Table of Contents

Preface and Acknowledgments 1
 1. Stagg, the Man 7
 2. Growing Up in West Orange, 1862–1883 26
 3. Exeter and Yale, 1884–1890 31
 4. International YMCA School at Springfield, 1890–1892 49
 5. Finding Football's Place at Chicago, 1890–1892 57
 6. The Early Years of Chicago Football, 1892–1894 65
 7. Building a Football Powerhouse, 1895–1905 78
 8. Continuing the Winning Tradition, 1906–1924 106
 9. The Decline of Chicago Football, 1925–1933 137
10. Coaching Baseball, Track and Basketball, 1893–1926 145
11. Mandatory Retirement, 1933 165
12. Ups and Downs at College of the Pacific, 1933–1947 175
13. Father and Son at Susquehanna University, 1947–1953 199
14. Fourth Quarter in Stockton, 1953–1965 208
Appendix 1: University of Chicago Football, 1892–1932 221
Appendix 2: Big Ten Conference Championships Under
Amos Alonzo Stagg 223
Appendix 3: University of Chicago Presidents, 1891–1951 224
Chapter Notes 225
Bibliography 245
Index 249

About the Author

David E. Sumner is a professor emeritus of journalism at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, where he taught for 25 years. He has written seven books.

Reviews

"In this well-researched and thorough biography, the author recounts Stagg's litany of first and innovations in an engaging narrative.... the most in-depth biography of Stagg to date. Sumner's generally absorbing writing style is accompanied by ample historical photographs and posters that provide readers with an immersive read.... Sports history enthusiasts will appreciate the meticulously fact-checked game scores, team records, and individual statistics.... An engrossing, detailed account of an overlooked sports innovator."--Kirkus Review

"This book is a great read. College football fans will learn a lot and hopefully wonder what the sport of college football would be like if there were more honest men like Amos Alonzo Stagg in it."--Journal of Sport History