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Woodrow Wilson
High School
Portsmouth, Virginia
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VIRGINIA EASTERN REGIONAL CHAMPIONS, 1922
Wilson
Wilson
Wilson
Wilson
Wilson
Wilson
Wilson
Wilson
Wilson
Wilson
Wilson
Total
35
14
35
0
39
19
0
7
29
6
0
____
204
Suffolk
Newport News
South Norfolk
Hampton
Franklin
Maury
Hampton
Hampton
South Norfolk
Newport News
Roanoke
6
0
0
7
0
7
0
6
0
3
8
___
37
Football Record
BROOKS TENNEY (Captain)
Half-back
The opening game found Brooks moved from his old position at end, to the back field. Thruout the season his playing was of the highest order; a deadly tackler, splendid interferer, and place kicker on un-usual accuracy, Brooks made an ideal captain.
GEORGE HOLCOMB (Captain Elect)
Center
George made a roving center of exceptional ability. He and Esleeck backed up the defensive line in fine style. George was an accurate passer, good with his hands, and a swift tackler. In the second Newport News game his receiving of a long pass from Leitman was responsible for the victory. George will make an excellent Captain, we are confident.
KARL ("DICKIE") ESLEECK
Full-back
Old Reliable. The surest ground-gainer on the team. Although handicapped thruout the season with a bad knee and later a bruised shoulder, he continued the mainstay of the offense to the last game. A terrific line-plunger, sure tackler, and heady passer were the salient points which placed him at the fullback position on the All-Tidewater eleven.
ROBERT ("BOB") WOODY
Quarter-back
The diminutive "half-pint" quarterback whose heady running of the team, combined with his fleetness of foot won him a well-earned position on the All-Tidewater. Time after time "Bob" would get away around the ends behind the splendid interference of Tenney and Esleeck for great gains.
SULLY GRIFFIN
Guard
Sully was another big factor in the old "steam roller". Quick to take advantage of every break thru the opponents' line and smear the play before it was well under way.
ALEXANDER SMITH
Tackle
"Alec" proved as axcellent running mate with Frey on offensive, a stone wall on the defensive. His weight, with ability to solve the opponents' plays proved a sore point to many of our rivals. With two years experience to his credit, next fall should find "Alec" one of our best bets for the Championship.
EUGENE ("TUBBY") HINMAN
Guard
"Tubby" was the only new man on the team, and it took a good man to win out over a big field for the postion. Always serious and ready for the next play, "Tubby" admirably filled his position. Although repeatedly hammered by thrusts at him, "Tubby" kept his feet like a seasoned linesman.
FRANCIS ("RED") ALLEN
End
"Red" played a well nigh faultless brand of football thruout the season. Fast as lightning on his feet and a deadly tackler, "Red's" crimson mop could always be seen in the thick of the fight. The best game of his high school career was played against Roanoke, when he covered himself with glory by fierce tackling and smearing of interference.
ROBERT BUCKNER
Manager
O"Bob" has held down his job as Manager in an efficient manner all year, coming out with the team every day and working as har4d as any member of the squad.
ROBERT ("SCAT") ELLIS
Half-back
"Scat" was an ideal alternate backfield man. An good broken-field runner, and swift in the straight-away, he proved a valuable ground-gainer. He was also a good receiver of passes and a tackler of no mean ability. Unfortunately he fractured his collar-bone towards the end of the season in an attempt to break up one off Maury's serial plays.
ZACH FREY
Tackle
A tower of strength in the lie, fast down under punts, and an aggressive tackler, Zach was another of our All-Tidewater men. Big and rangy, fast on his feet, and adept at using his hands, Zach proved himself the strongest linesman in Eastern Virginia high school circles, receiving a unanimous vote from the several coaches.
PETE THOMAS
End
Pete finished his fourth season at end on the Orange andb Blue. Experience and ability, combined with his grit and quick thinking made Pete one of the best ends in the State. Light, but fast, he was into every play, smearing the interference and nailing his man.
ALLEN PERRY
End
Allen was an important part of our well-oiled machine of '22. A good receiver of passes, deadly tackler, and fast under punts, he proved an ideal end. Lsate in the season he injured his shoulder, but the quality of his playing was not diminished in the least.
MAX LEITMAN
Half-back
Max's game was of the highest under thruout the entire season. Although an excellent passer, plunger, and tackler, his ability as a punter proved his strongest point. In no game of the season was he outdistanced in yardage. Even the famous Peake, of Hampton, could not out-punt him. Max's best game of the year was played against Suffolk, when his line-plunging counted for four touchdowns in quick succession.
The "Steam Roller" in action.
CAPTAIN GEORGE HOLCOMB
CHAMPIONS OF EASTERN VIRGINIA, 1923
FOOTBALL SUMMARY
Date Wilson Opponent
Sept. 28
Oct. 5
Oct. 12
Oct. 19
Oct. 26
Nov. 2
Nov. 9
Nov. 16
Nov. 27
Dec. 8
Cape Charles
William and Mary
Newport News
Richmond Freshmen
Hampton
Petersburg
Maury
Newport News
South Norfolk
Roanoke
19
20
6
13
21
21
3
23
13
0
0
0
7
7
0
0
0
0
0
3
 | ||||
HOLCOMB
Halfback
Our fighting Captain. Can he hit the line? Ask Maury.
SMITH
Tackle
To whom is given the privilege of lead-
ing a winning team in '24.
FREUND
guard
lnvaluable in the Presidents' line.
GRIFFIN
Guard
The bigger they came, the futher Sully tossed them back.
ALLEN
Tackle
Ending three years of fight for Wilson.
ELLIS
Halfback
Who made Mercury look slow.
CAPE CHARLES
Review of Football Season
W. and M.
NEWPORT NEWS
UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND FRESHMEN
HAMPTON
PETERSBURG
NEWPORT NEWS
MAURY
ROANOKE
The season opened with a victory over Cape Charles by a 19-0 score in a poorly played game. Wilson's first appearance was not impressive; they lacked the spirit and dash of former teams. Captain Holcomb probably the best game for Wilson, although Tenney and Ellis played well. Cape Charles was unable to cope with the heavier line of the Presidents but their defense was good.
LEITMAN
Halfback
Whose sensational drop kick in the
Maury game will go down in the
Hall of Football Fame.
PORTER
Center
Another block in our invincible wall.
TENNEY
Quarterback
Not even Roanoke could stop Brook's in a broken field.
ROSE
End
A stone block in our opponents' path.
ROBERTSON
Fullback
Whose vigorous line bucks gained
many yards.
TYLER
Halfback
Who gave his opponents more than one view of his heels.
ROUNDTREE
Center
The hardest block in Wilson's stone wall.
SCOTT
End
Ever dependable to break up end plays.
JOHNSON
Manager
Who made the wheels go 'round.
Hard luck! We lost to the Walter Reid team by one point, score 7-6, in a ragged game marred by many fumbles and had punting. Wilson seemed to lack team-work and the defense was poor. Newport News, slightly heavier, took advantage of several of the many breaks and in the third quarter scored a touchdown. The Presidents came back strong in the fourth quarter and began a march down the field which resulted in a touchdown but the try for point was missed by inches. Tyler and Ellis, with beilliant end runs, featured in the Wilson offense, and on the defense Roundtree, Griffin and Allen played well.
When the Frosh of William and Mary came down to play the Presidents they met a different team from the one which played the Friday before. They displayed mid-season form and a remarkable defense, which smothered everything the "Frosh" attempted. Capt. Holcomb, Tenney, Leitman and Ellis played stellar ball for Wilson.
The first journey into foreign territory resulted in a victory for Wilson. The Spider freshmen went down in defeat before the superior form of the Presidents in a slow, listless game, score 13-7. Leitman was the outstanding player for Wilson, recovering a kick blocked by Rose and scoring a touchdown, and then in the third quarter intercepting a forward pass for the other score. The whole team played a spectacular defensive game.
Fifteen rahs! Back in the race for Tidewater Champs. Hampton fell before the steamroller of the Presidents, and to leave nothing undone Tootise Tyler ran rings around them for the final tune of 21-0. Tenney, Leitman and Holcomb bartered the Hampton line time after time for the needed yards and Rose and Scott at end broke up anything the Crabbers attempted. When the Crabbers tried to gain through center they met Porter, Roundtree and Griffin, who put up a determined resistance and the Hampton gains were few and far between. Every man n the Wilson team played superior football, thus out tale of victory.
The Goobers brought a fighting team down from Petersburg but they failed to stop the onward march of the Presidents,. Cook, the Petersburg quarterback was the only man on the team who could gain ground for them and his broken field running was brilliant. But it takes more than one man to score on Wilson and after the first half the Presidents marched down the field time and again for three touchdowns and a field goal. Tyler and Ellis, our speed kings, showed their heels to the opposing team and Holcomb hit the line for many gains. "Red" Allen and "Bill" Scott were right there when it came to breaking up opponents plays,
Didn't you hear the noise and news? "Maxie"---our "Maxie"---kicked a field goal in the first quarter and won the game for Wilson.
Before a crowd estimated at nearly 5,000, Muary, our bitterest rivals, fell before the brilliant playing of our entire team, score 3-0. Every man on his toes fighting, and backed by nearly the entire student body, who were rending the air with martial yells, the team played a truly wonderful game. Many times defeat was staring hard, but always that reserve energy, which has won many a hard fought game, was there and the Commodores were turned back.
Maury kicked off to Wilson and the ball see-sawed back and forth on the field. On an exchange of punts and a first down by Leitman dropped back, evidently to punt. The stands were silent. "Signals!" rang out clearly and the ball snapped. Leitman, taking his time, drop-kicked. Slowly, then gaining, the ball sailed, end over end, squarely between the goal posts, fully fifteen feet above it. And Maury student body was so quiet!
Leitman was the shinning light for the Presidents. He broke up passes, intercepted passes and gained whenever called upon. The entire team deserved the ovation given them because each one played the best and won.
Again we meet the Builders and this time it is a tale of victory. They didn't have a chance before the Presidents, who displayed the best form of the year. The final score was 25-0 and with it came the Championship of Division A of Tidewater High Schools. The line held like a stone wall and the entire backfield were stars of the game. Even Alex Smith, our star tackle, gave us the surprise of our lives when he pulled down a forward pass and "steamroller like" crossed the line. Uncorking a variety of plays that had the Builders guessing continually, Robertson, Tenney, Leitman and Capt. Holcomb displayed wonderful gaining ability and the entire line played a splendid defensive game.
Just a field goal! 3-0.
Are we downhearted? Not in the least. The game was a crdit to the losers as well as the State Champions. It was a clean, hard-fought game from beginning to end and our only "alibi" is that we'll beat them next year. Barnes, the Magic City's quarterback, was the star of the game. His heady running of his team contributed largely to their victory and brilliant teamwork. For Wilson, Tenney played a great game on the receiving, in forward passes and in hitting the line. Robertson and Leitman receive their share of praise for clean, hard playing. As a whole, however, the Presidents played such a good game, it would be unfair to pick the best player. Although, it may be said that the Presidents, fighting to the end played the best, cleanest, hardest game of the season.
Coaches Rafferty of V.M.I., Neal of U. of Va., and Cubbage of V.P.I., commented on the sportsmanship of the two teams, all of them declaring it the best high school game they had ever witnessed. Similar comments were heard from other coaches and men prominent in athletics from all over the state. We are proud of our team of 1923.
CHAMPIONS OF EASTERN VIRGINIA, 1923
1925 Eastern Virginia Champions - Girls Basketball
1926 Virginia State Champions - Football Squad
KIRK BURCH, Captain , Guard
Kirk’s ability to smear his opponents’ plays, coupled with his excellent offensive and equally good defensive, have made him captain of the team for two successive years. His guarding
has been a big factor in Wilson’s great football line.
MITT OWENS, Fullback
“Jughead” is the surest ground-gainer on the team and never fails to deliver when called upon. His terrible line plunges and defense have done much to uphold the morale of the team. One of his brightest points is punting.
PAUL ROSE, Quarterback
“Cockey” has shown himself to be a qualified quarterback by the heady manner in which he ran the team. Without doubt the scores in many games would be vastly different, were it not for his great accuracy in passing.
PHIL SPEAR, Halfback
Phil’s fleetness of foot, ability to tackle and do some very effective clipping have made him a mainstay on the team. Many a time have his opponents tasted the dust off bis heels after he has gotten away, behind a perfect interference.
BOB SPEAR, Halfback
Bob, although not a regular, was an important part in Wilson’s great machine. He made his greatest bid for glory in the second Newport News game, when his gains started an offensive which brought the first touchdown. A plunger and no mean tackier were his biggest assets.
ALFRED CASEY, Halfback
Casey, playing his first year on the varsity> conducted himself like a veteran. Though be was a good man for end runs, plunges and tackling, the talent at which he excelled was in forward pass receiving.
YOCK COLLIER, Center
Yock has developed into a center of ex- ceptional ability. His accurate passing and fine defensive work have done much toward making a good team. Knowing how to use his hands has made him an alert tackier.
FRANK WILLIAMS, Guard
“Weenie’s” splendid playing has resulted in his being a bulwark of strength to the line. Not only was he able to break through the opponents’ line, but he also played a faultless defense. He
was characterized by his hard and steady game.
Football Men
HARRY STARKE, Tackle
“Starkey” was a linesman of rare ability. His weight and judgment have caused him to be a tower of strength. It is astounding how fast he gets under punts and how aggressive a player he is.
CHARLES BROWN, Tackle
“Dolly’s” playing this year has been of the highest order. Although he was repeatedly hammered by thrusts, he held his position and gave back many of them with interest. A sure tackier and aggressive player, he contributed much to the team’s success.
LOUIS MORLINO, Tackle
Louis was another reason why Wilson had such a good team. Always playing the game, good on the offensive and defensive, with the ability to solve his opponents’ tactics, he made himself a necessity to the team.
JOHN DILLON, Guard
“Nick” made an alternate linesman with ability seldom seen in these parts. A guard right there when it came to give and take, but with him it was mostly give. Fortunately “Nick” will be available next year.
TEDDY CARSON, End
Teddy has played a faultless brand of football throughout the season. His ability to get under punts, break up plays and get his man is amazing. I.ight, but fast, he was a splendid tackier.
PURL POWELL, End
Purl, another Cradock man, has completed a season which is highly commendable. A deadly
tackier, a good man to smear his opponents’ interference and plays, he had some of the finest football qualities. Purl’s playing was all any one could wish.
BOB EVERETT, End
“Mugsy” gained his berth on the varsity through his grit and fast thinking. Light on his feet, always playing hard, he was in every play. He had the ability of getting the man who received the punt with astonishing quickness.
GEORGE MEYERS, Manager
George has served as manager this year in an
efficient manner. Coming out every afternoon with the squad and spending much time trying to complete a schedule, Wilson owes George many thanks
FOOTBALL RECORD
Wilson
Wilson
Wilson
Wilson
Wilson
Wilson
Wilson
Wilson
Wilson
Wilson
Wilson
Naval Hospital
Hampton
Newport News
Suffolk
Petersburg
William & Mary
University of Richmond
Western High
Maury
Newport News
Roanoke
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
WILSON VS. NAVAL HOSPITAL
The Presidents kicked off their 1926 football lid with a victory over the Naval Hospital Gobs, 13 to 0. Starting the season with the brightest prospects for a championship team, the Wilsonmen gave Medicos only one first down and played an offensive game throughout, except a few minutes in the third quarter when the Gobs made their only sustained offensive effort. Although playing a great game, the Presidents showed the lack of practice. Phil Spear and Owens showed up best, while Casey, a new man, showed good headwork in running the team and the ball. The line was as good as a stone wall, and the Gobs were unable to pierce it.
WILSON VS. HAMPTON
Hurrah! The Wilson Presidents started their scholastic season with an easy victory over the Hampton Crabbers, by the score of 26 to 0. When playing on the defensive the Presidents smothered everything the Hampton lads had to offer, and on the offensive the line opened up holes large enough to drive a horse and buggy through. Phil Spear and Casey gave some brilliant exhibitions of end running, each making big gains around the wings. Owens also made consistent gains through the line. Bob Spear showed up well at halfback. Everett recovered a fumble and ran forty yards for a touchdown in the last quarter.
13
26
0
25
40
7
16
33
12
14
20
WILSON VS. NEWPORT NEWS
In one of the most gruelling battles seen on local lots in a long time, the Presidents and Shipbuilders fought a scoreless tie. Although unable to score, the Presidents displayed a slight edge over their opponents by making seven first downs to the Shipbuilders’ five. After the first few minutes the Wilson line showed itself to be impenetrable, by holding the Newport gridmen for four successive downs, within four yards of the goal line. Casey probably showed up best for the Presidents with the rest of the backline running a close second. The Presidents played on the defensive nearly the whole first half but after that they had things their own way.
WILSON VS. SUFFOLK
Although playing a ragged game of football, the Presidents displayed enough form to put Suffolk on the short end of the 25 to 0 score. A week of bad weather in which practice was impossible, coupled with the fact that the entire Wilson Varsity was never in the game at any one time, except a few minutes in the third quarter, may account for the bad game the Presidents played. Casey, Rose and Spear
showed up best for Wilson in running and passing the ball, while Collier played his best game, so far this season, at center. Griffen and Andrews played best for the Jeffersons. Buddy Owens and Kirshon were the bright lights for the substitutes.
WILSON VS. PETERSBURG
The Presidents had an easy time with Day’s “Fighting Goobers,” winning 40 to 0. The regulars were only in the game for two quarters and at one time Wilson had an entire backfield of second string men. Petersburg made their best showing in the first quarter, when they held the Presidents scoreless. Phil Spear, Bob Spear and Rose ran the ball around the ends for heavy gains and Owens was good for five or ten yards every time he bucked the line. Carson and Powell were right there whenever the Goobers tried end runs and the rest of the line played a great defensive game.
WILSON VS. WILLIAM AND MARY FROSH
The next victory chalked up by the Presidents was against the Frosh of William and Mary, the final score being 7 to 0. The Presidents seemed to have an ofF day, taking the ball up to the Frosh’s goal line and then being unable to push it over. Phil Spear, however, came to the rescue, catching a pass heaved by Owens and taking it across the line. Owens, Spear and Everett were the spotlights for Wilson, with the line playing a good game against their opponents’ much heavier one
WILSON VS. U. OF RICHMOND FRESHMEN
Not able to score a touchdown in their attempts to rush the ball through the U. of Richmond Freshmen’s line, the Presidents turned to the air, and with Rose hurling the ball with astounding accuracy, defeated the Freshmen 16 to 0. The Presidents crossed their opponents’ goal line twice, each time the man scoring received one ot Rose’s passes. Carson and Bob Spear showed up well on the receiving end of the aerial attack, each scoring a touchdown. The whole Wilson team played a great defensive game.
WILSON VS. WESTERN HIGH
Uncorking an aerial attack in the second half that completely bewildered the Western gridmen, Champions ot Washington, D. C., the Presidents again scored a victory, by a 33 to 0 score. With Rose hurling the oval, 35 to 45 yards, Casey and Spear on the receiving end, the Presidents have developed a trio of which any team would be proud. The Western gridmen offered little opposition to the Presidents’ line plunges and on the defensive our line smothered everything their adversaries attempted. Rose, Casey, and Phil Spear played stellar football, while the line deserves much credit for the victory.
WILSON VS. MAURY
Displaying a powerful offensive and the same effective defensive that had characterized them the whole season, the Presidents chalked up a 12 to 0 victory over the Maury Commodores. Throughout the game the Presidents showed great gaining ability, but they did not score until Owens intercepted a Maury pass and raced 60 yards for a touchdown. A little later Casey nabbed one of Rose’s passes and scored Wilson’s second tally. Owens was, without doubt, the shining light for the Presidents, carrying the ball for big gains, backing up the line, and punting. Casey, Rose, and Spear also showed up well in running the ball and playing on the defensive. The Wilson line, led by Captain Burch, held like a stone wall, throwing the Commodore backs for losses most of the time.
WILSON VS. NEWPORT NEWS
Again we meet the Shipbuilders, this time in their own back yard, and by staging a superior drive in the second halt the Presidents overwhelmed their opponents. When the smoke had cleared away the Presidents had two touchdowns and the Championship of Eastern Virginia to their credit. Throughout the game the Presidents tried their aerial attack, which was not as effective as usual, but netted them their first touchdown, a Rose to Casey affair. The Wilson second touchdown was the result of line plunges started from midfield. Casey, Owens, Bob and Phil Spear displayed great gaining ability coupled with a fine defense.
WILSON VS. ROANOKE
Three cheers for the "Fighting” Presidents, Champions of Virginia, by virtue of their victory over the Roanoke Magicians, by a one-sided score, 20 to 0. The Magicians were unable to stand the attacks of our tearing backs and powerful line, which worked with telling effect. Phil Spear and Owens played a great game in maneuvering end runs and line plunges, the latter intercepting a pass and running 65 yards for a touchdown. Wilson’s first touchdown came as a result of a pass hurled by Rose with Casey on the receiving end. In the line Starke was outstanding, playing a versatile game.
1926 Virginia State Champions - Football Squad
STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM is by no means the usual order of affairs in the athletic history of the school, and State honors for two consecutive years is a source of pride and a claim for glory. All praise to you, team of '28, and all honor to you, Coaches Kibler and Wilde.
Coach Kibler merits unstinted recognition for the successful seasons enjoyedby the Wilson yeams under his mentorship. He performs his functions quietly but the results that he achieves loudly procliam his skill.
The valuable assistance of Coach Wilde must also be mentioned. He is at all time a most helpful and willing contributor to the progress of the team."Bob" was a slendid captian of a splendid team. His own excellant playing was a constant challenge to every member of his squad to measure-up to the best, and not once did his interest center around himself.And who knows but that the team of '29 may repeat? A winner of all State honors, for next year's captian may foretell another championship. Casey is a gridiron star swhose skill and understanding of the game should assure a wise and considerate direction of his team.A Tribute
Wilde
Everette
Casey
Kibler
1927 Virginia State Champions - Football Squad
Hugh White
Ames Adams
Lee West
Dominick Falcone
Norbert Leveronne
Alfred Parker (Captian )
A. M. Eckstine, Coach
Players
Hugh White
Ames Adams
Lee West
Dominick Falcone
Norbert Leveronne
Alfred Parker (Captian )
1939 - State Tennis Champions
