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Snow Bowl living history - Printable Version

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Snow Bowl living history - gobaseline - 03-08-2018 10:48 PM

http://bigbluefootballhistory.com/june-1-2017-happy-birthday-chuck-ortmann/

Chuck Ortmann passed away the other day. Long time acquaintance growing up as a kid. Played on a 3 on Big Ten Champions and 1 National Champion. Punted 28 times in Columbus against the Buckeyes where Michigan totaled 27 yds in offense but won.

https://sports.vice.com/en_ca/article/z4ab45/the-coldest-college-football-game-ever

His son Charlie and I were the same age. Not until Jr High were we teammates. Mr. O was big influence in establishing youth football in our community 53 years ago. It set the stage for the future as Glenbard West HS has been and continues to be in the hunt every year for a state championship.
An incidental result, since there wasn't organized girls sports back then a number of our sisters were forced to play right field or safety or wing in neighborhood pick up games. When girls sports were established many were already pretty well prepped.

One notable WMU connection is former volleyball player, WMU and MAC HOFer Sarah Powers. Her older brother Dan wrestled and was a linebacker. Missed teaching Sarah by 1 year when I came back to teach at GBW in early 80's.

When we'd play poker or pool in their basement or just come over after a game "Chuck" would have the movie projector out and game film ready to go. At the time, to me it was a nuisance. The clackty clack of the projector running, the film breaking and on and on and on.

It wasn't til I was teaching at Watervliet and I picked up a Det Free Press in my off period and read an article by Joe Falls about the Snow bowl and Chuck Ortmann. I never really took it seriously as a kid and never a 2nd thought until I read another's perspective.

I didn't need to live in Michigan to be exposed to the obnoxious Wolverines. I got it in spades (pun intended) from Chuck. But then what did I know.


RE: Snow Bowl living history - MajorHoople - 03-09-2018 09:35 AM

That game was historical for another reason.

It was the last at Ohio State as head coach for Wes Fesler, former Buckeye All-American.

At that time OSU was known as "Graveyard of Coaches."

Fesler was replaced by Wayne Woodrow Hayes from Miami OH. He lasted 28 years.