October 1965 at Western Michigan University brought with it the 60th anniversary of the football team, the use of film to help improve the football team, and the 20th annual band day, led by the Bronco Marching Band. Here are a few highlights from October 1965 issues of the Western Herald.
Western Observes Its 60th Anniversary of Football this Season
“This year marks the sixtieth anniversary of football at Western. Throughout the years the Broncos have been gaining yardage with spirited vigor, giving most visiting teams “everything they had.
1919 saw the first increase in male enrollment since the war. However, Western was unable to organize a summer training camp. Consequently, Western’s football team, relatively unrehearsed, lost their first game to Albion, 14 to 12. Western’s team was not to be denied however, they went on to crush their opposition. Such scores as 103-0,Hillsdale; 62-0, Hope; and 39-0, Notre Dame were not unusual. (Could you imagine losing a game by 103 points today!)
In 1928, Western’s football team won three games against three loses. Their best showing came against Detroit City College whom they defeated 44-0. In this game, Western’s great backfield man “Butch” Cornell gave the crowd a thrill with an impressive 70 yard touchdown run.
In 1935, Western’s toughest schedule to date saw coach Mike Gary gamely face his burly opponents with one of Western’s smallest squads in history. Western used some 16 men per game against schools who employed three different squads per game. Despite odds and only 4 returning lettermen, Western compiled an impressive five and three season.”
Movies are important in Modern Football; Photographers have Variety of Experiences
“Modern football teams use many modern techniques that play an important part in the success of any team. Western takes advantage of these, one of which is game movies.
In the upper tier of the press box Sterling Breed along with his assistant Chuck Shull take Bronco flicks which are vital in the coaches analysis of the game.
During the first half of the fame 100 feet of film is shot and rushed to a local processor with the aid of a police escort. The film is then rushed back to the locker room where it is viewed by the players and coaches during the halftime break.
This insures an accurate account of what took place on the field and the players get a first-hand chance to see and criticize any serious mistakes. The coaches also get a chance to see who is doing their job and make line-up changes if necessary.
WMU Hosts 39 Groups for Twentieth Annual Band Day
“Tomorrow, Western’s band hosts 39 high school bands in the 20th annual Band Day.
In fact it was here at Western in 1945 that the first band day in the state of Michigan was held.
Tomorrow the 39 bands will arrive about 8:30 a.m. and practice until just before game time. This is the only practice as a single unit that they will have. The major formation planned is “MALL,” signifying the Mall City.
Of course, the center of attraction will still be the Bronco band, which will perform alone before the game, and then join the high school bands in the halftime festivities.
To meet its demanding schedule of performing at every home game, the Bronco Band practices three times a week.”
Posted by Samantha Macy
Images other than the newspaper clipping are from the 1966 Brown & Gold Yearbook