The University of the South Football: A Legacy of Iron Men and Enduring Spirit
The University of the South, affectionately known as Sewanee, boasts a rich and storied football history, marked by early dominance, unwavering spirit, and a commitment to amateurism. Founded in 1857 by Episcopal clergy and lay people with a vision for a first-rate southern university, Sewanee quickly became a force in intercollegiate athletics. While its athletic program has evolved over time, the legacy of the Sewanee Tigers, particularly the legendary 1899 team, continues to inspire and captivate.
Early Gridiron Glory
Sewanee was among the pioneers of American intercollegiate athletics in the South. As football gained popularity in the late 19th century, Sewanee, along with institutions like Vanderbilt and the University of Tennessee, established football programs that would shape the landscape of the sport in the region.
By 1894, the growing enthusiasm for football led to the formation of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association (SIAA). Sewanee was a charter member of the SIAA, alongside Vanderbilt. Vanderbilt and Sewanee soon emerged as the powerhouses of the SIAA.
The Unrivaled 1899 Season
The 1899 Sewanee Tigers football team stands as a testament to the university's early gridiron prowess. Coached by Herman "Billy" Suter and captained by Henry "Ditty" Seibels, the team achieved a remarkable feat, posting a perfect 12-0 record and outscoring their opponents 322-10.
What truly distinguishes the 1899 Sewanee Tigers and has cemented their place in college football lore is their extraordinary six-day road trip. The "Iron Men," as they were known, traveled over 2,500 miles by train, facing five different opponents in as many cities. Remarkably, they won all five games by shutout, defeating the University of Texas, Texas A&M University, Tulane University, Louisiana State University, and Ole Miss.
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The grueling schedule demanded immense physical and mental fortitude. Early-era football offered little respite, with limited substitutions and players often playing on both offense and defense. Ormond Simkins, a Tigers fullback, punter, and law student, suffered so many injuries during the brutal season that he eventually had both of his legs amputated. During the surgery for his second amputation, Simkins died.
Norman Jetmundsen and David Crews are compiling a documentary on the historical 1899 football team entitled Sewanee 1899: Unrivaled. In November 2021, there was a Purple Carpet premiere of the documentary on campus. In 2016, the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame inducted the 1899 team into the Hall as a part of the Historical Achievement Award. Alabama Public Television also presented Unrivaled: Sewanee 1899.
Tales from the Road
The journey of the 1899 team was fraught with challenges and colorful anecdotes. Tales of gate receipts being divided at gunpoint, players bringing their own spring water due to concerns about sanitation, and escaping a near-riot after defeating Auburn add to the legend of the Iron Men.
Team manager Luke Lea played a crucial role in orchestrating the ambitious schedule and ensuring the team's logistics. Lea arranged for cleats to be shipped on later trains to arrive in time for the Texas game, after discovering they had been left at the Cowan train station.
Even seemingly small details, like the presence of Cal Burrows, an African American trainer who traveled with the team, offer a glimpse into the social context of the time. Burrows, the "rubdown man," massaged the players on the train rides between games, providing essential conditioning and recovery techniques in an era when such practices were primitive.
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Game Highlights from the 1899 Season
- October 21 vs. Georgia: Sewanee triumphed over Georgia with a score of 17-0 at Piedmont Park in Atlanta.
- October 23 vs. Georgia Tech: The Tigers followed up their victory against Georgia with a 32-0 win over Georgia Tech.
- October 28 vs. Tennessee: Sewanee dominated the Tennessee Volunteers with a 46-0 victory.
- November 3 vs. Southwestern Presbyterian: Sewanee continued their winning streak with a 54-0 victory over Southwestern Presbyterian (now Rhodes College).
- November 9 vs. Texas: Sewanee won 12-0 against the undefeated Texas Longhorns in Austin.
- November 10 vs. Texas A&M: The Tigers maintained their momentum with a 10-0 victory over the Texas A&M Aggies in Houston.
- November 11 vs. Tulane: Sewanee secured a 23-0 victory against Tulane in New Orleans.
- November 13 vs. LSU: The Tigers continued their dominant performance with a 34-0 win over LSU in Baton Rouge.
- November 14 vs. Ole Miss: Sewanee concluded their remarkable road trip with a 12-0 victory against Ole Miss in Memphis.
- November 30 vs. Auburn: On Thanksgiving Day in Montgomery, Sewanee faced John Heisman's Auburn team, winning by a narrow margin of 11-10.
- December 2 vs. North Carolina: The season concluded with a 5-0 victory over the North Carolina Tar Heels.
Recognition and Enduring Legacy
The accomplishments of the 1899 Sewanee team have been widely recognized and celebrated. Sportswriter Grantland Rice called the group "the most durable football team I ever saw." Former Penn State coach Joe Paterno hailed their five shutout road wins in six days as "one of the most staggering achievements in the history of the sport."
Three members of the 1899 Sewanee Tigers football team-Henry Seibels, Henry D. Phillips, and Ormond Simkins-were inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. In 2016, the entire 1899 team was inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame as part of the Historical Achievement Award.
A Shift in Priorities
Despite its early success, Sewanee's athletic program faced challenges in the following decades. In 1932, Sewanee was a charter member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). However, by this time, its athletic program had declined, and Sewanee never won a conference football game in its eight years as an SEC member.
In 1938, Alexander Guerry was appointed vice chancellor of Sewanee. Guerry agreed to come to Sewanee only if the school stopped awarding athletic scholarships. In 1940, Sewanee withdrew from the SEC and subsequently deemphasized varsity athletics.
Guerry's decision to de-emphasize big-time football was rooted in a belief that the pursuit of athletic glory had compromised the university's academic and spiritual ideals. He argued that Sewanee's prestige rested on its commitment to scholarship, character development, and the cultivation of "gentlemen."
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