Thiel College Football Team 1899

Trisha Hamilton-Leo — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 12:56:43 -0500

Matthew C. Hamilton, second from right in top row, played varsity football for six years (1895-1900) at Thiel College in Greenville, PA. Three years as a preparatory student and three college years. His positions were left tackle, left end, halfback and fullback. He noted that the long bushy hair served as a helmet and the only protection was in the shin and nose guards. The forward pass was unheard of at this time, and the side-pass or lateral and the flying wedge were very recent refinements to the game.

Matthew received his B.S. degree from Thiel College in 1901. His teaching career brought him to New Jersey where in 1902 he introduced football to Irving ton High School. He remained as Coach and Principal until 1911.

Dan Packard, of the Packard Motor Car family, was the Captain of the team. His is in the front row, near center, holding the ball.

Do you recognize anyone else? Please let me know.

Wesley M. Judson

old-yearbooks.com — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 18:24:43 -0500

Teacher at Northeast, PA High School in 1926-27. He went to Thiel College.

Photo from the 1927 Aquilo Yearbook of Northeast High School.

Thiel College Old Photos

Thiel College Football Team 1899

Wesley M. Judson