Page 62 - 1934

F O O T B A L L

Robert M. Os t r o m ....................................................... Captain
Paul M. E b e r h a r t ......................................... Manager

The story of the 1934 football season is one of how a comparatively
inexperienced eleven was whipped into a smooth-running football team.
During the season there was steady improvement from the first game
through the last. Lack of material and lack of experience had to be sur­
mounted, and they were surmounted by the splendid work of Coach Free­
man, the generous support of the student body, and the hard work and
ever-increasing cooperation of the squad itself.
The only regular available from the preceding year's undefeated team
was Captain Bob Ostrom. John McLaughry, of the undefeated eleven, was
unable to play, but served as an assistant to Coach Freeman. Many of the
candidates who answered the call for football were from the track. There
were a few from the squad of the year before and a few newcomers. Using
every possible minute to advantage, this squad toiled in preparation for its
first game with Pomfret.
A better game for opening the season couldn’t have been scheduled.
Although the outcome was defeat, experience was gained, and the fundamental charging of the line and
clicking of the backs were realized. The team did well to hold the hard running Pomfret team to one touch­
down. From left end to right end our line was composed of Lindholm, Aldrich, Conlon, Captain Ostrom,
Batty, Brennan, and Quinn. In the backfield there were Sanderson, Barker, Cotter, and Otis.
Newton Country Day appeared on our schedule for the first time. The one-sided victory would inti­
mate that Moses Brown received a trouncing. Most of the scoring was done, however, by some spectacular
runs and by plays executed by speedy backs. Whitaker and Brokaw figured prominently in our backfield,
and Ostrom and Quinn were outstanding in the line.
Our annual clash with Tabor was held at Marion in a cold drizzle. In spite of the weather it was a
great game. Besides having the pleasure of beating our rivals, we enjoyed seeing the results of the hard
work of weeks. The Blue and White held the heavy, speedy seamen for the first half, making at one point
in the second quarter a courageous stand on the five-yard line. In the second half a clever passing com­
bination of Sanderson and Brokaw brought us a touchdown. Otis and Boston did a good bit of effective
line plunging.
Keeping up the good work, the team thoroughly trounced Browne and Nichols on the following Sat­
urday on our field, but the victory was costly. Sanderson, playing a great game at quarterback, was forced
out with a broken collar bone. Graeff, a sturdy member of the machine, was also lost for the season after
having received a slight concussion. In this game the backs ran wild, enabling Coach Freeman to use every­
body on the squad.
A somewhat crippled Moses Brown football team traveled to Thayer Academy on November 11, when
they encountered a team made up of a heavy line and a speedy backfield. Despite the obstinacy and one
plucky goal-line stand of the Moses Brown team, the Thayer men battered their way through for three
touchdowns.
The cooperation of the student body enabled us to stage our final game with Governor Dummer. A
heavy snowfall had blanketed the field, but by game time it was well cleared. The Dummer team brought
with them a clever passer in the person of Hutchinson and a pair of ends with glue on their fingers. The air
was filled with Dummer passes which kept the Blue and White busy following them. During the game the
visitors punted but once. Besides their passing attack the Massachusetts boys opened up a number of trick
plays. Dummer scored twice, once in the first half and once in the second half. The game was made more
open when Moses Brown began a passing attack. Brokaw and Barker found capable receivers in Otis and
Lindholm. In the first quarter a pass from Brokaw to Lindholm resulted in a score. From whistle to whistle
it was a battle royal. The line-up for Moses Brown in the Dummer game was: Lindholm and Quinn, ends;
Brennan and Smith, tackles; Duckworth and Batty, guards; Captain Ostrom, center; and Brokaw, Whitaker,
Barker, and Otis in the backfield.
At this point it is fitting to praise the playing of Captain Bob Ostrom. His strength was felt in every
play, his passing from center was consistent, but above all was his unquenchable spirit in urging on his
teammates.
On November 22, the football squad held its annual banquet in Alumni Hall. Mr. Thomas praised
the sportsmanship and morale of the squad. Coach Waughtel reviewed the season, and Jack Martin from the
Providence journal spoke on the great improvement of the team since the start of the season. Captain
Ostrom then presented Coach Freeman with a gift. Mr. Freeman concluded the speaking with a few stories
and hearty thanks to the squad.
On November 29, Mr. Thomas awarded letters to the following: Captain Ostrom, Lindholm, Otis, Batty,
Smith, Brennan, Whitaker, Barker, Brokaw, Quinn, Boston, Sanderson, Graeff, Davis, Duckworth, Man­
ager Eberhart. R. H. Y.
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