SECTION THla-REE L Ink igo --mmwI a itk 41 SUMMERT SUPPLEMENT ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN, MAY 16. 1941 S POT O LOSS OF HARMON HURTS CRISLER HUNTS FOR BACKS WESTFALL, CEITHAML RETURN .. *By Hal Wilson * 0 0 OR THE FIRST TIME since 1937 Michigan's football team will dig its cleats into the lush, green turf of the Stadium next fall without Tom Harmon in the tailback slot. Eleven Wolverine gridmen will surge down the field with the sharp impact of 1941's initial kickoff - but missing for the first time in four years will be the reassuring presence of old "98," the Gary Ghost, Tornado Tom, the greatest halfback football has ever known. For six grueling weeks of spring grid drills Head Coach Fritz Crisler and his capable corps of aides, Clarence Munn, Earl Marti- neau, Wally Weber, and Cliff Keen, have been staging an exhaus- tive search for the man who can best fill Harmon's mighty shoes. It hasn't been a glorified talent hunt, Hollywood style, but-rather one of tireless work and diligence. And the results of the unceasing efforts of these coaches will be reflected directly in the final won and lost column of the 1941 gridiron edition next November. THUS FAR the tailback berth is still wide-open. Several grid- men flashed a wealth of potentialities in the annual spring intrasquad battle last Saturday. But none of them is the perfec- tionist that Harmon was. All lack the poise and finesse requisite for Western Conference standards of competition. This will come only with experience. All have their weak points and all have their strong points. Some excel in passing, some are fine punters, some have flashed exceptional running ability. It will be the coaches' task - and a tough task - to mold this potpourri of talent ino a versatile, powerful offensive machine in time for the Michigan State opener. On the basis of past performances three men rate an edge in the fight for the all-important tailback post, Norm Call, Cliff Wise and freshman Don Robinson. Call and Wise are veterans, while Robinson has only his yearling and spring grid drills for back- ground experience. PACKING 175 POUNDS on a six-foot frame, Call is a senior speedster who has stood in Harmon's shadow for his first two years. As a sophomore Norm saw very little action. Last fall Norm was slated for a varsity position as the Ace's running-mate at wing-back. -But in the opening California tilt he incurred a muscle injury, which hampered him all season. A shifty, wing-footed runner, Call is perhaps, best qualified of any man on the squad to fill the bill in this department. In the intrasquad clash Norm drove for his team's only touchdown. But he has yet to demonstrate that he can pass and punt satisfac- torily under competitive fire. Perhaps this will come with more experience. Ironically enough, wiry Cliff Wise has everything Call lacks- but he's weak in the ball-carrying department. Cliff's main forte is his punting, with his passing brilliance just a shade behind. Best punter on the squad, the lanky junior saw service last year only when Harmon rested, which was very seldom. 'As an aerial artist, Cliff leaves no doubt of his ability. He whips passes into receivers' hands on the gridiron with the same dexterity and un- erring accurateness he tosses baseballs for Ray Fisher's baseball team. COMBINING all three talents, Robinson appears to have a pretty fair chance to break into Varsity ball as a sophomore. The hard-working Detroit lad was one of the highlights of the spring drills with his fine triple-threat play. In addition to a need of further seasoning, Don's main disadvantage is his size. Tipping the scales at t165, which is light for his height, Robinson has thus far taken everything that has come his way. But the Big Ten is a rugged league, and Minnesota's 220-pound human battering- rams play for keeps. Another tailback possibility is the son of Michigan's famous Dave Allerdice of the early 1900's, John Allerdice. John is a well- built yearling who, like his brother Dave, Jr., a star at Princeton last year, pins most of his hopes for a starting berth on an amaz- ingly fine passing arm. Also a capable punter, John is handi- capped mainly by a lack of speed and shiftiness. OTHER HALFBACKS who, are at present slated to see action as wingbacks, but who may possibly be shifted to the tailback slot if the coaches deem it advisable, are Tippy Lockard, Davey Nelson, freshman Paul White, and-Elmer Madar. The first pair alternated at wingback last year, both turning in capable perform- ances. White, a 189-pound package of running dynanite is a very fine prospect, while Madar has demonstrated much improvement as a ball-carrier over last year. Ray Sowers, another halfback candidate, may possibly be shifted to end in order to help plug the gap left in the flanking positions by graduation and the draft. At the quarterback and fullback spots, Crisler is pretty well set with veterans and highly-promising reserve material. Capt. Bob Westfall, the stocky little pistol fullback who blasted opposition lines so effectively for the last two years, will be back again, with freshman Don Boor shaping up as an adequate replacement. Behind them stand letterman Bob Zimmerman, fast-improving Reino Romo, and Austin Miller. Forest Evashevski's first-line replacement of last year, husky George Ceithaml, promises to continue in the finest Michigan tra- dition as an expert field general, hard-hitting blocker and defen- sive man. Behind Big George the material is thin, however, and some radical shifts in positions are very likely. Sophs Boost Wolverine Football Hopes i Nine Displays Power, Eyes Bi TenTitle Balance Keynotes Success; Stoddard Paces Hurlers, Harms Leads In Batting Varsity Seeks First Crown Since 1936 By MYRON DANN At the half-way mark Michigan's pawe W - baseball .team seems ,well on the way to its first Big Ten cham- pionship since 1936. The Wolverines have won five out of six conference games, and just last week put the title contending Illinois team out of the running by winning the second of their two- game series, 7-2. The success of the Varsity baseball team cannot be laid directly to any department. The well - balanced Michigan nine leads the conference in team hitting and fielding, has the individual batting leader, and the top hurler. The Wolverines' team batting average of -.29 is one pont above Wisconsin, but its fielding mark of .968 leads the league easily. Harms Leads Batters The varsity's batting leader Is sparky little George Harms who is toting an average of .525, while Mickey Stoddard has won three con- ference games on the mound for his teammates and has gone through the season so far without the aid of a relief hurler. With such an array of stars just mentioned a Big Ten championship seems inevitable, but it must be re- membered that the Wolverines have a difficult schedule ahead of ther. They have six conference games left, two of which are with the sec- ond place Northwestern Wildcats. The Purple nine has lost only two games so far this season and is con- sidered one of the heaviest hitting teams in the Big Ten. The remaining four conference games are with Indiana and Purdue. These games can not be taken too lightly as both squads have dis- played some extremely effective pit- ching so far this season. Meet California The Wolverines will end their sea- son on June 4, 5 when they meet the fast stepping University of California team. The Oolden Bears have swept all Pacific Coast honors in sight and are planning to come East with the same intention. So, it is expected that it will be the battle of the champions when the two teams meet. The Varsity has been plagued by in- juries. Capt. Bill Steppon was the first casualty when he contracted a severe ring worm infection. Then in the Illinois series Dixie Harms split a finger when he was hit by a foul tick. The same afternoon, Dave Nel- son collided with Whitey Holman try- ing to field a ground ball and Whitey ended up with a bruised collar bone. Dave has been troubled by a charley horse since the start of the season Big Ten Title Threat In Three Events Gindermen Seek Fifth Straight Big Ten Title Indiana, Indoor Champion, Is Favored To Win In Two-Da Outdoor Meet Crisler Attempting To Fill Vacancies Left By Graduation Gridiron Leader Harmon, vy, Kohl, Czak, Frutig, Kromer, Sukup, Fritz End Grid Careers -Forced out of competition last year by a bad leg, sprinter Al Thomas is back in form this year and must be rated as apotential Wolverine point-getter in the century, the furlong and the mile relay. Al beat Ralph Hammond, star Ohio State sprinter, to take a first in the hundred in last Saturday's dual meet. Freshman Wrestling Candid'ates Expected To Strengthen Squad By BOB STAIIIA A powerful band of Wolverine trackmen will begin a two-day quest for its fifth consecutive Western Con- ference outdoor title in :Minnesota's spacious stadium this afternoon, in a do-or-die effort to defeat the in diana Hoosiers, Big Tet indoor chan- pions and the favorites it today's meet. Michigan proved ia:t week. by its 00-41 victory over Ohio satF, that it has the potenttal first- place witt- ners necessary to top Indiana and the rest of the field, and if Ken Doherty's defending champions run the way they did against the Buckeyes, it is not impossible that they might suc- cessfully defend their crown. Two-Team Affair From all previous indications, this season's meet will be a two-tearm af- fair, with Michigan presenting a very strong and well-balanced aggregation of individual stars against Indiana's sensational running twins, lanky Campbell Kane In the mile and half-w mile and speedy Roy Cochran in the 220, the 440 and the low hurdles. In a long list of what should prove to be very close races, the half-mile appears to be the feature event of the meet. Michigan will present its ace middle-distance runner, W arren Breidenbach, against Kane, with Buckeye Capt. Les Eisenhart also expected to show the fans plenty of fancy running. Michigan's vastly im- proved Johnny Kautz and Dave Mat- thews might be place winner : in this event also. Breidenbach Strong Breidenbach, who set a new dual meet record of 1:52,4 seconds for Michigan in the 880 aaginst the Buck- eyes last Saturday, will offer Kane the strongest competition in the half- mile. Kane is also entered in the mile run, in which he will be pressed to the limit by Eisenhart and Ed Holderman of Purdue, so that Breid- enbach's chances in the 880 will pro-. bably depend on how fast the Hoosier ace is forced to run the mile. Past records from previous meets this year presage some very close finishes in the dashes. Northwestern's great sprint star, Myron Piker, is fav- cred to break the tape ahead of Mich- gan's Al Piel, and Al Thomas and Buckeye Ralph Hammond in both the 100 and the 220. However, Thomas r an a very good race in defeating Ilarinond in the century in the Mich- igan-Ohio State meet, and Piel is a very good possibility to gain an all- import ant first place for Michigan ii the 220. George Franck of Minne- sota, who was also one of the favored (Continued on Page 11) Mermen Lose Thee Champs Coach Mann Must Rebuild With Green Material Sad news lies in wait for Michigan swimming fans. The Wolverine tank crew, Big Ten and National Inter- collegiate titleholders, won't be the same water powerhouse next year. Coach Matt Mann's natators will go into action this coming campaign minus the services of many of their outstanding stars of the past three, years. Graduation and the army will take their toll of the greatest collegiate swimming aggregation in Maize and Blue history. Foremost among the Wolverine stars lost through graduation stands Charley Barker, selected by coaches the nation Ever as the best swimmer in the country. Big Ten 50 and 100 yard champ and National Collegiate 50 yard titlist, Barker's loss will be keenly felt. Last year Barker swam the fastest 50 yard race in the land, covering the distance in the phenom- enal time of 23 seconds flat. Welsh Graduates Another titleholder who will be lost to the team by the graduation axe will be Jim Welsh, holder of the Western Conference 220 and 440 and the National Collegiate 220 crowns. He is regarded as one of the nation's best distance men. And the man who is second only to (Continued on Page 13) By KEV JONES With four returning lettermen and a host of gooli prospects from the freshman squad, a rosy future ap- pears in store for the wrestling team. Coach Cliff Keen's recent remark, "We usually win our share of them," seems to indicate anything but a poor season for the grapplers next winter. In Captain Jim Galles, the Wol- verines have their only Big Ten cham- pion. Galles, the 175 pound junior from Chicago, went through .last year's conference schedule without a loss, and it is likely that he will re- peat the feat when next season rolls around. Courtright At 165 Also returning from this year's squad are Bill Courtright, Ray Deane, and Herb Barnett. Courtright, at 165, gives every evidence that he will con- tinue his rapid improvement of this, year. With two more years to wrestle, Bill, who took a third in the Big Ten meet, should be one of the mainstays of the team next year. Deane, another soph, should be able to take care of the 136 pound class. Ray seems headed for another suc- cessful season, and will probably be a big factor in the Wolverines' meets next season. In the 145 pound class there should be some competition for the place on the team, with Barnett leading the pack because of his experience. A transfer from Oklahoma University, Herb should do a good job for the team. Another aspirant to the 145 pound slot is Melvin Becker, one of the Becker twins. Melv did fine work all last winter and can be counted on to be in the thick of the fight. Speek Improves was not in the limelight this winter, being in the midst of the troubled heavyweight sea, but with Jack But- ler and Emil Lockwood gone he looms as best in the field. Of the freshmen, Johnny Greene and Tom Coffield appear best, Greene, winner of one of the freshman Bissel trophies, was on the squad for only part of the season, but in that time he proved that he will bear watching. Cof field, a big boy from Grand Rap- ids, was a good worker on the squad, and, with Greene, will give Wilson something to think about. Kopel In 121 Pound Class Dick Kopel, the other winner of a Bissel trophy, is the leader in the 121 pound class. Kopel, a Detroit boy, was outstanding this winter, and is one of the best prospects for next year, Coach Keen is optimistic about the outlook, and there is every reason to believe that he is justified in his view. Next year should be a success- ful one for Michigan's wrestling team. Bullet Bob Westfall, hard driv- ing senior fullback, replaces For- rest Evashevski as captain of the Michigan football team. The husky back has held a regular post since he first joined the squad as a sophomore, University Golf Course Is Long And Difficult The University of Michigan's 18- hole golf course, laid out over the beautiful hills south of Ann Arbor, leaves very little to be desired by the golfer who likes his game the inter- esting way. Three Backs Battle For, Harmon's _Job By ART HILL Suppose you were a football coach and had Tom Harmon, Forest Eva- shevski, Ed Frutig, Ralph Fritz, and a few other pretty capable gridders on your squad roster and then, all of a sudden, you didn't have them? And with a tough eight-game schedule coming up? No man could be reasonably blam- ed for feeling a little down-hearted in such a situation. And, in case you haven't recognized it yet, that's ex- actly the spot Fritz Crisler finds him- self in as he prepares to start the 1941 football season. Fritz Isn't Discouraged Crisler has lost the four men men- tioned above fron his 1940 Wolverine gridiron aggregation plus Milo Su- kup, Ed Czak, Paul Kromer and Har- ry Kohl. But, although he is not giv- ing vent to any visible signs of .glee, neither does he spend his time re- playing last year's schedule. Fritz is looking ahead. They've all gone, these eight, but Michigan has some football games to play in three or four months and Cris- ier has already gone about the busi- ness of rebuilding. Spring /practice ended last week-end and the six- weeks session revealed plenty about the probable lineup when the Wol- verines take the field against Michi- gan State in their opening game next fall. First come the candidates for that all-important spot vacated by Tom Harmon. There are several of them and each has, at one time or another, shown flashes of brilliance. Certain- ly, whoever gets the job will not be uite as great as Harmon but he may come surprisingly close. Outstanding candidates for the job are Norm Call, Cliff Wise and Don Robinson. The speedy Call is an excellent running back while Wise excells in the passing department. Robinson has been the surprise of spring practice. A triple-threat man, he may prove to be the boy for the job. Plenty Of Guard Replacements Switching to the guard positions, which also suffered heavily by grad- uation, we find several capable re- placements coming up to fill the shoes of Sukup and Fritz. One, Bob Kole- sar, has already proved himself under fire, filling in for Sukup during the last half of last season when the little guy was out with a brain concussion. Amnna t+hp 1arsannhving for ihp j Wolverine Sp rts Roundup . . .. highlights Of Eventful Year By HOE SELTZER Dear Sports Diary: May 16: Cuss my soul if the old school year isn't fast approaching the end of the line. Let's just mosey back through the pages now and see what the Champions of the West have done in the arena of sport since last September: Sept. 28: Tommy Harmon runs back the first kickoff of the season 98 yards against California, and fol- lows it up with additional scoring jaunts of 85 and 65 meters respec- +tiv in o hnw +hp. Nn11vmnnr1 sent tremely hot day and chalks up all 21 Michigan noints pe rsorally, which fact alone saves the lives of one referee, one umpire, and one head linesman. Oct. 26: It's the biggest game of the country right here in Ann Arbor as Reagan of Penn and The Great Profile fight it out with ten men each for weapons. Harmon's artil - lery packs an extra special wallop, name of Westfall, with which the Reagan forces cannot cope, and they therefore succumb, 14-0. The hard- est, most hitterly nntested anme nf Ways for rain. And gets it. Minne- sota plays five minutes of good foot- ball at the beginning of the game, 20 seconds of it in the second quar- ter (playing time required for Bruce Srith's 80-yard run and Joe Mer- nik's extra point kick) and another five minutes of same in the last period to down the greatest Wolver- ine team Bierman ever saw, 7-6. Bob Westfall's performance ap- proaches the superhuman in its sus- tained savagery, the brilliance of Harmon shines forth even in the mil and glime. the whole team Itn- and jump on them, 40-0. Terrible Tom ends forever the Grange-Harmon quibble as he betters Red's record by two touchdowns. Kromer, a flop for two seasons, rips off a 78-yard scor- ing run that brings a lump in the throats of those who know how that guy loves football. And Francis Schmidt starts look- ing for a new job. Nov. 30: The hockey team drops their opener to London A.C, 7-5, to set the precedent for the season's several long, unbroken lines of de-