Wittenberg has a long history of successful football programs. Since 1955, every head coach has had a winning record, and two, Bill Edwards and Dave Maurer, have been inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. Wittenberg's winning record, from Coach Edwards in the 1950s to Coach Fincham today, is one of the most impressive college football traditions in Division III history.
Although Wittenberg was not a powerhouse in the 1930s and 1940s, Wittenberg football had enjoyed great success previously, in the 1920s. Coach Ernie Godfrey (pictured right) was the earliest Wittenberg football coach to eventually make the Hall of Fame. An OSU star, he coached Wittenberg in 1916 and then from 1919-1928. His teams' record included two undefeated seasons.
But in fact Wittenberg鈥檚 football triumphs began even earlier. In 1894, their 7-1 season included a victory over OSU and a state college championship. Their final, rather raucous game of the 1894 season was reported by the Cincinnati Enquirer this way:
STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
Won by the Wittenberg Football team
Special Dispatch to the Enquirer
Springfield, Ohio. November 29. Wittenberg and Otterbein College football teams played here to-day before 1,500 people. The game was for the championship of the state and was won by Wittenberg by a score of 30 to 4. The last half was very rough, but no one was badly injured. Most of the time was consumed in kicking over a decision of the referee in not allowing a 鈥渢ouch down鈥� for Otterbein which was secured by the quarterback trick. Frank Smith, an Otterbein reserve player, came near being mobbed for tripping a Wittenberg player who was but a few yards from scoring. It took six policemen to rescue him from the crowd and they escorted him to town.
About The Project
With Wittenberg now celebrating its 175th year, and the University unable to hold regular in-person classes as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Professor of History Thomas T. Taylor has started circulating several pieces on Wittenberg's history. Some originated in earlier series, either This Month in Wittenberg History or Happy Birthday Wittenberg. Others have their origin in the Wittenberg History Project or in some other, miscellaneous project. Sincerest thanks to Professor Taylor for connecting alumni, faculty, staff, and students through a historic lens.