CONTENTS  SPORTS INDEX   1914     1916

Page last updated:  Dec. 3, 2006

1915 Such Cool Coaching Gear

1915 BEARCATS

HICO

   De Leon opened its second season with a home game against Hico which ended in a 0-0 tie.  The only record found on the game came from the Hico News-Review of October 8, 1915.  “In spite of the fact that the game was the first in this season for each team, there was exhibited good form and a fair working knowledge of the game.  The members of each team proved themselves sportsmen, for the game was characterized by manly conduct and an enthusiastic spirit for clean athletics.”  Jack Hughes of Hico was the referee while Theo. Eakins served as head linesman.

COMANCHE   

   The newly combined Comanche Chief and Pioneer Exponent reported that “the De Leon boys have had good coaching this season and are better for a year’s experience.”  The game was played in mid-October in Comanche.  It was the first time that the varsity teams of De Leon and Comanche met and it was the first game Comanche played that year against a high school team, having taken on Howard Payne and John Tarleton in their previous two games.

    Although De Leon again outweighed their rivals, Comanche’s speed provided the Indians with a 35-0 win.  The Arrowhead, the Comanche High School annual sated “Kenneth Ory’s ability to carry the ball was demonstrated in the games as “Fish Worm made several thirty yard gains.”

HICO    

    A rematch was played at Hico later in October.  This time the News Review announced that admission to the game would be twenty-five cents.  The review of the game gave no score but the outcome was probably 0-6 in favor of Hico.  The paper stated only, “On last Saturday evening the Athletic Association entertained the football team of De Leon High School with an informal reception at the school building. Ferns, together with the team’s colors, yellow and white (Hico’s?), were used in the decorations.  A spirit of good fellowship existed between the two teams. Refreshments of ice cream and cake were served.”

    The paper report in another article that, “So far the Hico high school football team hasn’t been scored against.”  And, in subsequent weeks the paper noted that Hico had outscored their opponents 77-6.  Walnut Springs beat Hico 6-0 on a 95 yard return of a fumble.  Calculating from other scores listed, Hico would have beaten De Leon 6-0, but the score was never actually given.

Bottom row (L-R): Buel Van Zandt, Elvies Allgood, Robert “Red” Smith, Ben Nabors, Unknown, Gaston Grisham, Dean Rippetoe. 

Back row: Gus McCain, B.J. Pittman, Gideon Coley, J.P. Howell.  Standing: 

Coaches: Left-unknown, Right-A.R. Jarrett.  

This team picture taken at the north end of the football field which was then located just about where the main wing of the high school stands today.  The tree line at the top of the photo is about where Bearcat Field is located.  Information from only three games has been located. 

Photo from the collection of B.J. Pittman Jr. who also identified the players.