The Untold Tales of the 1918 Rose Bowl Coaches

Pigskin Dispatch

Join Darren Hayes as he welcomes Timothy P. Brown to explore the fascinating history of the 1918 Rose Bowl, focusing on the unique military teams that competed in this iconic game. The episode delves into the impressive coaching figures of the time, particularly Red Stanton of Camp Lewis and Hugo Bezdek, who played pivotal roles in shaping the teams. Timothy shares insights from his book, "Fields of Friendly Strife," and recounts how the wartime context influenced football during this period. Listeners will learn about the dynamics of the game, the contrasting styles of the teams, and the significant impact these coaches had on the players. With engaging anecdotes and historical context, this podcast offers a captivating glimpse into the intersection of sports and history during World War I.

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The podcast takes listeners on a captivating journey into the world of American football, focusing on the rich history of the 1918 Rose Bowl. Host Darren Hayes engages with Timothy P. Brown from footballarchaeology.com, who offers insights into the unique context of this historic game. The conversation dives deep into how military teams rather than traditional college squads participated during a time when the nation was embroiled in World War I. Timothy shares fascinating stories about the coaches of the two teams: Mare Island Marines and Camp Lewis, detailing their backgrounds, coaching styles, and the challenges they faced during wartime. The Mare Island team, trained at a San Francisco Bay military base, showcased a physical, smash-mouth style of play, while Camp Lewis, located in Tacoma, brought a more agile approach to the field. The episode also touches on the broader implications of military football during the war, shedding light on how the sport served as a morale booster for troops and a unifying force for the nation. The engaging dialogue not only recounts the specifics of the Rose Bowl but also reflects on the evolution of football coaching during a transformative era in American history.

Links referenced in this episode:

• footballarchaeology.com
• sportshistorynetwork.com
• pigskindispatch.com