The Very First Game

100 Years ago, Michigan defeated Racine, 1 to 0, to get things started (1879)

May 30 opened exceedingly warm and continued so the whole day. The heat was oppressive, but despite the heat, about 500 students of Racine and citizens of Chicago witnessed what we may call the finest game of Rugby football ever played this side of the Alleghenies.

The White Stocking grounds were not in the best condition, half of the space being very soft. At about 3:15 a bus took our team from the Clifton House to the grounds, and at 4:15 the game began.

A sharp wind was blowing from the south, which was sure to give the advantage to someone as the goals were in a north and south line. The University team won the choice and let the Racine team have the kick. Johnston made a fair kick, which was caught by Campbell and carried forward some distance by good runs and skilled throwing to others of our team. A scrummage then occurred in the middle of the grounds and finally the ball hovered in the direction of their goal.

The ball was now brought back by Racine to the middle of the grounds again, and another scrummage occurred but with no advantage to either party. Soon after this the ball was worked slowly toward their goal. In a short time a touchdown was made by our team and a kick was made by Captain DeTar for the goal, which, according to the referee's decision, missed; but our umpire and the whole team and the spectators declared the goal was safely made; however, we did not wish to dispute with the referee; yet, we must suggest, he is as liable to be mistaken as anyone else.

The ball was brought out and kicked splendidly by Fulforth and caught just as splendidly by Reed, and a place kick was made, but failed. The ball kept going toward the Racine goal, but was not only in the middle of the field. Here Martin made a good run for his tam, but was headed off by Edwards. Again, Martin made a good run, but carried the ball but a short distance. The ball was now in the middle of the field.

The friends of both teams were very enthusiastic and cheered lustily when an inch was made by either team. Here both teams played beautifully. Hard scrummage in the middle of the grounds. A neat kick by Edwards and a good run by Pond brought the ball near their goal. The ball was carried, then, a short distance from the Racine goal by Fulforth, but did very little real good. Wind blowing briskly in our favor. The ball was soon in the middle of the field again. Splendid running and throwing by both teams.

Martin here showed himself the play par excellence of the Racine team. Torbert shortly had the wind knocked out of him but was soon up again and plucky as ever. Here the ball got out of bounds, near the goal line, and was thrown in by Hannan, but declared by the referee a foul, although the majority of the crowd thought differently. Here DePuy made a run in but it was not counted, on account of the referee's decision. Racine then made a safety touchdown. Edwards made a good kick, and the ball was on the way to the Racine goal. Here time of the first inning was up, and one touchdown scored by the University team. Time, 4:55. Time of inning, 45 minutes.

Second Inning

A rest of 10 minutes was given the teams, during which time Mr. Keeler and other graduates amused themselves with a few kicks, but they only succeeded in covering themselves, not with glory, but with dirt.

The second inning was opened by a good kickoff by Captain DeTar, which was prettily caught by Roberts, and succeeded in bringing the ball to the middle of the field. Soon, by good playing, the ball was carried within about 10 feet of the Racine goal, and there it was kept for at least 20 minutes, by drops and pick-ups, by our men.

This was the best part of the game, and nothing could have been better. The teams fought like dogs of war. Chase especially distinguished himself, and the shout "Chase is there" was made at least 20 times. DeTar hung on like a bulldog, and the other men of our team played exceedingly well, and cheer after cheer went up, "Pond forever." All around we hear, "Racine tackles pretty well, but is not skillful at throwing."

The ball is finally gotten back by Racine, but Edwards brings it up to the Racine goal and another fight for it occurs. Again the ball was thrown out. Pond carried it across the grounds, and Hannan got it in touch and threw it to DePuy, and he touched down behind the goal. A foul was claimed and allowed. The ball thrown in again and the fight renewed.

Soon DeTar put it down in a scrummage and it was kicked by the Racine team and caught by Chase, closed behind DeTar. Only two minutes more and the second inning would be bee over. Yet the gods gave the University time to make a goal, which they did in most splendid style. A place kick by Capt. DeTar. Here the game closed with a score of one touchdown of the University team. It is but just to say the Racine team never put the ball back of the University halfback, and Mitchell did not get even a single opportunity to show himself.

Our team was used in a very courteous manner by Racine, and the best of feeling was displayed through the whole game. The University alumni honored the team this evening at the Palmer House. The boys are feeling splendidly and only regret that more of their University friends are not here. We append the names composing the two teams: Racine-Rushers, Parker, Billings, Rogers, Torbert, Cleveland, Roberts; halfbacks, Greene, Martin, Ormsby; backs, Johnston, Fulforth, University team - Rushers, DeTar, Chase, Pond, Green, Hannan, Reed, Depay, Edwards; halfbacks, Campbell, Barmore; goal-keeper, Mitchell.

Reprinted from May 31, 1879 student publication, The Chronicle, which appeared in 100 Years of Michigan Collegiate Football issue of Michigan Alumnus, October 1979.