1932 Pittsburgh Panthers football team

Game Day Program

The Panthers opened their season at home on September 24th against the Ohio Northern Polar Bears, who last played Pitt in 1913. Pitt led the series 6-0 and had outscored the Polar Bears 179-0.[24] Second-year head coach Harris Lamb led the 1931 team to a record setting 6-2 season.[25] The Pitt News noted: "The Ohio boys are not exactly hopeful of beating the Panthers, but expect to offer more opposition than was afforded by Miami U., which faded before Pitt's attack in last year's opener."[26]

Chester L. Smith of The Pittsburgh Press wrote: "This afternoon's match with the Polar Bears from Ada, O., is counted on by Dr. Jock Sutherland, the Pitt coach, to enable him to try out his first, second and third elevens. Captain Reider and his varsity mates will be on the field at the kickoff, but they will not remain in action long." Projected starter, fullback John Luch (appendicitis) was the only Panther on the roster unable to play.[27]

Pitt drubbed the Polar Bears 47-0, as forty-three Panthers saw action. The Panthers scored seven touchdowns. Both Warren Heller and James Simms each scored two. Isadore Weinstock, Paul Reider and Dick Matesic contributed one apiece. Weinstock kicked three extra points and Tarciscio Onder converted two. Pitt accumulated 120 yards in penalties, which cost them three more scoring chances. The Pitt defense was also impressive as, it only allowed one first down and held the Northern offense to negative 74 yards for the game.[28][4]

The Polar Bears finished the season with a 4-2-1 record.[29] The Pittsburgh Panthers and Ohio Northern Polar Bears would not meet on the gridiron again.[24]

The Pitt starting lineup for the game against Ohio Northern was Theodore Dailey (left end), Paul Cuba )left tackle), Charles Hartwig (left guard), Joseph Tormey (center), Tarciscio Onder (right guard), Robert Hoel (right tackle), Joseph Skladany (right end), Bob Hogan (quarterback), Warren Heller (left halfback), Paul Reider (right halfback) and Isadore Weinstock (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were Louis Wojcihovski, Harvey Rooker, Arthur Craft, John Meredith, John Valenti, Ken Ormiston, Marwood Stark, George Shindehutte, George Shotwell, Leslie Wilkins, Francis Seigel, Frank Tiernan, Robert Timmons, Frank Walton, John Love, Stanley Oleojnicsak, Rocco Cutri, Miller Munjas, Howard O'Dell, James Simms, Melvin Brown, Walter Balasia, Mike Sebastian, Dick Matesic, Nicolas Kliskey, Arthur Sekay, Henry Weisenbaugh and Clarence Hasson.[4]

On October 1st, the 28th edition of the Backyard Brawl was played at Mountaineer Field in Morgantown, WV. The Panthers led the series 18-8-1.[30] Second-year coach Greasy Neale's squad was 0-1 after being upset at Forbes Field by Duquesne (3-0) in their opening game.[31] The Mountaineers were optimistic playing on their home turf, but their lineup was missing two starters due to injuries – end Will Sortet and fullback Patsy Slate.[32] The Pitt Weekly noted: "When West Virginia wins a football game, that's news for Morgantown, but when West Virginia happens to beat Pitt, the football season for the Mountaineers is regarded as a howling success."[33]

On Friday, September 30th, the Panther entourage bussed to Uniontown, PA for an overnight stay. The team arrived in Morgantown on Saturday morning. They lunched at the Morgantown Country Club prior to suiting up for the game.[34] Coach Sutherland's lineup was missing two starters. Captain Paul Reider was injured in the Ohio Northern game, and center Joseph Tormey contracted a severe cold. Mike Sebastian replaced Reider and George Shotwell replaced Tormey.[32]

Home field was no advantage, as the Panthers manhandled the Mountaineers. Mike Sebastian, Warren Heller and Isadore Weinstock each scored a touchdown in the first quarter, and Weinstock added two placements for a 20 to 0 lead. Sutherland enlisted the second team for the second period in which fullback Henry Weisenbaugh scampered 6 yards for his first touchdown and Dick Matesic added the point after. The Panthers led 27 to 0 at halftime. The Pitt lineup of second and third stringers added a touchdown in both the third and fourth quarters. First Weisenbaugh, and then Howard Gelini carried the ball across the goal line, while Matesic added one placement to finalize the score at 40 to 0.[35][36] West Virginia finished the season with a 5-5 record.[31]

Statistically, the Panthers dominated for the second week in a row. Offensively, Pitt earned 16 first downs and netted 419 yards. Defensively, they held West Virginia to 2 first downs and a net of 26 yards.[5]

The Pitt starting lineup for the game against West Virginia was Theodore Daily (left end), Paul Cuba (left tackle), Charles Hartwig (left guard), George Shotwell (center), Tarciscio Onder (right guard), Robert Hoel (right tackle), Joseph Skladany (right end), Robert Hogan (quarterback), Warren Heller (left halfback), Mike Sebastian (right halfback) and Isadore Weinstock (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were Louis Wojcihhovski, Harvey Rooker, John Meredith, John Love, Robert Timmons, Ken Ormiston, Marwood Stark, John Valenti, Joseph Tormey, Francis Seigel, Stanley Oleojnicsak, Frank Walton, Karl Seiffert, Roco Cutri, Miller Munjas, James Simms, Melvin Brown, Dick Matesic, Howard O'Dell, Henry Weisenbaugh and John Luch.[5]

Game day program

On October 8th the Duquesne Dukes and Pitt Panthers met on the gridiron for the first time since 1901, when Duquesne was named Pittsburgh College.[37] In 1927 Duquesne hired Elmer Layden, a member of Notre Dame's famous “Four Horsemen”, as head coach to upgrade their football program.[38] After Layden led the Dukes to the Tri-State Conference title in 1928 and 1929, Duquesne became independent and upgraded their schedule. Layden's unbeaten team (3-0) came into this game with no injuries. The Dukes had outscored their opponents 49-0.[39]

The Pitt News mused: "It seems hardly possible that Duquesne will defeat the Panthers, but Duquesne followers have not lost hope. Considering the affair from all angles, it appears that Pitt will likely be the first team to defeat the Dukes by more than twenty points, a feat that has not been accomplished since Layden took charge."[40]

The Panthers were too strong for the Dukes, as they prevailed 33-0. Warren Heller led the offense with 2 short touchdown runs in the first quarter and Isadore Weinstock added an extra point. The second quarter was scoreless and Pitt led 13 to 0 at halftime. After Mike Sebastian raced 33 yards on a punt return to the Duquesne 6-yard line, he scored from the 3-yard line. Weinstock added the point for a 20 to 0 lead at the end of three periods. Substitute backs Mike Nicksick and Joseph Matesic added two touchdowns in the final stanza and Matesic converted a point after to end the scoring. Pitt earned 18 first downs and gained 440 total yards. Duquesne had 6 first downs and 171 total yards. The Dukes were only able to complete 7 of 23 pass attempts, and the Panther defense had 4 interceptions.[41][6]

Both coaches spoke with Les Biederman of The Pittsburgh Press. Coach Sutherland said: "If we hadn't got our share of the breaks, it might have been a much closer game. I had to get my players 'up there' for Duquesne. That's how much I thought of Elmer Layden's boys. The Dukes had plenty of heart." Coach Layden declared: "Those boys certainly charge as though they were the 'Light Brigade'...But I am certainly proud of my boys...They don't know the meaning of the word quit...It's no disgrace losing to Pitt this year. They're much better than last fall."[42] Duquesne finished the season with a 7-2-1 record.[39]

The Pitt starting lineup for the game against Duquesne was Theodore Daily (left end),Paul Cuba (left tackle), Charles Hartwig (left guard), Joseph Tormey (center), Tarciscio Onder (right guard), Robert Hoel (right tackle), Joe Skladany (right end), Robert Hogan (quarterback), Warren Heller (left halfback), Mike Sebastian (right halfback) and Isadore Weinstock (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for the Panthers were Louis Wojcihovski, Harvey Rooker,Frank Walton, John Love, Ken Ormiston, George Shotwell, John Valenti, Francis Seigel, John Meredith, Stanley Olejnicsak, Rocco Cutri, Miller Munjas, James Simms, Mike Nicksick, Howard O'Dell, Joseph Matesic and Henry Weisenbaugh.[6]

Game day program

Game day ticket

On October 15th Pitt and West Point met at Michie Stadium. Third-year Coach Ralph Sasse, who had led the Cadets to a 19-3-2 mark in two-plus campaigns, was retiring at the end of the season. The Cadets had revenge on their minds, after being drubbed 26 to 0 the previous year, and wanted a victory for their coach against a phenomenal Pitt club. Army opened their season with victories over Carleton and Furman.[43] The Cadets had three All-Americans in their lineup – guard Milton Summerfelt,[3] end Richard King [44] and quarterback Felix Vidal.[44] Last year's starting quarterback, Edward Herb, had a broken leg and was replaced by Vidal.[45]

The Panthers had Captain Paul Reider back in the lineup at halfback, but George Shotwell replaced the injured Joseph Tormey at center. The Sun-Telegraph predicted that the Panthers would run a double wing-back offense, try more forward passes and use some trick plays to beat the Army.[45]

The Panthers eked out a hard-fought 18-13 victory. Jess Carver of the Sun-Telegraph summarized: "The Panthers lived up to their rating as favorites, but to the Army, a team that played its heart out for a victory that barely eluded its grasp, must go the lion's share of the laurels. The Army outplayed Pitt today, and don't you forget it."[46]

The Panthers opened the scoring late in the first period with a 55 yard scamper by Warren Heller. Isadore Weinstock's extra point attempt was blocked. The Panther offense regained possession and scored on a 29-yard pass from Heller to Joseph Skladany. Weinstock missed the point after, but Pitt led 12 to 0. The Army offense countered with an 8 play, 44-yard drive that ended with a 5 yard touchdown run by Thomas Kilday. Travis Brown missed the extra point and the halftime score was 12 to 6. The Cadets advanced the ball inside the Panther 5-yard line early in the third quarter, but the Pitt defense held. The Army offense regained possession on the Pitt 35-yard line. Kenneth Fields completed a 27-yard pass to Vidal. Vidal picked up 6 yards on first down and Fields scored on the next play. Charles Broshous place-kicked the extra point and Pitt trailed 12-13. The Panther offense responded with a 73-yard drive. Heller completed a 48-yard pass to Skladany from his own 27-yard line to the Army 25-yard line. Six plays later Weinstock scored from the one. He missed the point after, but Pitt was back in the lead 18-13. Pitt moved the ball to the Army 11-yard line in the final period, but lost possession on downs. The Cadet offense then advanced the ball into Pitt territory, but the Panther defense kept them out of the end zone.[47] Army finished the season with an 8-2 record.[43]

The Pitt starting lineup for the game against Army was Theodore Daily (left end), Paul Cuba (left tackle), Charles Hartwig (left guard), George Shotwell (center), Tarciscio Onder (right guard), Robert Hoel (right tackle), Joe Skladany (right end), Robert Hogan (quarterback), Warren Heller (left halfback ), Paul Reider (right halfback) and Isadore Weinstock (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were Harvey Rooker, John Meredith, Ken Ormiston, John Valenti, Joseph Tormey, Frank Walton, Robert Timmons, Francis Seifert, Rocco Cutrti, Miller Munjas, Mike Nicksick, Mike Sebastian, Joseph Matesic and Henry Weisenbaugh.[48]

Game day program

The Homecoming match-up was against the Buckeyes of Ohio State.[49] Fourth-year coach Sam Willaman's team was 1-1-1 on the season. The Buckeyes beat Ohio Wesleyan, tied Indiana and lost to Michigan.[50] The Ohio State lineup boasted four All-Americans – end Sid Gilman, tackle Ted Rosequist, guard Joe Gailus and halfback Lew Hinchman.[51] The Sun-Telegraph warned: "The Ohioans are due for a good game and Pitt for a letdown, and almost anything can happen this afternoon."[52]

The Panthers and Buckeyes had played two times, with each team winning one game. The Panthers won at home 18-2 in 1929 and lost at Columbus 16-7 the following year.[24] Coach Sutherland started the same line-up as in the Army game except for Frank Walton, who replaced Robert Hoel at right tackle.[52]

The Cincinnati Enquirer summed it up best: "An underrated Ohio State football eleven refused to respect pregame predictions here today and fought the Pitt Panther to a standstill in its own lair, holding Jock Sutherland's highly touted team to a scoreless tie."[53] The Panther offense spent the first half in Ohio territory but could not score. The Buckeyes threatened the Panther goal twice in the third stanza, but came up short each time. The Panthers made a valiant final offensive effort with three minutes remaining in the game. They gained possession on their 14-yard line. Warren Heller completed a 52-yard pass play to Mike Sebastian, who was tackled on the State 34-yard line. Sebastian raced 20 yards for another first down on the State 14-yard line. Buckeye end Sidney Gilman threw Sebastian for a 13-yard loss to the 27-yard line. Sebastian threw an incomplete pass to Theodore Daily in the end zone, but State halfback Thomas Keefe was called for interference, and Pitt had first down on the 1-yard line. Three futile line bucks and an incomplete pass turned the ball over to the Buckeyes. The game ended seconds later.[54][55] David Finoli noted in When Pitt Ruled the Gridiron that Coach Willaman instructed his defense to repeatedly jump offsides when the ball was on the one yard line - "which at that point and time in college football history allowed the clock to run, giving Pitt little time to score. The Buckeye offside ploy proved to be successful, running the clock down as Sebastian failed to score on a third attempt, leaving Pitt with a fourth and inches and seconds left. They decided to pass; Sebastian thought he had completed the winning pass only to see it fall harmlessly to the ground."[56] Ohio State finished the season with a 4-1-3 record.[50]

The Pitt starting lineup for the Ohio State game was Theodore Dailey (left end), Paul Cuba (left tackle), Tarciscio Onder (left guard), George Shotwell (center), Charles Hartwig (right guard), Frank Walton (right tackle), Joseph Skladany (right end), Robert Hogan (quarterback), Warren Heller (left halfback), Mike Sebastian (right halfback) and Isadore Weinstock (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were Harvey Rooker, Rocco Cutri, Joseph Tormey, John Valenti and Mike Sebastian.[54]

Game Day Program

On October 29th the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame, sporting a 3-0 record[57] on the season and owning a 4-0-1 all-time record against the Panthers,[24] arrived at Pitt Stadium as a 3 1/2 to 1 favorite. Coach Heartley Anderson brought 37 players east and opted to start his first string line and second string backfield.[58][59] The Irish squad had five All-Americans – tackle Joe Kurth,[3] end Edwin Kasky, tackle Edward “Moose” Krause, fullback George Melinkovich[60] and guard James Harris.[61]

Coach Anderson told The Pittsburgh Press: "I think we'll win alright, but I'm predicting no score...This is one game we're determined to win – we're pointed for it, realizing it will be one of the hardest tests we will have all fall."[62]

Coach Sutherland adjusted his starting lineup - Joseph Tormey returned to the lineup at center; Miller Munjas started the game at quarterback for the injured Robert Hogan; and Mike Sebastian replaced Captain Paul Reider at right halfback. "This news has further strengthened the odds on the visitors."[63] Earlier in the week Pitt halfback Mike Nicksick was declared ineligible due to scholastic problems.[64]

Edward J. Neil wrote in The South Bend Tribune: "The panther, regal jungle cat, and football team alike, is most dangerous when wounded. Cornered, it bares its fangs for the last fight to the death. A mighty Notre Dame eleven, hailed the greatest in the land, found that out for the first time today as the Panthers of Pittsburgh, battered and groggy, lashed out, in a dying fourth quarter effort that stunned the green grenadiers from South Bend, sent them reeling down to a 12 to 0 defeat, and chalked on the pages of football history one of the greatest upsets of all times."[65]

The Irish took the opening kick-off and advanced the ball to the Pitt 25-yard line. The Pitt defense stiffened and Notre Dame lost the ball on downs. In the second period, the Irish offense sustained a 50 yard drive to Pitt 19-yard line, but the Panthers held again and took the ball on downs. A 40-yard march in the third stanza put the Irish within 9 yards of the Panther goal. The Panther defense stopped the Irish a few feet short on fourth down, and Pitt quarterback Bob Hogan punted out of danger. In the final quarter the Irish sustained another 35-yard march, which was stopped when Hogan intercepted Mike Koken's pass on the Pitt 27-yard line. Pitt earned two first downs to the Notre Dame 45-yard line before Mike Sebastian broke free around left end for the first score of the game. Isadore Weinstock's extra point attempt was blocked and Pitt led 6 to 0. Notre Dame received the kick-off and on second down Irish back McGuff's pass was intercepted by Theodore Dailey, who raced 36 yards unmolested for the second touchdown in less than two minutes. Weinstock's kick was again blocked and the final score read 12 to 0.[66] The Irish finished the season with a 7-2 record.[57]

The Pitt starting lineup for the game against Notre Dame was Theodore Dailey (left end), Paul Cuba (left tackle), Charles Hartwig (left guard), Joseph Tormey (center), Tarciscio Onder (right guard), Frank Walton (right tackle), Joseph Skladany (right end), Miller Munjas (quarterback), Warren Heller (left halfback), Mike Sebastian (right halfback) and Isadore Weinstock (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were John Meredith, Ken Ormiston, Robert Hoel, Robert Hogan, Paul Reider and Henry Weisenbaugh.[67]

Game day program

Game day ticket

Pitt's third road trip was across the state to Philadelphia to play the undefeated Penn Quakers. Penn, with a record of 5-0, had outscored their opposition 153 to 13.[68] The schools last met in 1925, and the Panthers led the all-time series 8-1-1.[69] Second-year Penn coach Harvey Harman played tackle on the Pitt teams of 1919-1921, and his line coach, Alec Fox, played guard for Coach Sutherland in 1927 and 1928. Penn was injury free after their previous game against Navy, so Harman used the same starting lineup against the Panthers. The Quaker line was anchored by All-America tackle Howard Colehower.[70][60][61]

The Panthers arrived in Philadelphia on Friday morning and were housed at the Merchant's Country Club at Oreland. Sutherland held a scrimmage on the grounds Friday afternoon. They traveled to Franklin Field Saturday right before game time. The Panthers were in the best shape of the season, but were still without their injured Captain, Paul Reider.[70] Mike Nicksick regained his eligibility and was back on the team.[71] Coach Sutherland used the same starting lineup as the Notre Dame game except Bob Hogan replaced Miller Munjas at quarterback.[72]

The Pittsburgh Press published driving directions from Pittsburgh to Franklin Field: "Motorists planning to drive to Philadelphia to see the Pitt-Penn football game tomorrow were advised today by the Pittsburgh Motor Club to use Route 30, the Lincoln Highway. Route 22, the William Penn Highway, has two detours. The trip is 294 miles over highways that are reported in good condition. To reach Franklin Field in Philadelphia drivers should continue on the Lincoln Highway, which becomes Lancaster Avenue, to the intersection of Chestnut Street. Franklin Field is one block South of that intersection."[73]

Perry Lewis of The Philadelphia Inquirer reported: "Penn is no longer an undefeated team. Treading on the heels of Notre Dame, the Quakers yesterday joined the lengthening procession of distinguished elevens that have been crushed beneath Pitt's 1932 gridiron juggernaut. The score was 19 to 12–three touchdowns to two...In the neighborhood of 70,000 worshippers at the shrine of King Football framed the emerald arena where the mightiest gridiron gladiators of the Keystone State battled to a finish in one of the most savagely fought imbroglios these arch football rivals have ever waged."[74]

Early in the second period the Panther offense ended a 67-yard, thirteen play, drive on a fourth down with Warren Heller scoring from four yards out. Isadore Weinstock's placement was perfect and Pitt led 7 to 0. Penn countered after blocking a Pitt punt attempt from the end zone. The ball was recovered by Pitt on their 10-yard line and Penn took possession. After a 4-yard loss on first down, Penn halfback, Don Kellett, completed a 14-yard touchdown pass to end John Powell. Monroe Smith missed the point after and Pitt led 7-6 at halftime. Coach Sutherland was unhappy and, after the break, started the second string. Henry Weisenbaugh intercepted an errant Penn pass on the Pitt 40-yard line and raced 47 yards to the Penn 13-yard line. Four plays later Weisenbaugh bulled his way into the end zone and Pitt led 13 to 6. Joe Matesic missed the point after. In the final period Pitt gained possession on their 20-yard line and runs by Heller, Mike Sebastian and Weisenbaugh moved the ball to the Penn 11-yard line. After a penalty and 6-yard loss, Heller threw a 30-yard pass to Sebastian for Pitt's final touchdown. Weinstock failed to convert the extra point and Pitt led 19-6. Penn countered with a Kellett 57 yard punt return for a touchdown. Late in the game Pitt back John Luch fumbled a punt and Penn recovered the ball on the Pitt 15-yard line. Kellett's pass to the end zone was incomplete and the Panthers went back to Pittsburgh victorious.[75] Penn finished the season with a 7-2 record.[68]

The statistics were deceiving - Pitt earned 13 first downs to the Quakers 5; Pitt gained 354 yards and Penn 132; Pitt lost 2 fumbles and Penn 1; Each team intercepted 3 passes; Pitt was penalized 95 yards and Penn 55 yards.[76]

The Pitt starting lineup for the game against Penn was Theodore Dailey (left end), Paul Cuba (left tackle), Charles Hartwig (left guard), Joseph Tormey (center), Tarciscio Onder (right guard), Frank Walton (right tackle), Joseph Skladany (right end), Bob Hogan (quarterback), Warren Heller (left halfback), Mike Sebastian (right halfback) and Isadore Weinstock (fullback). Substitutes appearing in the game for Pitt were Harvey Rooker, John Meredith, Ken Ormiston, Frank Kutz, George Shotwell, Francis Seigel, Robert Hoel, Robert Timmons, Miller Munjas, Howard O'Dell, James Simms, Henry Weisenbaugh and John Luch.[72]