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6 unusual facts about 1879 Michigan Wolverines football team


1879 Michigan Wolverines football team

Irving Kane Pond, Ann Arbor, MI – rusher (with the ball); starter against Racine

The first intercollegiate football game in Michigan history was played against the "Purple Stockings" from Racine College on May 30, 1879, at the Chicago White Stockings' grounds in Lakefront Park (now part of Grant Park).

Shortly after the crowd arrived from Ann Arbor, word was received that Zachariah Chandler, the former mayor of Detroit, U.S. Senator from Michigan, Secretary of the Interior, and U.S. Presidential candidate, had died.

(The periods of play were referred to as "innings" in 1879.) Irving Kane Pond (who later became a architect) scored the first touchdown in Michigan football history midway through the first inning.

After the game, the team attended an alumni banquet at the Palmer House.

Irving Kane Pond scored the first touchdown, and team captain David DeTar scored the first point and the first field goal.


Edmond H. Barmore

Barmore played at the halfback position on the 1879 Michigan Wolverines football team and participated in the first Michigan football team, a victory over Racine College played at White Stockings Park in Chicago.


see also