Note: With the conclusion of the Brigham Young Cougars' football season and the calendar changing into a new year, the weekly flashback will change back to its offseason format. For the next eight months, BLUE COUGAR FOOTBALL will continue to tell the BYU football story by looking back on great stories, memorable moments, and important events from the BYU football seasons 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, etc. years ago.
Listen closely. What do you hear? That's right. NOTHING!!! Football is over. No more pads cracking, whistles blowing, or players huffing and puffing. Another season is in the books for BYU. It is going to be a long eight months.
Rewind a few years, and even during September, October, and November this same football silence pervaded the BYU campus.
Make that a 70 year rewind.
In 1943, the BYU football program was fresh off its 20th anniversary of the inaugural season in 1922. The 1942 season was historic. BYU beat Utah for the first time ever. It would seem that football would be back stronger than ever in 1943 with the excitement of finally beating the Utes.
Believe it or not, but bigger things were happening. When I say bigger things, I don't mean in just the football world.
BYU did not field a team in 1943 due to World War II. In fact, the effects of this war started to impact BYU football a year earlier. The 1942 schedule was shortened to seven games, and Floyd Millet had to coach on an interim basis for Eddie Kimball who had already enlisted in the war. It was a necessity, in those times, to stop sports and support the war.
BLUE COUGAR FOOTBALL commends and thanks those in the BYU football family who made the greater sacrifice to serve on the battle field during this time.
This sound of silence would last for three full seasons (1943-45). It is the only time that football has ceased at BYU since 1922.
The Editor appreciates all feedback. He can be reached via email at bluecougarfootball@gmail.com
Listen closely. What do you hear? That's right. NOTHING!!! Football is over. No more pads cracking, whistles blowing, or players huffing and puffing. Another season is in the books for BYU. It is going to be a long eight months.
Rewind a few years, and even during September, October, and November this same football silence pervaded the BYU campus.
Make that a 70 year rewind.
In 1943, the BYU football program was fresh off its 20th anniversary of the inaugural season in 1922. The 1942 season was historic. BYU beat Utah for the first time ever. It would seem that football would be back stronger than ever in 1943 with the excitement of finally beating the Utes.
Believe it or not, but bigger things were happening. When I say bigger things, I don't mean in just the football world.
BYU did not field a team in 1943 due to World War II. In fact, the effects of this war started to impact BYU football a year earlier. The 1942 schedule was shortened to seven games, and Floyd Millet had to coach on an interim basis for Eddie Kimball who had already enlisted in the war. It was a necessity, in those times, to stop sports and support the war.
BLUE COUGAR FOOTBALL commends and thanks those in the BYU football family who made the greater sacrifice to serve on the battle field during this time.
This sound of silence would last for three full seasons (1943-45). It is the only time that football has ceased at BYU since 1922.
The Editor appreciates all feedback. He can be reached via email at bluecougarfootball@gmail.com
Sorry this is a short one. Don't worry, this is not a new trend. We are really busy with the season review this week.
ReplyDeleteThanks