Dickinson College Football: A Storied History
Dickinson College, a private liberal arts college in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, boasts a rich history dating back to its founding in 1773. While renowned for its academic rigor and commitment to sustainability, Dickinson also maintains a vibrant athletic tradition, with football holding a prominent place in the college's narrative. This article delves into the history of Dickinson College football, exploring its early beginnings, significant rivalries, and the evolution of the program over the years.
Early Years and the Dawn of a Rivalry
Dickinson College's football program traces its roots to the late 19th century, a period when the sport was rapidly gaining popularity across the nation. The Red Devils, as Dickinson's athletic teams are known, quickly established themselves as competitors.
An early and enduring rivalry emerged with Franklin & Marshall (F&M) College. The intensity of this rivalry is underscored by the tradition of the Conestoga Wagon, a symbol deeply embedded in the history of both institutions. The Conestoga wagon, originating in the early 18th century from German immigrants in Pennsylvania, was a large, robust horse-drawn transport vehicle. Known for its boat-like curved body, it was designed to keep luggage centered and was primarily used in North America until the mid-19th century. As dated as this rivalry is, the legacy of the Conestoga Wagon does not fall on deaf ears. The Red Devils shut out the Diplomats 10-0. Furthermore, seven of the past twelve games since 2011 have been decided by one score or fewer. The Red Devils are hoping to maintain ownership of the wagon following their dramatic 19-17 victory last season, capped off by a 98-yard drive and touchdown run by Diante Ball ’25 on the final play of regulation. The 1889 season also serves a special place in Dickinson football history, posing their first winning record ever at 4-1-1, with their only blemish being an F&M rematch in November.
The Gettysburg Rivalry: Ambition, Envy, and Pride
Another significant chapter in Dickinson football history is the rivalry with Gettysburg College. The first game was in 1892, appropriately splitting two games that season. According to a new book by Gettysburg history professor Michael Birkner-aided by the research of former Dickinson football, basketball and lacrosse coach Wilbur “Goby” Gobrecht ’52-the roots of the rivalry twist back to the early 1900s and feed on a deep history of ambition, envy, friendship, pride and humiliation. In the early 20th century it was common for Gettysburg students to go up to Dickinson and paint the Gettysburg colors on the grass or on the walls, and it was common for Dickinson to do the same at Gettysburg. Boyd Lee Spahr, class of 1900, became Dickinson’s board of trustees chair in 1931. Driven to elevate Dickinson’s academic prestige, Spahr pushed the college to embrace a stricter spirit of athletic amateurism. Colleges then frequently hired “ringers,” who were enrolled only during football season, but in the 1930s Dickinson officially ended that practice and stopped awarding athletic scholarships. Gettysburg, on the other hand, did not.
The rivalry reached a boiling point in the mid-20th century, with accusations of unethical recruiting practices and the schools eventually suspending their annual game for more than two decades. The purity of Gettysburg’s team has been open to question … [due to] some instances of paying football players,” Spahr said in a letter to Dickinson President William Edel, class of 1915, that Birkner unearthed. Claiming that Gettysburg was “inferior to Dickinson in historic background, plant, and in endowment,” Spahr said, “there is no elation to beating colleges of that type in football and it is depressing to be beaten by them as we usually are.”
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After Gettysburg eventually eliminated “program funds” and athletic scholarships, the two colleges returned to regular play in 1978, laying the groundwork for what would eventually become today’s Centennial Conference.
The series has seen its share of memorable moments, contributing to the lore and tradition that surrounds Dickinson College football.
Navigating Challenges and Change
The Dickinson College football program, like many others, has faced its share of challenges and transformations throughout its history. The World War II era brought about significant changes, with freshman becoming eligible to participate in varsity football during the "war emergency." The Faculty approved curriculum changes and adopted an "all-year program" after the United States entered World War II.
Over the years, Dickinson has adapted to evolving trends in college athletics, balancing its commitment to academic excellence with the demands of a competitive football program.
Facilities and Improvements
The physical landscape of Dickinson College football has also evolved over time. Conway Hall opened as a freshman dorm and the football headquarters. Improvements were also made to Biddle Field, the tennis courts, Mooreland Inn, and the Phi Delta Theta house. New bleachers added 500 more seats to Biddle Field.
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Notable Moments and Achievements
Throughout its history, the Dickinson College football program has celebrated numerous achievements and witnessed remarkable individual performances.
In 1976, the Red Devils were never supposed to win and one that had them coming in 40-point underdogs against the Widener University Pioneers. “It was just euphoric,” recalls Jim Gerlach ’77, Red Devils running back, thinking back to the moment the final whistle blew and the victory was complete. “We had a bunch of students run onto the field, and family, and we were jumping around hugging each other-everybody was hugging each other.
Dickinson's men's basketball team won Centennial Conference titles in 2013 and 2015, and an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament in 2014.
These moments contribute to the rich tapestry of Dickinson College football history, inspiring future generations of players and fans.
Dickinson College in Recent Years
Weinhoffer, Stender R… Dickinson football has won two straight games this season. On September 21, they earned their first home win of the season in a 21-14 victory against Kean University.
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