsburgh, PA 59–0 19,500 Jess Carver Cassiano Steals Show, Scores Four Times Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph September 26, 1937 Part 3-1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106084656/cassiano-scores-four-touchdowns/ July 22, 2022 Newspapers.com October 2 w y West Virginia Mountaineer Field Morgantown, WV rivalry 20–0 18,000 Lester Biederman Panthers Get Going After Slow Start The Pittsburgh Press October 3, 1937 Sports 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105988866/panthers-get-going-after-slow-start/ July 20, 2022 Newspapers.com October 9 w Duquesne Pitt Stadium Pittsburgh, PA 6–0 55,000 Jess Carver Goldberg Runs 77 Yards For Only Touchdown Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph October 10, 1937 Part 3-1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106084974/goldberg-runs-77-yards-for-only-touchdow/ July 22, 2022 Newspapers.com October 16 t y Fordham Polo Grounds New York, NY 0–0 52,000 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=likbAAAAIBAJ&sjid=JUwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=1845%2C393145 Pittsburgh Press Smith Chester L. Pitt-Fordham in third scoreless tie October 17, 1937 1, sports October 23 w 3 y Wisconsin 16 Pitt Stadium Pittsburgh, PA 21–0 31,200 Jess Carver Goldberg, Cassiano Make Thrilling Runs As Panthers Win Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph October 24, 1937 Part 2–3 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106539933/pitt-fans-get-wet/ July 29, 2022 Newspapers.com October 30 w 2 Carnegie Tech Pitt Stadium Pittsburgh, PA 25–14 37,500 Jess Carver Skibos Wage Game Fight; First team to Cross Panther Goal Line Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph October 31, 1937 Part 2–3 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106701818/skibos-wage-game-fight/ July 31, 2022 Newspapers.com November 6 w y 3 Notre Dame 12 Notre Dame Stadium Notre Dame, IN 21–6 54,309–56,000 Harry Keck Panthers Turn On Power For Three Scores in Fourth Quarter Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph November 7, 1937 Part 2-2 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106945431/panthers-score-three-times-in-fourth-qua/ August 4, 2022 Newspapers.com November 13 w 1 Nebraska 11 Pitt Stadium Pittsburgh, PA 13–7 71,267 November 20 w 1 Penn State Pitt Stadium Pittsburgh, PA rivalry 28–7 19,936–23,000 Jess Carver Panthers Turn On Power For Three Touchdowns In First Half Pittsb urgh Sun-Telegraph November 21, 1937 Part 2-2 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107651152/pitt-wallops-state-287/ August 15, 2022 Newspapers.com November 27 w y 1 Duke 18 Duke Stadium Durham, NC 10–0 36,165 All-Time Results Duke University Sports Information Office 2019 Duke Football Media Guide 108 December 14, 2022 https://goduke.com/documents/2019/7/30/2019_Duke_Football_Media_Guide.pdf Preseason The Panther faithful had little time to savor the 1936 (8–1–1) football season and Rose Bowl victory, due to a winter of discontent in the athletic department. On Monday February 22, Joe Williams of the New York World-Telegram broke a story about a rift between Coach Jock Sutherland, and Athletic Director Don Harrison that took place at the Rose Bowl. In essence, the coach wanted spending money for the team but the athletic director refused. Mr. Harrison's final statement was: "I made you, now I'm going to break you." Sutherland ended up giving the team money out of his own pocket.Joe Williams Difference With Director Started After Rose Bowl Game, Joe Williams Says The Pittsburgh Press February 22, 1937 24 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105223488/sutherland-in-feud-with-harrison/ July 8, 2022 Newspapers.com Coach Sutherland stated that he would resign "rather than embroil the University of Pittsburgh in a controversy which is neither dignified nor to the best interests of the institution." Mr. Harrison denied the story was factual, but on March 20 his resignation was accepted by the Athletic Council, much to the dismay of Chancellor Dr. John G. Bowman. Dr. Bowman sent three points of athletic policy to the Athletic Council. The third point made clear what the Chancellor thought of subsidizing athletes. "Much discussion of athletics centers around the subsidization of athletes. Much of this talk is nonsense. The University of Pittsburgh should join with other institutions to maintain high and right standards of amateur college athletics. I cannot express to you too strongly my desire that the University shall discourage the giving of special help to students who have nothing to recommend them but athletic ability. On the other hand, the University through the recommendations, chiefly of high school principals and of Senators of the Commonwealth, grants help to more than 2000 students. In these grants there should be no discrimination for or against a boy merely because he has athletic ability. In other words, you are charged with the responsibility to discourage any subsidies, from whatever source, to students merely because of athletic ability."Play-by-Play of Pitt Feud The Pittsburgh Press March 21, 1937 Sports 5 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105478861/play-by-play-of-pitt-feud/ July 12, 2022 Newspapers.comLester Biederman Sutherland Assumes Full Grid Command The Pittsburgh Press March 21, 1937 Sports 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105536131/sutherland-assumes-full-grid-command/ July 13, 2022 Newspapers.comHarrison Resigns, Ends Panther Feud The Pittsburgh Press March 21, 1937 Sports 5 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105536342/harrison-resigns-ends-panther-feud/ July 13, 2022 Newspapers.com On May 3 Dr. Bowman named James Hagan, a letterman halfback on Sutherland's 1925–27 teams, to the office of athletic director. Hagan had been Harrison's assistant for the previous 8 years, occupying the office of Graduate Manager of Athletics.Jess Carver Promotion of Hagan Lauded By Panthers Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph May 4, 1937 26 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105581145/promotion-of-hagan-lauded-by-panthers/ July 14, 2022 Newspapers.com He took office in July and immediately presented his nine-point policy to the Athletic Council. The infamous "Hagan Plan", which Sutherland claimed he had not seen until he read it in the newspaper in October, was accepted by the athletic council and lauded by Chancellor Bowman. It would be the downfall of Pitt football for decades. The major problems were the players would be subsidized, but they would have to work two hours a day to earn it and the schedule would be only eight games a season. Sutherland thought the schedule would not be against major powers but lesser competition to equal the talent that he would be recruiting. That would not be the case. The minor issues were that Sutherland could no longer write newspaper articles or do radio ads to make extra money; Sutherland had no control over the schedule; Camp Hamilton fall practice was abolished; and Sutherland could not recruit off campus.Text of Pitt's New Nine-Point Athletic Policy Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph October 24, 1937 Part 2–6 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105583248/the-hagan-plan-for-pitt-football/ July 14, 2022 Newspapers.com After the Panthers successful season, Jock Sutherland's coaching staff got raided. Carnegie Tech hired Pitt assistant coach Bill Kern as their new head coach and he added Pitt backfield coach Dr. Edward Baker to his staff. Eddie Hirshberg accepted the end coach position at Dartmouth. Sutherland hired Pitt graduates – Alec Fox (assistant tackle coach), Harold Williams (assistant quarterback coach), and Edward Schultz (assistant end coach) – to fill the vacancies.Panther Prospects University of Pittsburgh 1937 Alumni Review September 1937 4 1 16 https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735062131200/viewer#page/18/mode/1up July 7, 2022 For the 1937 football season, Al Barr, a senior in the Business School, was appointed varsity manager and David Grossman, a senior in the college, was appointed freshman manager.Al Barr Named Varsity Manager The Pitt News 28 65 March 31, 1937 1 https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735062151208/viewer#page/1/mode/1up July 13, 2022 Trainer Dr. George "Bud" Moore moved home to Easton, Pennsylvania to start his own dental practice. He came to Pitt as trainer in 1928, graduated from the dental school in 1932 and worked at the practice of Dr. Harry Patton, another Pitt grad, when he was not busy with the football team.Bud to Open Office in Home Town Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph June 18, 1937 37 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105547172/dentist-bud-moore-moves-to-easton/ July 13, 2022 Newspapers.com On August 19 James Hagan appointed Frank Altmar, health director at the Y.M.H.A., trainer for the football team.Altmar Named Pitt Trainer Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph June 18, 1937 37 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105547508/altmar-named-pitt-trainer/ July 13, 2022 Newspapers.com Jock Sutherland's fourteenth spring practice as Pitt head coach started on March 22 at Trees Field. 50 aspirants appeared for the opening week. Sutherland put out his "suits for everyone" plea for more bodies to take part in the six-week drills.Campus Card Sutherland Invites Students to Report The Pitt News 28 65 March 31, 1937 3 https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735062151208/viewer#page/3/mode/1up July 13, 2022 On May 1, the sessions ended with a Varsity versus Alumni game. The Varsity routed the Alums 26–7. Reserve halfback John Urban scored three touchdowns to lead the way in front of the 400 spectators who "crashed the gate".Jess Carver Pitt Varsity Eleven Routs Alumni, 26–7 Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph May 2, 1937 Part 3-1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105584090/pitt-varsity-eleven-routs-alumni-277/ July 14, 2022 Newspapers.com On May 8, Coach Sutherland and the squad put on a free Spectator Clinic in Pitt Stadium for more than 1000 fans to officially close the spring practice session. The fans were treated to "two hours of absorbing the inside of the gridiron sport."1000 Fans Watch Pitt Grid Clinic The Pittsburgh Press May 9, 1937 Sports 5 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105585359/1000-fans-watch-pitt-grid-clinic/ July 14, 2022 Newspapers.com On September 6, the Pitt coaching staff welcomed 60 Panthers, including 21 lettermen, for the start of their two weeks of two-a-day practices on Trees Field. Coach Sutherland housed the squad at the Pittsburgh Athletic Association and set up a training table in the school cafeteria. When school opened on September 20, practice was once a day until the home opener on September 25 against Ohio Wesleyan.Grid Practice Shortened as Classes are Opened The Pitt News 29 2 September 20, 1937 3 https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735062158864/viewer#page/3/mode/1up July 14, 2022 The Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph noted that: "Children under 12 years of age will be admitted to Pitt football games for 25 cents. Sections 23 and 24 are reserved for this group."Kids' Tickets Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph September 24, 1937 36 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106022740/kids-tickets/ July 21, 2022 Newspapers.com Coaching staff 1937 Pittsburgh Panthers football staff Coaching staff John B. "Jock" Sutherland – Head coach Charley Bowser – Assistant coach Alex Fox – tackle coach Harold Williams – quarterback coach Ralph Daugherty – center coach Michael Nicksick – backfield coach Edward Schultz – end coach Walter Milligan– Freshman coach   Support staff Dr. H. A. Ralph Shanor – team physician Frank Altmar – team trainer Percy S. Browne – custodian of equipment James Hagan - director of athletics Frank Carver – publicity director Albert Barr – varsity student manager David Grossnan– freshmen student manager Team photo thumb|750px|center|The 1937 undefeated National Championship Pitt team. Members included in the picture are:Horton, Yocos, Kapurka, Soroka, Shea, Fleming, Herlinger, Shord, Stapulis, Goodell, Cassiano, Dalle Tezze, GoldbergBarr, Kish, Daddio, Urban, Curry, Peace, Schmidt, Raskowski, Morrow, Klein, C. Cambal, Richards, Patrick, Shaw, GrossmanMusulin, Walton, Michelosen, Adams, Lezouski, Stebbins, Asavitch, Merkovsky, Hensley, Souchak, Delich, Miller, Etze, SutherlandPetro, Farkas, J. Cambal, Corace, Chickerneo, Naric, Holt, Spotovich, Hafer, Dannies, Fullerton, Berger, Jackman, Kristufek, Dickinson Roster 1937 Pittsburgh Panthers football rosterPittsburgh Panthers Player Position Games Weight Class Prep School Hometown Anthony Matisi*tackle102151938 Endicott H. S. Endicott, NY Dante Dalle Tezze*guard101901938Jeannette H. S.Jeannette, PA George Delich*tackle10 1921938Froebel H.S.Gary, IN Henry Adams*center81851938California H. S. California, PA Walter Raskowski*guard 101901939New Castle H. S. New Castle, PA Albin Lezouski*guard91851939Mahanoy City H. S. Mahanoy City, PA Donald Hensley*center101961938Huntington H. S.Huntington, WV Frank Souchak*end101981938Berwick H. S.Berwick., PA Frank Patrick*fullback101921938Roosevelt H. S. East Chicago, IN Marshall Goldberg*halfback91861939Elkins H. S. Elkins, WVA John Urban*halfback91651938 Larksville H. S.Larksville, PA Elmer Merkovsky*tackle 102041939Scott H. S. North Braddock. PA Harold Stebbins*halfback101851939Williamsport H. S. Williamsport, PA Ted Schmidt*tackle102001938Carrick H. S.Carrick, PA Paul Shaw*end101921938Bradford H. S.Bradford, PA Stephen Petro*guard91851939Johnstown H. S. Johnstown, PA John Michelosen*quarterback101901938Ambridge H. S.Ambridge, PA William Stapulis*halfback101851938California H. S.California, PA Fabian Hoffman*end8178193Central Catholic H. S. Pittsburgh, PA Robert Dannies*center82001939Westmont H. S. (PA) Wauwatosa, WI John Chickerneo*quarterback101971939Warren H. S.Warren, OH Richard Cassiano*halfback 9 1701940 Albany H. S. Albany, NY William Daddio*end81851939Meadville H. S.Meadville, PA Benjamin Kishquarterback71891940Tonawanda H. S.Tonowanda, NY Edward Spotovichend7 1871938South H. S. Pittsburgh, PA Lawrence Peace*halfback7 1801940 Bradford H. S. Bradford, PA Emil Narickquarterback51801940Benwood H. S.Benwood, WV Ralph Hafertackle5 1851940 Dormont H. S.Dormont, PA John Dickinsonend31821940Peabody H. S. Pittsburgh, PA William Farkasfullback 31781940 Windber H. S. Windber, PA Charles Flemingend11651939New Castle H. S.New Castle, PA Frank Kristufektackle0 1981940 McKeesport H. S. McKeesport, PA Luther Richardsguard11751938Kingston H. S.Kingston, PA Carmen Etzetackle1 2001940Mt. Pleasant H. S.Mt. Pleasant, PA George Yocosguard21751938Monessen H. S.Monessen, PA Ben Asavitchtackle3 2001939Wilkes-Barre Memorial H. S.Wilkes-Barre, PA Walter Millerend11781938Phillipsburg H. S.Phillipsburg, NJ Clement Cambalfullback21721939Springdale H. S.Springdale, PA Howard Jackmanhalfback11611939Peabody H. S. Pittsburgh, PA Richard Fullertoncenter 1 1701940 Madison H. S. Madison, NJ Joseph Morrowend11781938Mars H. S.Mars, PA George Musulintackle02201938Mt. Lebanon H.S.Mt. Lebanon, PA Albert Waltonguard31851938Beaver Falls H. S.Beaver Falls, PA Frank Goodellfullback 1 1751940Curtis H. S. Staten Island, NY Joseph Cambaltackle 2 2001940Kiskiminetas Springs H. S. Springdale, PA Alfred Bergertackle0 1851939Allegheny H. S.Pittsburgh, PA Leslie Holtend0 1701940Meadville H. S. Meadville, PA James Kosinskiquarterback 1 1601939Sheffield H. S. Pittsburgh, PA Harold Kleinguard 3 1761940Altoona H. S.Altoona, PA James Scarfpinguard31951938Altoona H. S. Martins Ferry, OH Arthur Coraceguard0 1771940Carrick H. S. Carrick, PA Fred Herlingerhalfback 0 1551940Mt. Lebanon H. S. Mt. Lebanon, PA John Kapurkaend 1 1651940 Pittsburgh, PA Willard Currycenter1 1851939 East McKeesport, PA Earl Shordfullback 0 1751940 Pittsburgh, PA Stephen Hortonend 0 1621940 Pittsburgh, PA Charles Sheahalfback1 1551939 Pittsburgh, PA George Sorokahalfback 1 1621940 Pittsburgh, PA David Grossman*freshman student manager 1938Turtle Creek Union, H. S.Turtle Creek, PA Albert Barr*varsity student manager 1938Central Catholic H. S.Pittsburgh, PA * LettermanNovember 6, 1937 Notre Dame Football Program Committee Official 1937 Pittsburgh Football Roster Official Football Program – University of Pittsburgh Versus Notre Dame 33Football Lettermen University of Pittsburgh 2008 Pitt Football Media Guide 178–182 July 10, 2022 https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735062136134/viewer#page/175/mode/1up Game summaries Ohio Wesleyan Week 1: Ohio Wesleyan at Pitt Ohio Wesleyan Pitt 0 0 6 0 13 14 13 19 September 25, 1937 Pitt Stadium Pittsburgh, PA 2:00 p.m. 20,000 warm sunshine H. W. Emswiler (Dennison) Ohio Wesleyan University thumb|left|Program for September 25 game versus Ohio Wesleyan thumb|Ticket stub for September 25 game versus Ohio Wesleyan For the second year in a row the Pitt Panthers welcomed the Ohio Wesleyan Bishops for their home opener. George Gauthier's eleven fell to the Panthers 53–0 in 1936, and were determined to make a better showing this time around. History shows that the Bishops were capable, as they upset Michigan, Syracuse and Michigan State in previous years.Panther Gridiron Campaign Begins Tomorrow The Pitt News 29 4 September 24, 1937 1 https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735062158849/viewer#page/1/mode/1up July 16, 2022 Coach Sutherland had the luxury of eight returning starters and at least two lettermen vying for the three vacant spots in the lineup. Les Biederman of The Pittsburgh Press noted: "Dr. Jock Sutherland is far from pleased with the mental attitude of his gridders and would like them to catch a rude shock tomorrow afternoon, but not too rude."Lester Biederman Duquesne Lines Up With Eleven Lettermen The Pittsburgh Press September 24, 1937 42 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105744412/duquesne-lines-up-with-11-lettermen/ July 16, 2022 Newspapers.com In front of more than 19,000 fans, the veteran Panther squad routed the Bishops 59 to 0. On the first play from scrimmage Marshall Goldberg, Pitt's All-American halfback, intercepted a pass and raced 55-yards for the first score. Goldberg was replaced by sophomore Dick Cassiano, who responded with a 4-touchdown performance. Cassiano rushed for two scores, caught a touchdown pass, returned an interception for six points and he capped off his offensive dexterity by throwing a touchdown pass to fellow sophomore end, John Dickinson. Fullback Frank Patrick added two scores and Bill Stapulis one. Four placekickers (Bill Daddio, Elmer Merkovsky (2), William Farkas and Frank Souchak) converted five of nine extra points.Leonard Levison Panthers Crush Bishops, Don't Look too Good The Pitt News 29 5 3 https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735062158831/viewer#page/3/mode/1up July 19, 2022 Ohio Wesleyan finished their season with a 2–7 record.Walter R. Okeson Spalding's Official Football Guide 1938 American Sports Publishing Co. 1938 185 The Panthers and Bishops would not meet on the gridiron again. The Pitt starting lineup for the game against Ohio Wesleyan was Bill Daddio (end), Tony Matisi (tackle), Walter Raskowski (guard), Henry Adams (center), Steve Petro (guard), George Delich (tackle), Frank Souchak (end), John Michelosen (quarterback), Marshall Goldberg (left halfback), Harold Stebbins (right halfback) and Frank Patrick (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were Paul Shaw, Charles Fleming, John Dickinson, Walter Miller, Leslie Holt, John Kapurka, Edward Spotovich, Stephen Horton, Joseph Morrow, Elmer Merkovsky, Ben Asavitch, Frank Kristufek, Carmen Etze, Ralph Hafer, George Musulin, Ted Schmidt, Joseph Cambal, Alfred Berger, Dante Dalle Tezze, Albin Lezouski, Luther Richards, George Yocos, Albert Walton, Harold Klein, Arthur Corace, Don Hensley, Robert Dannies, Richard Fullerton, William Curry, John Chickerneo, Ben Kish, Emil Narick, James Koskinski, John Urban, Lawrence Peace, Dick Cassiano, Charles Shea, Clement Cambal, Howard Jackman, Fred Herlinger, George Soroka, Bill Stapulis, William Farkas, Frank Goodell, James Scarpfin and Earl Shord.Ferocious Panther! Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph September 26, 1937 Part 2-1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105924356/ferocious-panther/ July 19, 2022 Newspapers.comLookout, Up Ahead! The Pittsburgh Press September 26, 1937 Sports 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105924631/ July 19, 2022 Newspapers.com Ohio Wesleyan Pittsburgh collapsed 1 Pittsburgh 1 55 IntTD Marshall Goldberg 55 good Bill Daddio run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 7 1 Pittsburgh 3 16 RushTD Frank Patrick 4 no good Bill Daddio run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 13 2 Pittsburgh 2 48 RushTD Dick Cassiano 48 good Elmer Merkovsky run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 20 2 Pittsburgh 4 31 RecTD Dick Cassiano Lawrence Peace 15 good Elmer Merkovsky run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 27 3 Pittsburgh 11 64 RushTD Frank Patrick 1 no good Bill Daddio run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 33 3 Pittsburgh 1 58 RushTD Bill Stapulis 58 good Frank Souchak run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 40 4 Pittsburgh 2 70 RushTD Dick Cassiano 67 good William Farkas run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 47 4 Pittsburgh 2 37 RecTD John Dickinson Dick Cassiano 36 no good William Farkas run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 53 4 Pittsburgh 1 46 IntTD Dick Cassiano 46 no good Frank Goodell run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 59 0 59 At West Virginia Week 2: Pitt at West Virginia Pitt West Virginia 0 7 0 13 0 0 0 0 October 2, 1937 Mountaineer Field Morgantown, WV 2:30 p.m. 18,000 sunny and warm Russell Goodwin (Washington & Jefferson) 1937 West Virginia Mountaineers football team thumb|left|Program for October 2 game versus West Virginia thumb|Bleacher seat ticket stub for October 2 game at West Virginia On October 2, the Panthers rode to Morgantown, WV for their annual game with the Mountaineers. First year coach Marshall Glenn, former Mountaineer quarterback, and his squad opened the season with a 14–0 victory over West Virginia Wesleyan.1937 West Virginia Mountaineers Schedule and Results Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football July 20, 2022 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/west-virginia/1937-schedule.html Les Biederman of The Pittsburgh Press noted: "Coach Glenn has a rugged team at West Virginia but it isn't expected to cause the Panthers any great trouble...In fact the West Virginians have scored only two touchdowns in the last seven years."Lester Biederman Bill Stapulis May Start at Halfback The Pittsburgh Press October 2, 1937 7 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105978573/bill-stapulis-may-start-at-halfback/ July 20, 2022 Newspapers.com Coach Sutherland named Dante Dalle Tezze starting guard in place of Steve Petro, and Don Hensley starting center for Henry Adams. Harold Stebbins received minor injuries in the Ohio Wesleyan game, so Bill Stapulis got the start at halfback.Pitt Invades West Virginia Field Today Pittsburgh Post-Gazette October 2, 1937 17 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105980271/pitt-invades-west-virginia-field-today/ July 20, 2022 Newspapers.com The Panthers made it nine straight over the Mountaineers with a 20–0 shutout. West Virginia did not make it easy for Pitt. In the first quarter, the Panthers had the ball on the Mountaineer 1-yard line and 6-yard line, and both times were unable to score. In the second period John Urban scampered 29-yards for a touchdown and Elmer Merkovsky added the placement for a 7–0 lead at halftime. In the third quarter the Mountaineers' offense advanced the ball to the Panther 30-yard line, but the Panther defense held. The Pitt offense got on track in the fourth quarter and sustained 2 long drives to ice the game. The first was a 6-play 81-yard drive with Harold Stebbins rushing the last 21 yards for the score. Frank Souchak missed the extra point. A 5-play 76-yard drive followed with Stebbins going in from the 8-yard line for the final touchdown. Merkovsky added the placement. In the closing minutes the Mountaineers' offense advanced the ball to the Pitt 1-yard line, but the Panther defense kept them out of the end zone.Panthers Start Slowly, Beat Mountaineers 20–0 The Pitt News 29 8 October 4, 1937 3 https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735062158807/viewer#page/3/mode/1up July 20, 2022 Coach Sutherland vented in his column: "I'm sorry to say we have nothing over which to enthuse...This scare today might do Pitt some good. I haven't been able to talk to these boys all season long, that is, until between halves, after West Virginia had tossed us around the first two quarters. There are too many persons telling our boys what good football players they are. They didn't show it this afternoon."Dr. Jock Sutherland Jock Displeased The Pittsburgh Press October 3, 1937 Sports 6 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105987755/jock-displeased/ July 20, 2022 Newspapers.com The Mountaineers finished their season with an 8–1–1 record, which included a 7–6 victory over Texas Tech in the Sun Bowl. The Pitt starting lineup for the game against West Virginia was Bill Daddio (left end), Tony Matisi (left tackle), Walter Raskowski (left guard), Don Hensley (center), Dante Dalle Tezze (right guard), George Delich (right tackle), Frank Souchak (right end), John Michelosen (quarterback), Marshall Goldberg (left halfback), Bill Stapulis (right halfback) and Frank Patrick (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were Henry Adams, John Urban, Edward Spotovich, Elmer Merkovsky, Harold Stebbins, John Chickerneo, Ted Schmidt, Paul Shaw, Fabian Hoffman, Dick Cassiano, Lawrence Peace and Robert Dannies. Pittsburgh West Virginia collapsed 2 Pittsburgh 3 38 RushTD John Urban 29 good Elmer Merkovsky run/pass good/failed/incomplete 7 0 4 Pittsburgh 6 81 RushTD Harold Stebbins 21 no good Frank Souchak run/pass good/failed/incomplete 13 0 4 Pittsburgh 5 76 RushTD Harold Stebbins 8 good Elmer Merkovsky run/pass good/failed/incomplete 20 0 20 0 Duquesne Week 3: Duquesne at Pitt Duquesne Pitt 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 October 9, 1937 Pitt Stadium Pittsburgh, PA 2:00 p.m. 55,000 rain E. A. Geiges (Temple) 1937 Duquesne Dukes football team thumb|left|Program for October 9 game versus Duquesne thumb|Ticket stub for October 9 game versus Duquesne The Panthers welcomed their city-rival and the reigning city champion Duquesne Dukes on October 9 for the fourth meeting of their series. The Panthers held a 2–1 edge, but the Dukes administered Pitt's only in 1936. Coach John "Clipper" Smith's crew was 2–0 on the season. They beat Waynesburg (33–7) and West Virginia Wesleyan (39–0) to prepare for the Panthers.1937 Duquesne Dukes Schedule and Results Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football July 21, 2022 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/duquesne/1937-schedule.html At the Friday night Duquesne pep rally, Father T. R. Jones, professor of philosophy at Duquesne, stated: "Duquesne's football players will be out there fighting because they love their school. The Pitt boys will be out there fighting for the weekly pay checks. Our boys don't have everything they give their players at Pitt, but there isn't a Duquesne man who isn't as good as any three Pitt men that ever walked." The school immediately issued an apology and the professor said he did not remember saying it.Duquesne Athletic Council Apologizes for Pitt Slur Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph October 10, 1937 Part 3–6 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106034813/duquesne-athletic-council-apologizes/ July 21, 2022 Newspapers.com David Finoli reported in When Pitt Ruled the Gridiron: "While Father Jones eventually was relieved of his faculty position because of his comments, there was some hypocrisy with his statements as the Dukes players received tuition, books, meals, room and board and clothing free as well as $15 spending money a month. Despite the fact that Pitt players received tuition and books free, the $48.50 a month had to pay for room, board and clothing, which the Duquesne players already received." David Finoli When Pitt Ruled the Gridiron 2015 978-0-7864-9426-2 McFarland & Company, Inc. 229 Coach Sutherland told The Pitt News: "In all my experience with Pitt teams I have found that beating them two years in succession is the hardest possible thing to do. I hope that this year's team is no exception. I have watched the Duquesne team play this year and know definitely that they have a great team. The confidence and realization of potentiality that came with defeating Pitt last year has improved their play enormously...I feel sure we will play the best kind of football we are capable of. The game is a toss-up."Sutherland Speaking The Pitt News 29 10 October 8, 1937 3 https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735062158799/viewer#page/3/mode/1up July 21, 2022 55,000 rain-soaked football fans saw the Panthers gain their revenge. Marshall Goldberg took a hand-off on Pitt's second play of the game and reversed field twice, as he completed a 77-yard touchdown scamper. Frank Souchak missed the point after and Pitt led 6–0. That was the end of the scoring for the day. The rest of the first half was a battle between the 30-yard lines. At the start of the third quarter, Pitt advanced the ball from their 46-yard line to the Duquesne 2-yard line, but were stopped on downs by the Dukes defense. In the final period Souchak blocked a punt and Pitt gained possession on the Dukes 12-yard line. Dick Cassiano gained 5 yards on first down. On second down Lawrence Peace fumbled and Duquesne recovered on their own 10-yard line. The Duquesne fans soon had reason to cheer. As Duke fullback John Karrs was being tackled by Tony Matisi, Frank Souchak tried to swipe the ball from his hands and punched him. The referee ejected Souchak and stepped off a half the distance to the goal penalty (from the Duquesne 13 to the Pitt 44-yard line). On second down Panther defensive back Cassiano intercepted a pass on his own 32-yard line. The Pitt offense was forced to punt. The center snap sailed over John Michelosen's head and he recovered on the 20-yard line. The Duquesne offensive series failed. They gained 2 yards on a rushing play, were penalized 5 yards, gained 9 yards on a short pass, lost 16 yards on a sack, and on fourth down threw an incompletion to end the game.Pitt-Dukes Detail Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph October 10, 1937 Part 3-2 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106040279/pitt-dukes-detail/ July 21, 2022 Newspapers.com Duquesne finished the season with a 6–4 record. The Pitt starting lineup for the game against Duquesne was Bill Daddio (left end), Tony Matisi (left tackle), Albin Lezouski (left guard), Don Hensley (center), Dante Dalle Tezze (right guard), George Delich (right tackle), Frank Souchak (right end), John Chickerneo (quarterback), Marshall Goldberg (left halfback), Harold Stebbins (right halfback) and Bill Stapulis (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were Paul Shaw, Ted Schmidt, Walter Raskowski, George Yocos, Robert Dannies, Steve Petro, Elmer Merkovsky, John Dickinson, John Michelosen, John Urban, Dick Cassiano, Lawrence Peace, Henry Adams, Edward Spotovich and Frank Patrick.Whew! Watta Win! The Pittsburgh Press October 10, 1937 Sports 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106044236/whew-watta-win/ July 21, 2022 Newspapers.comSweet Revenge Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph October 10, 1937 Part 3-1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106043955/sweet-revenge/ July 21, 2022 Newspapers.com Duquesne Pittsburgh collapsed 1 Pittsburgh 2 80 RushTD Marshall Goldberg 77 no good Frank Souchak run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 6 0 6 At Fordham Week 4: Pitt at Fordham Pitt Fordham 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 October 16, 1937 Polo GroundsNew York, NY 2:00 p.m. 52,000 sunny and warm W. T. Halloran (Providence) 1937 Fordham Rams football team thumb|left|Program for October 16 game versus Fordham thumb|Ticket stub for October 16 game versus Fordham For the third year in a row, the Panthers traveled to the Polo Grounds in New York City to play the Fordham Rams. Oddly, the series stood at 0–0–2, as neither team had scored in the first two games. Jim Crowley's Rams were 2–0 on the season, beating Franklin & Marshall (68–0) and Waynesburg (48–0).1937 Fordham Rams Schedule and Results Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football July 23, 2022 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/fordham/1937-schedule.html The Rams forward wall (The Fabled Seven Blocks of Granite) was anchored by three All-America candidates. Center Alex Wojciechowicz and tackle Ed Franco were both consensus picks,ESPN College Football Encyclopedia 1171 ESPN Books 2005 1401337031 and tackle Al Babartsky was named third team by the International News Service.INS All-American Grid Selections Waterloo Daily Courier Waterloo, Iowa December 1, 1937 14 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106167843/1937-ins-all-american-grid-selections/ July 23, 2022 Newspapers.com With Pitt installed as a 2–1 favorite Coach Crowley told a reporter: "If we get a tie, we'll be tickled."Panthers Held 2 to 1 Favorite to Beat Rams Pittsburgh Post-Gazette October 15, 1937 18 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106299816/panthers-held-2-to-1-favorite-to-beat-ra/ July 25, 2022 Newspapers.com The Panthers' train arrived in New York on Friday morning and the squad stayed at the Westchester-Biltmore Country Club in Rye, NY. Sutherland told a reporter: "We're going to pull some fancy stuff this year to end this scoreless tie business – if we can, but maybe a tie would be pretty good. They're tough." With the exception of Steve Petro starting at right guard, the Pitt starting lineup was the same as in the Duquesne game. Chester L. Smith of The Press reported: "For another year, at least, the 'pointless' football feud between Pitt and Fordham must continue. The Panthers and Rams played another tie with no score at the Polo Grounds this afternoon – the third season in succession that neither has been able to prod, probe, or punch a path to the other's goal line – and tonight historians were digging into the archives to learn if there ever had been another series quite like this one."Chester L. Smith Penalty Nullifies Goldberg's Score The Pittsburgh Press October 17, 1937 Sports 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106363277/penalty-nullifies-goldbergs-score/ July 26, 2022 Newspapers.com The Panthers earned 11 first downs and gained 165 yards rushing. Fordham had 4 first downs on 87 yards rushing. Marshall Goldberg scored a touchdown from the 6-yard line late in the second quarter, but the referee called holding on Tony Matisi to negate the score. The Panthers fumbled 5 or 8 times depending on which newspaper you read. Harold "Curly" Stebbins alone fumbled at least 4 times. Fordham recovered at least 6 of them and were in field goal range three times. Luckily for Pitt, Fordham placekicker Johnny Druze missed all three field goal attempts.S. S. Kalwary Fordham Ties Pitt; Scoreless Series Continues The Pitt News 29 14 October 18, 1937 3 https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735062158757/viewer#page/3/mode/1up July 26, 2022Jess Carver Panthers, Rams Play Third 0–0 Deadlock Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph October 17, 1937 Part 2-1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106371401/panthers-rams-play-third-00-deadlock/ July 26, 2022 Newspapers.com Noted sportswriter Myron Cope wrote an essay about the Pitt vs. Fordham series – Kissing Your Sister in Front of 43,00 or 45,000 or 50,000 Fans- for the 1978 Alumni News, which was reprinted in Jim O'Brien's book Hail to Pitt. Mr. Cope claimed that Stebbins broke his hand in a practice scrimmage on Thursday prior to the game and could not grip the ball. Stebbins played 59 of the 60 minutes.Jim O'Brien Hail to Pitt: A Sports History of the University of Pittsburgh 1982 0-916114-08-2 Wolfson Publishing Company 106 A sportswriter questioned why Sutherland did not replace him? Jock Sutherland told The Pittsburgh Press: "Curly is a good halfback who was having one of those bad days that come to all of us. When he fumbled first, I didn't think he would do it again.....I knew Stebbins felt worse than anyone else and I would rather have sacrificed the game than one small bit of the boy's pride. What wasn't known was that 'Curly' had been hurt two weeks ago and had had no drilling in ball handling in that time. So perhaps it was my fault for using him at all."Sutherland Tells Why He Kept Stebbins in Game After Fumbles The Pittsburgh Press October 18, 1937 27 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106370044/sutherland-explains-fumble-decision/ July 26, 2022 Newspapers.com Fordham finished the season with a 7–0–1 record and outscored their opposition 182–16. They finished third in the final Associated Press poll. The Pitt starting lineup for the game against Fordham was Bill Daddio (left end), Tony Matisi (left tackle), Albin Lezouski (left guard), Don Hensley (center), Steve Petro (right guard), George Delich (right tackle), Frank Souchak (right end), John Chickerneo (quarterback), Marshall Goldberg (left halfback), Harold Stebbins (right halfback) and Frank Patrick (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were Elmer Merkovsky, Ben Asavitch, Walter Raskowski, Robert Dannies, Dante Dalle Tezze, Ted Schmidt, Fabian Hoffman, Paul Shaw, John Michelosen, Ben Kish, John Urban, Emil Narick and Bill Stapulis.What! Again! The Pittsburgh Press October 17, 1937 Sports 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106418158/what-again/ July 27, 2022 Newspapers.com Wisconsin Week 5: Wisconsin at Pitt Wisconsin Pitt 0 7 0 0 7 0 14 0 October 23, 1937 Pitt Stadium Pittsburgh, PA 2:00 p.m. 31,200 cold, rain and snow J. R. Trimble (Dubuque) 1937 Wisconsin Badgers football team thumb|left|Program for October 23 game versus Wisconsin thumb|Ticket stub for October 23 game versus Wisconsin At Homecoming in 1937, the Panthers welcomed the Wisconsin Badgers to Pitt Stadium for their first ever meeting on the gridiron. The Badgers were led by Harry Stuhldreher, the quarterback of the famed Four Horsemen of Notre Dame. Wisconsin was 4–0, beating South Dakota State (32–0), Marquette(12–0), Chicago (27–0) and Iowa (13–6). The Badgers outscored their opposition 84–6.1937 Wisconsin Badgers Schedule and Results Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football July 27, 2022 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/wisconsin/1937-schedule.html Halfback Bill Schmitz and end Fred Benz earned All-Big Ten second team honors.George Kirksey Big Ten Team Named By United Press San Bernardino County Sun San Bernardino, California November 21, 1937 18 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106491486/big-ten-team-named-by-united-press/ July 28, 2022 Newspapers.comBig Ten All-Star team Pittsburgh Post-Gazette November 23, 1937 20 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106490701/big-ten-all-star-team/ July 28, 2022 Newspapers.com Coach Stuhldreher told The Wisconsin State Journal: "If we don't win, it will only be because the other team is better."Willard R. Smith Stuhldreher Puts Reverse English on Old Question The Wisconsin State Journal October 22, 1937 Sports 2 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106493611/stuhldreher-puts-reverse-english-on-old/ July 28, 2022 Newspapers.com Pitt raised its record to 4–3–1 against Big Ten competition with a 21–0 shutout of the Wisconsin Badgers. Jess Carver of the Sun-Telegraph noted: "A Homecoming Day crowd of 31,200 fans turned out to view the inauguration of gridiron relations between Pitt and Wisconsin. The weather was cold and clear and dry until the final period, when a combination rain and snow storm struck the stadium without warning, making the remainder of the day miserable for the folks huddled in the stands." Pitt got on the scoreboard in the first quarter with a 12-play 79-yard drive. Marshall Goldberg went through left tackle from the 6-yard line for the score. Bill Daddio added the point after and Pitt led 7 to 0. In the second period the Panther offense advanced the ball to the Badger 4-yard line before losing the ball on downs. On the second play of the third quarter, Goldberg went through left tackle for 63 yards and his second touchdown of the day. Daddio again converted for a 14–0 lead. Dick Cassiano replaced Goldberg later in the third quarter. The Panthers gained possession on their 20-yard line. On second down Cassiano received a lateral from Frank Patrick and raced 75 yards for the final touchdown of the game. Daddio's placement made it 21–0.Pitt's 21-to-0 Victory in Detail Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph October 24, 1937 Part 2–3 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106498878/pitts-21-to-0-victory-in-detail/ July 28, 2022 Newspapers.com Wisconsin finished the season with a 4–3–1 record. The Pitt offense dominated the game with 352 yards gained from scrimmage and 14 first downs. They kept the score close by fumbling 7 times and losing 6 of them. Wisconsin gained 13 yards from scrimmage and 48 yards through the air on 5 pass completions. The Pitt defense held the Badgers to 3 first downs.Pitt Statistics Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph October 24, 1937 Part 2–3 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106500027/pitt-statistics/ July 28, 2022 Newspapers.com The Pitt starting lineup for the game against Wisconsin was Bill Daddio (left end), Tony Matisi (left tackle), Albin Lezouski (left guard), Don Hensley (center), Steve Petro (right guard), George Delich (right tackle), Frank Souchak (right end), John Michelosen (quarterback), Marshall Goldberg (left halfback), Harold Stebbins (right halfback) and Frank Patrick (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were Paul Shaw, Edward Spotovich, Elmer Merkovsky, Ralph Hafer, Walter Raskowski, Robert Dannies, Henry Adams, Dante Dalle Tezze, Ben Asavitch, Carmen Etze, Harold Klein, Albert Walton, Ted Schmidt, Fabian Hoffman, John Chickerneo, Ben Kish, John Urban, Dick Cassiano, Lawrence Peace, Emil Narick, Bill Stapulis and William Farkas. On October 24, 1937, the Hagan Plan was made public. Coach Sutherland told the Post-Gazette: "All that I know concerning the policy shift at Pitt is what I have seen in the newspapers. I have not been consulted at all thus far. However, you can make it emphatic that whatever course the athletic council charts for the football squad, I will follow to the best of my ability, now and in the future just as I have in the past. Pitt is very dear to me, always has been and always will be."Sutherland Not Consulted on New Policy at Pitt Pittsburgh Post-Gazette October 25, 1937 16 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106563526/sutherland-not-consulted-on-new-policy/ July 29, 2022 Newspapers.com He told the Sun-Telegraph: "I believe Pitt should play teams in his own classification; teams that have the same ideals and that operate on the same plane. I am employed here as a football coach...I intend to turn out the best football teams possible while I'm on the job."Panther Coach Approves New Setup Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph October 24, 1937 Part 2–6 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106564042/panther-coach-approves-new-setup/ July 29, 2022 Newspapers.com Wisconsin Pittsburgh collapsed 1 Pittsburgh 12 79 RushTD Marshall Goldberg 6 good Bill Daddio run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 7 3 Pittsburgh 2 68 RushTD Marshall Goldberg 63 good Bill Daddio run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 14 3 Pittsburgh 2 80 RushTD Dick Cassiano 73 good Bill Daddio run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 21 0 21 Carnegie Tech Week 6: Carnegie Tech at Pitt Carnegie Tech Pitt 0 7 0 7 6 3 9 7 October 30, 1937 Pitt Stadium Pittsburgh, PA 2:00 p.m. 37,500 sunshine Harry O. Dayhoff (Bucknell) 1937 Carnegie Tech Tartans football team thumb|left|October 30 program for game versus Carnegie Tech thumb|Ticket stub for October 30 game versus Carnegie Tech The city game with Carnegie Tech took on added significance, as Tech's coaching staff was now made up of former Pitt players and coaches. Head coach Bill Kern and his assistants Edward Baker, Joe Skladany and Frank Kutz all played for Sutherland at Pitt. Bill Kern was on Jock's coaching staff for 7 years (the last three as his main assistant). Eddie Baker assisted backfield coaching for 5 years.Jess Carver 40,000 To See Tech Clash With Pitt Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph October 30, 1937 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106620496/40000-to-see-tech-clash-with-pitt/ July 30, 2022 Newspapers.com The Tartans were only 1–3 on the season, but their lone victory was a 9–6 upset over Notre Dame.1937 Carnegie Mellon Tartan Schedule and Results Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football July 30, 2022 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/carnegie-mellon/1937-schedule.html Coach Kern told The Pitt News: "Playing against Pitt will feel very strange. The Panthers are better this year and we are obviously weaker. We'll be satisfied to hold them as well as Wisconsin. We hope Pitt wins every game – but this one."Tech Coaches praise Alma Mater The Pitt News 29 19 October 29, 1937 3 https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735062158708/viewer#page/3/mode/1up July 30, 2022 Pitt led the all-time series dating back to 1906 18–4–1.Record Book Pitt Football 2005 2005 University of Pittsburgh 153 https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735051647059/viewer#page/154/mode/1up July 30, 2022 Coach Sutherland rested end Bill Daddio and halfback Marshall Goldberg. Both players were nursing leg injuries and Sutherland wanted them 100% for Notre Dame.Jess Carver Dukes Battle Richmond Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph October 29, 1937 40 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106626316/dukes-battle-richmond/ July 30, 2022 Newspapers.com The Panthers prevailed 25–14, despite losing 6 fumbles and giving up their first points of the season. The Panthers scored first after recovering a blocked punt on the Tartan 3-yard line. On third down Frank Patrick went through right tackle for the touchdown. Patrick missed the placement. Pitt led 6–0. Late in the first quarter, Harold Stebbins fumbled and Tech recovered on the Pitt 20-yard line. The Tartan offense gained nothing on first down as the quarter came to a close. On the first play of the second stanza, Peter Moroz threw a touchdown pass to Robert Howarth for the first points scored against Pitt. Coleman Kopcsak added the extra point and Pitt was losing for the first time all season. Late in the half the Panthers gained possession on their own 43-yard line and sustained a 10-play 40-yard drive to the Tartan 17-yard line. As time expired in the first half, Frank Souchak booted a 25-yard field goal to give the Panthers a 9–7 halftime lead. The Panther offense sustained a 10-play 77-yard scoring drive to start the third period. Patrick ended the drive with a 1-yard plunge and Souchak added the point. The Pitt defense kept the Tartans pinned deep in their territory. Pitt added a safety when, in punt formation, a fumbled Carnegie snap in punt formation rolled into the end zone and was recovered by Tech. Pitt led 18–7. Both coaches substituted freely in the final quarter. Pitt halfback John Urban capped off the Panther scoring with a 27-yard touchdown pass to Edward Spotovich. Souchak added the placement. Tech responded with a 9-play 82-yard sustained drive of their own to score a late touchdown and make the final 25–14.Pitt-Tech Detail Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph October 31, 1937 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106696960/pitt-tech-detail/ July 31, 2022 Newspapers.com The Pitt starting lineup for the game against Carnegie Tech was Paul Shaw (left end), Tony Matisi (left tackle), Albin Lezouski (left guard), Don Hensley (center), Steve Petro (right guard), George Delich (right tackle), Fabian Hoffman (right end), John Michelosen (quarterback), Dick Cassiano (left halfback), Harold Stebbins (right halfback) and Frank Patrick (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were Frank Souchak, Edward Spotovich, Walter Raskowski, Elmer Merkovsky, Robert Dannies, Henry Adams, Dante Dalle Tezze, Harold Klein, James Scarpfin, Ted Schmidt, John Chickerneo, Ben Kish, John Urban, Lawrence Peace, Emil Narick and Bill Stapulis.Glory For Both The Pittsburgh Press October 31, 1937 Sports 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106702247/glory-for-both/ July 31, 2022 Newspapers.com Carnegie Tech Pittsburgh collapsed 1 Pittsburgh 3 3 RushTD Frank Patrick 1 no good Frank Patrick run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 6 2 Carnegie Tech 2 20 RecTD Robert Howarth Peter Moroz 20 good Coleman Kopcsak run/pass good/failed/incomplete 7 6 2 Pittsburgh 10 32 FG 25 Frank Souchak 7 9 3 Pittsburgh 10 77 RushTD Frank Patrick 1 good Frank Souchak run/pass good/failed/incomplete 7 16 3 Pittsburgh 4 -8 SafetyOther Tech punter Jack Lee fumbled the center snap and recovered it in the end zone for a safety 7 18 4 Pittsburgh 3 40 RecTD Edward Spotovich John Urban 27 good Frank Souchak run/pass good/failed/incomplete 7 25 4 Carnegie Tech 9 82 RecTD Eugene Rosenthal John Grad 12 good Merlyn Condit run/pass good/failed/incomplete 14 25 14 25 At Notre Dame Week 7: Pitt at Notre Dame Pitt Notre Dame 0 0 0 21 0 0 6 0 November 6, 1937 Notre Dame Stadium South Bend, IN 2:00 p.m. 54,309-56,000 clear Frank Lane (Cincinnati) 1937 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team thumb|left|Program for November 6 game versus Notre Dame thumb|Ticket stub for November 6 game versus Notre Dame On November 6, 1937, the Panthers traveled to South Bend, IN for the final game of the series that began in 1930. Notre Dame held a slight edge in the overall series (5–4–1) which began in 1909. However, the Panthers won four of the last five games.Record Book Pitt Football 2005 2005 University of Pittsburgh 156 https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735051647059/viewer#page/157/mode/1up July 30, 2022 The Associated Press National poll of newspaper experts had Notre Dame ranked #12 and Pitt #3 for the week prior to the game.Golden Bears Voted Tops Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph November 2, 1937 21 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106751811/golden-bears-voted-tops/ August 1, 2022 Newspapers.com Elmer Layden's Irish were 3–1–1 on the season. They beat Drake (21–0); tied Illinois (0–0); were upset by Carnegie Tech (9–7); came from behind to beat Navy (9–7); and beat Minnesota (7–6).1937 Notre Dame Fighting Irish Schedule and Results Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football August 1, 2022 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/notre-dame/1937-schedule.html End Chuck Sweeney and tackle Ed Beinor received first team All-America recognition, while guard Joe Ruetz and quarterback Andy Puplis garnered third team mention.Bud Sports From the Wings The Muscatine Journal Muscatine, Iowa November 22, 1937 6 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106758735/sports-from-the-wings/ August 1, 2022 Newspapers.comAll-American By United Press The South Bend Tribune South Bend, Indiana December 1, 1937 Section 2–4 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106755038/all-america-by-united-press/ August 1, 2022 Newspapers.com Jack Ledden of The South Bend Tribune noted: "The general feeling among the Notre Dame boys is one of revenge. Like an elephant, they never forgot the physical beating they took in Pittsburgh last year and they want a chance to square things."Jack Ledden Movies Show Panther Gains The South Bend Tribune South Bend, Indiana November 2, 1937 Section 2–5 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106812052/movies-show-panther-gains/ August 2, 2022 Newspapers.com On Friday morning, the Panther squad of 34 arrived in South Bend, IN. They bused 11 miles to the Four Flags Hotel in Niles, MI, where they stayed until noon on Saturday, when they were bused to the stadium.Tech's Two Touchdowns Came By Air The Pittsburgh Press November 4, 1937 30, 31 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106823156/techs-touchdowns-came-by-air/ August 2, 2022 Newspapers.com Halfback Marshall Goldberg and end Frank Souchak were back in the starting lineup for the Panthers. In front of a capacity crowd of 56,000, the Panthers notched Sutherland's win number 100 as Pitt coach with a come from behind 21–6 victory. Notre Dame was held to 3 first downs (one the result of back-to-back offside penalties) and 97 total yards from scrimmage. The Panthers gained 328 yards from scrimmage and earned 12 first downs. The first half was a scoreless punting duel. Early in the third quarter Pitt botched a punt that traveled 1-yard and Notre Dame gained possession on the Panther 49-yard line. On second down from the 47-yard line, Jack McCarthy threw a touchdown pass to a wide-open Andy Puplis. Puplis missed the placement. Notre Dame led 6–0 for 11 minutes. Late in the quarter, Pitt gained possession on their own 33-yard line and the rally began. The Panther offense advanced the ball 67 yards in 9 plays with Frank Patrick scoring on a 1-yard plunge to tie the game. Frank Souchak put the Panthers ahead by kicking the extra point. Two minutes later, the Panther offense drove 66 yards in 7 plays. Harold Stebbins received a hand-off from Marshall Goldberg on a reverse and ran the last 21 yards unmolested into the end zone. Souchak added the point after and Pitt led 14–6. Notre Dame went to the air and Pitt halfback Harold Stebbins intercepted on the Notre Dame 43-yard line. Six plays later Patrick went through center for 21 yards and the final touchdown. Souchak tacked on the extra point and Pitt evened the all-time series against the Irish 5–5–1.Play By Play of Pitt's Win Over Irish The South Bend Tribune South Bend, Indiana November 7, 1937 Section 2–5 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106827161/play-by-play-account-of-pitts-win-over/ August 2, 2022 Newspapers.com Coach Sutherland was modest: "I'm afraid those long runs minimized the great game which Notre Dame played. We were fortunate to break Stebbins and Patrick loose for the Irish line played a tight type of defensive ball and we took nothing for granted. We had to fight for every yard we made and no team gave us more trouble than Notre Dame." Coach Layden praised his team: "Pitt today had a great line and the fact that our boys were able to hold the Panthers scoreless for three quarters speaks for itself."Seen and Heard The South Bend Tribune South Bend, Indiana November 7, 1937 Section 2–4 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106885615/seen-and-heard/ August 3, 2022 Newspapers.com Notre Dame finished the season 6–2–1 and ranked # 9 in the final Associated Press poll. Notre Dame ended the series with Pitt because they felt they were playing a team for hire. David Finoli When Pitt Ruled the Gridiron 2015 978-0-7864-9426-2 McFarland & Company, Inc. 239, 240 The Pitt starting lineup for the game against Notre Dame was Paul Shaw (left end), Tony Matisi (left tackle), Albin Lezouski (left guard), Don Hensley (center), Steve Petro (right guard), George Delich (right tackle), Frank Souchak (right end), John Michelosen (quarterback), Marshall Goldberg (left halfback), Harold Stebbins (right halfback) and Frank Patrick (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were Edward Spotovich, Elmer Merkovsky, Walter Raskowski, Albert Walton, Henry Adams, Robert Dannies, Dante Dalle Tezze, Harold Klein, Ted Schmidt, Ralph Hafer, Fabian Hoffman, John Chickerneo, Ben Kish, Dick Cassiano, Clement Campal, Lawrence Peace and Bill Stapulis.Au Revior The Pittsburgh Press November 7, 1937 Sports 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106889782/au-revoir/ August 3, 2022 Newspapers.com Pittsburgh Notre Dame collapsed 3 Notre Dame 2 49 RecTD Andy Puplis Jack McCarthy 47 no good Andy Puplis run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 6 4 Pittsburgh 9 67 RushTD Frank Patrick 1 good Frank Souchak run/pass good/failed/incomplete 7 6 4 Pittsburgh 7 66 RushTD Harold Stabbins 27 good Frank Souchak run/pass good/failed/incomplete 14 6 4 Pittsburgh 6 43 RushTD Frank Patrick 21 good Frank Souchak run/pass good/failed/incomplete 21 6 21 6 Nebraska Week 8: Nebraska at Pitt Nebraska Pitt 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 13 November 13, 1937 Pitt Stadium Pittsburgh, PA 2:00 p.m. 71,267 clear and dry Dexter Very (Penn State) 1937 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team thumb|left|Official's badge for November 13 game versus Nebraska thumb|Program for November 13 game versus Nebraska On November 13, the undefeated Nebraska Cornhuskers hoped to snap their 10-game winless streak against the Panthers. First-year coach Biff Jones's Huskers arrived in Pittsburgh with a 4–0–2 record and #11 ranking in the Associated Press weekly poll.1937 Nebraska Cornhuskers Schedule and Results Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football August 5, 2022 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/nebraska/1937-schedule.htmlPitt Displaces Bears As Top Ranking Eleven Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph November 9, 1937 25 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106996843/pitt-ranked-number-1/ August 5, 2022 Newspapers.com The Husker line was anchored by four All-Americans – tackles Fred Shirey and Ted Doyle,Nation's Captains Pick Central Press All-Americans The Hammond Times Hammond, Indiana December 3, 1937 26 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106998155/1937-central-press-all-americans/ August 5, 2022 Newspapers.com end Elmer Dohrmann, and center Charles Brock. Nebraska assistant coach W. H. Browne, who scouted the Panthers, felt: "Pitt can be beaten, but it will take 60 minutes of alert aggressive football. We can't expect to win if we let up a single minute."Walter E. Dobbins Nebraska Club to Drill in Chicago's Soldier Field Today Evening State Journal Lincoln, Nebraska November 11, 1937 17 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107013014/nebraska-club-to-drill-in-chicagos-sold/ August 5, 2022 Newspapers.com The Associated Press weekly football poll ranked the Panthers #1. After reaching 100 victories as Pitt coach, Sutherland discussed his favorite part of coaching with The Lincoln Star: "I don't care what the papers and sportswriters say about me, about what I've done or what I haven't done, about the glory and the romance of football. It's these kids that play under me that count. They're wonderful boys, all of them. It's working with them that has made football mean so much to me...Games? There's little difference between a game won and a game lost. It's the playing that counts."Raymond Wilcove Pitt Coach Strong For His Boys The Lincoln Star Lincoln, Nebraska November 11, 1937 18 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107070821/pitt-coach-strong-for-his-boys/ August 6, 2022 Newspapers.com In front of the second largest crowd (71,267) to watch a football game in western Pennsylvania, the Pitt Panther eleven continued its mastery over the Nebraska Cornhuskers, with another come from behind fourth quarter rally, by the score of 13–7. For the first three quarters the Panther offense could not sustain a drive. The Pitt defense held the Nebraska offense to minus 9 yards and 2 first downs for the entire game, but their punter Johnny Howell, who averaged more than 46 yards per punt, continually kept the Panthers starting deep in their own territory. Late in the third period, Howell punted 72 yards to pin the Panthers on their own 15-yard line. The Panthers were forced to punt. Harris Andrews caught the ball on his own 40-yard line and ran to the right. He lateraled to Jack Dodd heading left and the Husker interference escorted him into the end zone. Lowell English added the placement. Pitt trailed going into the last quarter for the second week in a row. After trading punts, the Panthers gained possession on their 20-yard line. The Pitt offense sustained a 13 play, 80-yard drive that ended on a Frank Patrick 1 yard plunge over right tackle for the touchdown. Frank Souchak's placement hit the upright and Pitt trailed 7–6. Pitt's kick-off went out of bounds, which gave Nebraska possession on their 35-yard line. On third down fullback Bill Andreson fumbled, and Pitt's Albin Lezouski recovered on the Husker 33-yard line. On the sixth play Bill Stapulis went through the middle for Pitt's second touchdown. Souchak's placement was good and the #1 team in the country was 7–0–1.Jess Carver Panthers' Late Rally Beats Nebraska 13–7 Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph November 14, 1937 Part 2-2 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107078452/pitt-beats-nebraska-137/ August 6, 2022 Newspapers.com Biff Jones congratulated the Panthers: "Jock has a great team. It was a hard one to lose, but that is the best team we have faced this season and that was the hardest battle we have been in this year. When the Pitt offensive started to click, it was grand. They have the stuff." Sutherland answered: "The battle was even tougher than the fight with the Irish at South Bend last Saturday. I am convinced that you cannot play teams like Notre Dame and Nebraska on successive Saturdays and keep the players in top shape. Our team was still feeling the effects of last Saturday which is why they played loggy football in the first half. I'll take my hat off to the second team. We had to use it throughout the second period in order to rest up the other fellows, and the youngsters were great. They had wonderful spirit. I was tickled the way the crowd acted. The fans certainly did enjoy the game."Charles J. Doyle Goldberg's Dad on Foes' Bench Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph November 14, 1937 part 2–4 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107139113/goldbergs-dad-on-foes-bench/ August 7, 2022 Newspapers.com Nebraska finished their season with a 6–1–2 record and captured the Big 6 Conference crown. They placed #11 in the final Associated Press football poll. The Pitt starting lineup for the game against Nebraska was Frank Souchak (left end), Tony Matisi (left tackle), Albin Lezouski (left guard), Don Hensley (center), Steve Petro (right guard), George Delich (right tackle), Fabian Hoffman (right end), John Michelosen (quarterback), Marshall Goldberg (left halfback), Harold Stebbins (right halfback) and Frank Patrick (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were Bill Daddio, Paul Shaw, Elmer Merkovsky, Dante Delle Tezze, Ted Schmidt, Walter Raskowski, Henry Adams, John Chickerneo, Ben Kish, Dick Cassiano, John Urban and Bill Stapulis.'Huskers Husked The Pittsburgh Press November 14, 1937 Sports 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107083040/huskers-husked/ August 6, 2022 Newspapers.com Nebraska Pittsburgh collapsed 3 Nebraska PuntTD Jack Dodd 60 good Lowell English run/pass good/failed/incomplete 7 0 4 Pittsburgh 13 80 RushTD Frank Patrick 1 no good, hit the upright Frank Souchak run/pass good/failed/incomplete 7 6 4 Pittsburgh 6 33 RushTD Bill Stapulis 1 good Frank Souchak run/pass good/failed/incomplete 7 13 7 13 Penn State Week 9: Penn State at Pitt Penn State Pitt 0 0 7 0 14 7 0 7 November 20, 1937 Pitt Stadium Pittsburgh, PA 2:00 p.m. 19,936 snow Harry O. Dayoff (Bucknell) 1937 Penn State Nittany Lions football team thumb|left|Program for the November 20 game versus Penn State thumb|Ticket stub for November 20 game versus Penn State On November 20, the Penn State Nittany Lions tried to break a 12-game losing streak to Pitt by gaining their first victory over the Panthers since 1919. Coach Bob Higgins' eight year record was 21–33–3 and none of his teams had finished above .500. This year's squad was 5–2 and hoped to finish 6–2 by knocking off the #1 Panthers.1937 Penn State Nittany Lions Schedule and Results Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football August 8, 2022 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/penn-state/1937-schedule.htmlBob Higgins Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football August 8, 2022 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/bob-higgins-1.html Harry Keck of the Sun-Telegraph reported: "As one State man put it, the seniors on the State team are tired of making 'good showings' against Pitt, and believe they're about to win."Harry Keck Penn State Out to Upset Pitt Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph November 17, 1937 26 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107220054/penn-state-out-to-upset-pitt/ August 8, 2022 Newspapers.com The veteran Panther squad had 20 members who would be suiting up for the final time at Pitt Stadium. Seniors, tackle Tony Matisi and end Frank Souchak, along with underclassmen, halfback Marshall Goldberg and guard Albin Lezouski, were honored before the game for being chosen to the Associated Press All-American list. David Finoli When Pitt Ruled the Gridiron 2015 978-0-7864-9426-2 McFarland & Company, Inc. 245 Coach Sutherland started Ted Schmidt at right tackle in place of George Delich. Otherwise, the lineup was the same that started against Nebraska. Assistant coach Mike Nicksick, who scouted the Lions, noted they were: “a team that loves to gamble, and with the breaks, they'll be hard to beat.”Lions Bring Gambling, Razzle-Dazzle Eleven The Pitt News 29 27 November 17, 1937 3 https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735062158641/viewer#page/3/mode/1up August 9, 2022 23,000 fans sat through snow, wind and bitter cold to see Pitt win its last home game of the season 28–7. Pitt scored twice in the first period to set the tone. The Panther defense forced a punt and gained possession on the State 41-yard line. On the eighth play of the drive Frank Patrick plunged over center from the 1-yard marker for the touchdown. Frank Souchak kicked the point after and Pitt led 7–0. State returned the kick-off to their own 46-yard line. On third down Pitt center Don Hensley intercepted Steve Rollins' pass on the Pitt 44-yard line and returned it to the State 49-yard line. The drive took six plays. Marshall Goldberg carried the ball through left tackle from the 1-yard line for the second score. Souchak added the point after. Sutherland played the second team for most of the second and third quarters. Early in the second period the Pitt defense forced a punt and took possession on their own 20-yard line. On second down, Dick Cassiano raced 79 yards around left end for the third Panther score of the first half. Elmer Merkovsky kicked the point after, and Pitt led 21–0 at halftime. Penn State got on the scoreboard in the third quarter. Pitt guard Dante Dalle Tezze fumbled a punt and State recovered on the Panther 24-yard line. On third down, Wendell Wear threw a 29-yard touchdown pass to Sidney Alter. Ben Pollack kicked the point after, and the Pitt lead was cut to 21–7. The Pitt regulars played the fourth quarter and sustained a 10-play 54-yard drive for their final score. Goldberg scored over left guard from the 7-yard line. Frank Patrick added the extra point, and Pitt led the all-time series 22–13–2. Jess Carver Pitt Starts Early, Wallops State, 28–7 Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph November 21, 1937 Part 2-2 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107286296/pitt-wallops-penn-state-287/ August 9, 2022 Newspapers.comAll-Time Series University of Pittsburgh 2008 Pitt Football Media Guide 143 October 7, 2022 https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735062136134/viewer#page/140/mode/1up State coach Higgins was impressed: "It's just about the finest thing I have ever seen in the way of a college football team. In fact, I have never seen any better Pitt, or for that matter, any better school outfit."Leonard Levison Panthers Change Routine, Score Early Against Lions The Pitt News 29 29 November 22, 1937 3 https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735062158625/viewer#page/3/mode/1up August 9, 2022 The Pitt starting lineup for the game against Penn State was Bill Daddio (left end), Tony Matisi (left tackle), Albin Lezouski (left guard), Don Hensley (center), Steve Petro (right guard), Ted Schmidt (right tackle), Frank Souchak (right end), John Michelosen (quarterback), Marshall Goldberg (left halfback), Harold Stebbins (right halfback) and Frank Patrick (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were Paul Shaw, Fabian Hoffman, Elmer Merkovsky, Ben Asavich, James Scarfpin, Walter Raskowski, Henry Adams, Robert Dannies, Dante Dalle Tezze, George Delich, Ralph Hafer, Edward Spotovich, John Dickinson, John Chickerneo, Ben Kish, Dick Cassiano, Emil Narick, John Urban, Lawrence Peace, Bill Stapulis and William Farkas.Panther Claws Lion The Pittsburgh Press November 21, 1937 Sports 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107224679/panther-claws-lion/ August 8, 2022 Newspapers.com Penn State Pittsburgh collapsed 1 Pittsburgh 8 41 RushTD Frank Patrick 1 good Frank Souchak run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 7 1 Pittsburgh 6 49 RushTD Marshall Goldberg 1 good Frank Souchak run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 14 2 Pittsburgh 2 80 RushTD Dick Cassiano 79 good Elmer Merkovsky run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 21 3 Penn State 3 24 RecTD Sidney Alter Wendell Wear 29 good Ben Pollack run/pass good/failed/incomplete 7 21 4 Pittsburgh 10 54 RushTD Marshall Goldberg 7 good Frank Patrick run/pass good/failed/incomplete 7 28 7 28 At Duke Week 10: Pitt at Duke Pitt Duke 3 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 November 27, 1937 Duke Stadium Durham, NC 2:00 p.m. 36,165 rain Ted Arnold (Auburn) 1937 Duke Blue Devils football team thumb|left|Program for November 27 game versus Duke thumb|Ticket stub for November 27 game versus Duke On November 27, the Panthers finished their season against the Duke Blue Devils in Durham, North Carolina. Sutherland's Panthers first traveled below the Mason-Dixon line in 1929 to help dedicate Duke Stadium. At that time, the Blue Devils were coached by James Dehart, who was Pitt's first 4-letterman. The Panthers won the game handily 52–7, and Duke finished their season with a 4–6 record. The following season Dehart led them to a 8–1–2 record, but he was replaced by former Alabama coach Wallace Wade for the 1931 season.Jimmy DeHart Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football August 11, 2022 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/jimmy-dehart-1.html Wade led Alabama to 3 National Championships and 3 Rose Bowl invitations, winning 2 and tying 1, during his 8-year tenure. In his first 6 years at Duke, his Devils captured the Southern Conference crown three times.Wallace Wade Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football August 11, 2022 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/wallace-wade-1.html The 1937 team was 7–1–1 with a scoreless tie against Tennessee and 14–6 loss to North Carolina the only missteps on its record.1937 Duke Blue Devils Schedule and Results Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football August 11, 2022 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/duke/1937-schedule.html The Devils were led at quarterback by All-American candidate Elmore Hackney.Goldberg Named On NEA All-America Eleven The Pittsburgh Press November 28, 1937 Sports 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107469304/goldberg-named-on-nea-all-america-eleven/ August 11, 2022 Newspapers.com On Thanksgiving the Panthers' 35-member traveling squad boarded the train at 1 PM. At 9 PM they had a 2-hour layover in Washington D. C., and on Friday morning at 8:30 AM they arrived in Chapel Hill, NC. Sutherland held a practice at Duke Stadium in the afternoon. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported: "Sutherland has his boys well prepared for the encounter and the Panthers will be ready both physically and mentally for one of the best games of the day Saturday."Pitt To Take Squad of 35 To Duke Game Pittsburgh Post-Gazette November 25, 1937 46 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107407950/pitt-to-take-squad-of-35-to-duke-game/ August 11, 2022 Newspapers.com Jess Carver of the Sun-Telegraph wrote: "Pitt's Golden Panthers of the gridiron wrote a very acceptable final chapter to their 1937 football story here today by whipping a rugged band of Duke University Blue Devils, 10 to 0... "Jess Carver Pitt Takes Advantage of Two Fumbled Punts Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph November 28, 1937 Part 2-1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107410614/pitt-takes-advantage-of-two-fumbled-punt/ August 11, 2022 Newspapers.com Late in the first quarter, Pitt fullback Frank Patrick punted to Duke quarterback Elmore Hackney. He fumbled the wet ball and Pitt end Frank Souchak recovered on the Duke 20-yard line. The Panther offense only gained 5 yards on 3 plays, but on fourth down Souchak booted a 23-yard field goal to give the Panthers an early lead. Sutherland sent in the second string for the second quarter. On an exchange of punts, Pitt's Bill Stapulis punted to Hackney who fumbled for a second time. Panther Edward Spotovich recovered on the Duke 14-yard line. On first down Dick Cassiano went through left tackle for the touchdown. Souchak added the point after and Pitt led 10 to 0. The Duke offense penetrated to the Pitt 12-yard line late in the half, but lost the ball on a fumble. In the second half the Duke offense advanced to the Pitt 25-yard line, but lost the ball on an interception by Pitt guard Steve Petro. The remainder of the game was a punting duel for field position.Jess Carver Pitt Downs Duke, 10–0 Ends Season Unbeaten Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph November 28, 1937 Part 2-2 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107413217/pitt-downs-duke-100/ August 11, 2022 Newspapers.com The Pitt starting lineup for the game against Duke was Bill Daddio (left end), Tony Matisi (left tackle), Albin Lezouski (left guard), Don Hensley (center), Steve Petro (right guard), Ted Schmidt (right tackle), Frank Souchak (right end), John Michelosen (quarterback), Marshall Goldberg (left halfback), Harold Stebbins (right halfback) and Frank Patrick (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were Fabian Hoffman, Paul Shaw, Edward Spotovich, Ralph Hafer, George Delich, Elmer Merkovsky, Walter Raskowski, Dante Dalle Tezze, Henfy Adams, John Chickerneo, John Urban, Dick Cassiano and Bill Stapulis.Journey's End Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph November 28, 1937 Part 2-1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107413976/journeys-end/ August 11, 2022 Newspapers.com Pittsburgh Duke collapsed 1 Pittsburgh 4 5 FG 23 Frank Souchak 3 0 2 Pittsburgh 1 14 RushTD Dick Cassiano 14 good Frank Souchak run/pass good/failed/incomplete 10 0 10 0 Individual scoring summary 1937 Pittsburgh Panthers scoring summaryPittsburgh Panthers Player Touchdowns Extra points Field goals Safety Points Frank Patrick810049 Richard Cassiano700042 Marshall Goldberg600036 Harold Stebbins300018 Frank Souchak0102016 William Stapulis200012 John Urban10006 John Dickinson10006 Edward Spotovich10006 Elmer Mercovsky05005 William Daddio04004 William Farkas01001 Team00012 Totals292121203 Postseason The Pitt Panthers were voted National Champions by the following selectors: Associated Press, Billingsley, Boand, Dickinson, Football Research, Houlgate, Liktenhous, National Championship Foundation, Poling, Sagarin, Sagarin (ELO-Chess) and Williamson. The Cal Bears were voted National Champions by Dunkel and Helms. On November 29, Pitt varsity right end, Frank Souchak, received the Most Valuable Football Player in the City trophy from the Curbstone Coaches Association at their annual banquet in the Hotel Keystone.Souchak Awarded Curbstone Cup The Pitt News 29 32 December 3, 1937 3 https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735062158922/viewer#page/3/mode/1up August 19, 2022 On November 30, Pitt was awarded the August V. Lambert Memorial Trophy, emblematic of the eastern gridiron championship, for the second season in a row.Pitt is Awarded Lambert Trophy Pittsburgh Post-Gazette December 1, 1937 20 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107531838/pitt-is-awarded-lambert-trophy/ August 13, 2022 Newspapers.com At the Varsity Letterman's Dinner on December 13, Victor A. Lambert, the donor, presented the trophy to the University. The Panthers also received the Chamber of Commerce Cup, presented by William S. Haddock, and the City of Pittsburgh award, presented by Mayor Cornelius D. Scully.Lester Biederman Ex-Panther Tells of His Scholarship The Pittsburgh Press December 14, 1937 29 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107534489/pitt-gets-three-trophies/ August 13, 2022 Newspapers.com In late November, Percy St. Clair Browne, custodian of athletic equipment at Pitt for the previous 12 years, resigned and moved to Boston to live with his son.Charles J. Doyle Percy Browne Leaves Pitt Athletic Family Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph December 1, 1937 29 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107851848/percy-browne-retires/ August 18, 2022 Newspapers.com Marshall Goldberg came in third place in the Heisman Trophy voting with 211 votes. Clint Frank of Yale won with 524 votes and Byron "Whizzer" White placed second with 264 votes.1937 Heisman Trophy Voting Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football August 19, 2022 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/heisman-1937.html Unlike the previous year, the Pitt Panthers were the favored opponent to be invited to the Rose Bowl by numerous sports writers on the west coast. In a poll conducted by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - George T. Davis of the Los Angeles Herald Express, Royal Brougham of the Seattle Post Intelligencer, Jack James of the Los Angeles Examiner, L. G. Gregory of the Portland Oregonian, Art Rosenbaum of the San Francisco Chronicle and Ned Cronin of the Los Angeles Evening News all agreed that Pitt was the best choice.Bowl Rumors Fly As Pitt Returns Home Pittsburgh Post-Gazette November 29, 1937 17 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107714428/coast-grid-experts-favor-pitt/ August 16, 2022 Newspapers.com The Pitt football team felt otherwise. Athletic Director James Hagan stated "We had invitations from the Sugar Bowl and the Cotton Bowl which we wanted to place before the boys, so we tossed in the Rose Bowl for consideration too." The players voted no to any Bowl participation in a closed door, player-only meeting arranged by Hagan and business manager John Weber. The Panther squad was still festering hard feelings about the way they were treated on the previous Bowl trip, and rumors swirled about their demands made for spending money, vacation time and taking the entire squad on the trip not being addressed. The team was also disturbed that Coach Sutherland had not been informed of the meeting. Havey Boyle of the Post-Gazette wrote that John Weber was not pleased that Don Harrison had to resign earlier in the year and his snub of not telling the coach was a form of payback. Coach Sutherland was his gracious self: "I did not know that the meeting to vote on post-season bids was being held yesterday. However, I believe that the decision should be left entirely up to the players, themselves. I have not talked to any of the boys about the matter at all." Thus, Pitt gained the distinction of being the first team to turn down the Rose Bowl.Havey Boyle Mirrors of Sport Pittsburgh Post-Gazette November 30, 1937 -16 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107720273/mirrors-of-sport/ August 16, 2022 Newspapers.com Quarterback John Michelosen and end Frank Souchak accepted invitations to play for the East squad in the annual East-West Shrine Game on New Year's Day in San Francisco.Panther Stars Accept Bid Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph December 8, 1937 29 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107896450/panther-stars-accept-bid/ August 19, 2022 Newspapers.com All-Americans Marshall Goldberg (halfback) – First team Newspaper Enterprise Association; First team United Press International; First team International News Service First team Associated Press1937 AP All-America Pittsburgh Post-Gazette December 4, 1937 18 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107725973/1937-ap-all-america-football-team/ August 16, 2022 Newspapers.com First team Walter Camp Football FoundationWalter Camp Football Foundation http://waltercamp.org/index.php/teams_and_awards// dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090330065940/http://waltercamp.org/index.php/teams_and_awards 2009-03-30 First team Collier's;Phil Gundelfinger Jr. Goldberg and Matisi Placed on Consensus All-American The Pittsburgh Press December 19, 1937 Sports 4 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107729229/goldberg-and-matisi-are-consensus-all-am/ August 16, 2022 Newspapers.com First team North American Alliance; First team Fox Movietone News; First team All-American Board; First team Hearst Papers; Paramount News; Collyer's Eye; First team Larry Kelly;All-America The Pitt News 29 37 December 15, 1937 3 https://documenting.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3A31735062158963/viewer#page/3/mode/1up August 19, 2022 Second team New York Sun. Tony Matisi (tackle) – First team Associated Press First team Walter Camp Football Foundation; First team New York World-Telegram; First team North American Newspaper Alliance; First team Fox Movietone news; First team All-American Board; First team Paramount News; First team Collyer's Eye; First team Larry Kelly; Second team New York Sun; Second team Newspaper Enterprise Association; Second team United Press International; Second team International News Service; Honorable mention Collier's and Hearst Papers. Frank Souchak (end) – First team New York World-Telegram; First team New York Sun; Second team Larry Kelly; Second team United Press International; Second team Newspaper Enterprise Association; Second team International News Service; Honorable mention - Hearst Papers, Associated Press, North American Newspaper Alliance, Collier's and All-American Board. Albin Lezouski (guard) – Second team Associated Press; Second team Larry Kelly; Honorable mention - Newspaper Enterprise Association, United Press and North American Newspaper Alliance. Harold Stebbins (halfback) - Second team Larry Kelly; Honorable mention - United Press, Associated Press and All-America Board. William Daddio (end) – Third team United Press International; Honorable mention – Associated Press and All-America Board. Frank Patrick (fullback) - Honorable mention - All-America Board, North American Newspaper Alliance, Newspaper Enterprise Association, Associated press and United Press. John Michelosen (quarterback) - Honorable mention – Associated Press and All-America Board. Don Hensley (center) - Honorable mention - Newspaper Enterprise Association and United Press. Dick Cassiano (halfback) - Honorable mention – Associated Press. *Bold - Consensus All-American Team players drafted into the NFL The following players were selected in the 1938 NFL draft. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/draft/1938.htm Reference at www.pro-football-reference.com Pro-Football-Reference.com September 20, 2022 November 19, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20101119185018/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/draft/1938.htm dead 2 Pittsburgh Panthers Player Position Round Pick NFL club Frank Patrick Back320 Chicago CardinalsTony MatisiTackle4 29 Pittsburgh PiratesFrank Souchak End648 New York GiantsJohn Michelosen Back12102 Philadelphia Eagles References External links 1937 Pitt at Fordham tie complete game film on YouTube: Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 Pittsburgh Category:Pittsburgh Panthers football seasons Category:College football national champions Category:Lambert-Meadowlands Trophy seasons Category:College football undefeated seasons Pittsburgh Panthers football Category:1930s in Pittsburgh