In 2006, thirty-six years after leaving the team, during a Syracuse University-University of Louisville halftime ceremony, the nine former players were recognized with their letterman jackets for the courageous stand they took against racism. The 1959 team was an unprecedented powerhouse with both the toughest offense (313.6 yards rushing, 451.5 yard total and 39 points per game on average) and the toughest defense (giving only 19.3 yards rushing, 96.2 yards total per game on average) in the country. Collapse. Notably, he coached the first African-American to win a Heisman trophy and maintained team unity and cohesiveness in a racially charged environment to defeat the all-white University of Texas team in the Cotton Bowl while winning the 1959 national championship. Ben Schwartzwalder | Military Wiki | Fandom Quaid, who plays legendary Syracuse University coach Ben Schwartzwalder, described his character as "a hard-nosed, tough guy who stormed the beaches at Normandy. He thought the first script was a little thin. He recruited black players not . You know, the funny thing about cinema is, usually when they do a story that has African Americans in it, there always has to be a white guy whos the savior. The Mules played in the 1946 Tobacco Bowl - The Morning Call t: 1.315.443.2093f: 1.315.443.4083 scrc@syr.edu Schwartzwalder had a knack for developing excellent running backs. He also watched Spike Lees documentary, Jim Brown All-American, which offered more insight into the era. Ruth "Reggie" Simpson Schwartzwalder (1912-2012) - Find a Grave A new head coach, Floyd "Ben" Schwartzwalder, would take over in 1949. Ben and Ed trained together and most likely socialized with each other at unit functions and the officers' club. The military also named Schwartzwalder governor of Essen, Germany, for about six months following the fall of Nazi Germany. Floyd Burdette Schwartzwalder (June 2, 1909 - April 28, 1993) was a Hall of Fame football coach at Syracuse University, where he trained future National Football League stars such as Jim Brown, Larry Csonka, Floyd Little and Ernie Davis, the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy . "Nor would Ben ever talk to Ernie like that.". In 1941, he was coach of Canton McKinley High School in Ohio when, even though he was in his 30s, he commissioned in the US Army and fought in World War II. This remains Syracuse's only national football title in football to date. Syracuse head football coach Ben Schwartzwalder. While the regiment was stateside Capt. According to an email sent to SU's office of athletics communication and passed along to me, Schwartzwalder served in the same World War II unit and fought together during the D-Day invasion of Normandy with Penn State's Harry Edward Wagner, a Phi Betta Kappa graduate. Ernest R Davis Essay Papers - 1117 Words | Internet Public Library When he was personally decorated by General Matthew Ridgway, the General said "Ben, I never expected to see you here to receive this award.". Schwartzwalder with quarterback Dick Easterly at the Los Angeles Coliseum, 1959. Ben Schwartzwalder grew up in West Virginia, and developed into a superb athlete (a standout wrestler and football player, both in high school and college). In 1941, Ben found himself a 33 year old high school football coach, working in Canton, Ohio, on the day that the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. The most Schwartzwalder families were found in USA in 1920. After the intervention of Syracuse football alumnus Jim Brown, who acted as an intermediary between the coach and the players, a black assistant coach was hired. Ben Schwartzwalder. National Veterans Resource Center | Daniel & Gayle DAniello Building | 101 Waverly Ave, Syracuse, NY 13244. He was awarded a Silver Star, a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart, four battle stars, Presidential Unit Citation and was promoted to the rank of Major for his actions during the invasion. Then I played Colgate and had a great game and I just sort of broke the back of that whole discriminatory attitude. Several units were simultaneously converging on the same objective in a piecemeal, uncoordinated manner. Wiping Systems Market Is Likely To Boost In Upcoming Years It's everyone's fight, even if it's not specifically your story After the United States entered World War II, Schwartzwalder joined the U.S. Army and served with the 507th Parachute Infantry of the famed Eighty-second Airborne Division. Jim was very quiet in the early part of the film, Fleder recalls. He was a paratrooper in World War II, rose to the rank of major, and was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple . Camping World Bowl Game Will Not Feature Schwartzwalder Trophy The game ended and Ben Schwartzwalder walked to the middle of the field, shook hands, exchanged a few words with his opposing coach, then turned and headed toward the dressing room. He is buried in the Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Syracuse, NY. JavaScript is disabled. Schwartzwalder continued his campaign all the way into Germany and acted as military governor of the town of Essen for a period of six months. By any definition, during the war Ben distinguished himself in service to the nation, and to his men. January 25, 2010 Floyd Benjamin "Ben" Schwartzwalder was for 25 years a teacher, a mentor, and a coach at Syracuse University. Schwartzwalder continued his campaign all the way into Germany and acted as military governor of the town of Essen for a period of six months. Mary ScofieldMary Scofield (born Mary Schwartzwalder) passed away on December 7, 2017 after battling ovarian cancer for three years. He had the same burning drive in 1973 as he did as a rookie coach back in West Virginia in 1933. In 1973, Schwartzwalder retired from coaching and moved to St. Petersburg, Florida. Mostly, we remember Floyd "Ben" Schwartzwalder as Syracuse University's successful head football coach, 1949 to 1973. Schwartzwalder Trophy not in play - Big 12 Blog- ESPN Schwartzwalder's teams went to seven bowl games and won four Lambert Trophies. The public Ben Schwartzwalder often appeared to be a cross between a wounded bear and a crossed bull. He was the starting center at 152 pounds for the Mountaineers of coach Greasey Neale. Ben Schwartzwalder, Head Coach 1949-73 - Syracuse University Schwartzwalder plays a prominent role in the battle. Ben passed away in 1993 and is buried in the Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery. They boycotted knowing that their actions threatened their scholarships as well as potential careers in professional football. Celebrating the 1959 SU football team | WSYR Quick Facts. This remains Syracuse's only football national championship to date. St Louis Sporting News Archives, Nov 25, 1967, p. 18 Syracuse Chancellor John Corbally, prompted by faculty sympathetic to the 8, allowed the players to keep their scholarships and to graduate, which they did. I know it well. Coach Schwartzwalder led the SU team to an impressive record of 153 wins, 91 losses, and 3 ties, including seven bowl games, and the only National Championship in SUs history (1959 undefeated team). Floyd Benjamin Ben Schwartzwalder was for 25 years a teacher, a mentor, and a coach at Syracuse University. I think a couple of guys got hurt and they put me on defense. That makes it exciting. Syracuse a Veteran coach Ben Schwartzwalder was musing about his Lack of depth recently. Dropped far behind enemy lines and miles off target, Ben, a Captain in Company G of the 507th, organized his men, established command, and a week later delivered a large group of prisoners to the Allied lines. As a paratrooper with the 82nd, he was among the first wave of soldiers that jumped on D-Day in 1944. "When Ed initially reported for duty with G Company, 3rd Battalion, 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment in Sep42 at Ft. Benning, Georgia, his company commander was none other than Captain Floyd B. Schwartzwalder, the future head football coach of Syracuse University and eventual gridiron nemesis of Ed Wagner's Nittany Lions. New York had the highest population of Schwartzwalder families in 1880. Ben enrolled at West Virginia University and went out for football. Fleder admits to being something of a nervous wreck. The teammates also say that Brown's portrayal misses Davis' essence. Ben organized and coached the 507th's football team. Ernie doesnt scream and he doesnt protest, but hes raging inside. [1] He coached high school football for six years in West Virginia a year at Sistersville High School, followed by the Parkersburg High School Big Reds football from 1936 to 1940[1] and Ohio a year at Canton McKinley High School[1] and won two state championships. More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23. Davis, 23, died the next month in a Cleveland hospital. Ben Schwartzwalder . He gave me a way in to tell this story. Floyd Benjamin Schwartzwalder (June 2, 1909 - April 28, 1993) was a Hall of Fame football coach at Syracuse University, where he trained future National Football League stars such as Jim Brown, Larry Csonka, Floyd Little and Ernie Davis, the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy. Schwartzwalder was a West Virginia graduate. Before Kaepernick, The Syracuse 8 Were Blackballed By Pro Football, WBUR Radio, https://www.wbur.org/onlyagame/2017/11/17/syracuse-8-football-boycott-kaepernick. I'm guessing it's after beating WVU to claim the Schwartzwalder Trophy. Because in my experience, I just wanted to get out of there and get moving. Finally he called Brown, who lives here in L.A., and set up a meeting. Walk Where They Fought: La Fire, 82d Airborne Division, D-Day 1944 Capt. Finally, we got the scene where Ernie wants to give his jersey, with No. During his 25 years as head coach Syracuse teams outrushed their opponents by more than 22,000 yards. Schwartzwalder Family History - Ancestry.com The coach is also remembered through the Ben Schwartzwalder Trophy which, goes to the winner of each game between West Virginia University (where he had played as a college student) and Syracuse University. "What the director tried to accomplish is showing the conditions of those times," Easterly said. You know, white folks could like him, black folks could like him, without really selling out. The Story of the Syracuse 8, The Players Tribune, October 25, 2015, https://www.theplayerstribune.com/en-us/articles/syracuse-football-1960s-race-civil-rights; WBUR. Ernie Davis was only weeks from dying the last time Dick Easterly saw his Heisman Trophy-winning teammate. The private Ben was a very devoted family man who loved to putter around in his garden or who always had time to stop and give a stray dog a reassuring pat on the head or say hello to a youngster. Ed was killed and the acting battalion commander seriously wounded. Ben Schwartzwalder | American Football Database | Fandom Christian Rudolph Kessler was the school's first teacher and administrator. Ben Schwartzwalder AKA Floyd Burdette Schwartzwalder Born: 2-Jun - 1909 Birthplace: Point Pleasant, WV Died: 28-Apr - 1993 Location of death: St. Petersburg, FL Cause of death: Heart Failure Gender: Male Race or Ethnicity: White Sexual orientation: Straight Occupation: Football Nationality: United States See About archive blog posts. ", Easterly scoffs at that dramatic license. The sacrifice that it takes, the [bad stuff] that goes on all around and where it comes from. His report card shows 178 wins, 96 losses and three ties during his 28-year tenure as a head coach (three years at Muhlenberg, 25 at Syracuse). But there was to be a delay. Ben Schwartzwalder College Coaching Records, Awards and Leaderboards He developed some of the most impressive running backs the game has ever seen - Jim Brown, Ernie Davis, Jim Nance, Floyd Little and Larry Csonka. Adversity and Ben were old combatants and Ben usually won. West Virginia and Syracuse might have a sordid past as Big East rivals, but you'd never know it by what's not at stake in this month's upcoming Camping World Bowl. Soon after being drafted No. You should know his story, because its a Syracuse University story one that speaks to our past, our present, and our future. He was 80 then and hit every drive down the middle. About coming to Syracuse, Schwartzwalder famously said: The alumni wanted a big-name coach. How Floyd Little Decided To Play Football At Syracuse: The Non By the time the 507th reached the battle for Hill 95, they had suffered more than 65% casualties. What is a filmmaker looking for when hes researching a film based on real-life events? Ben Schwartzwalder - Wikipedia !8 holes of golf and Ben never said a word about football. The student-athletes stated they would not return until the University hired a Black coach and addressed racial discrimination in starting assignments, the use of racist language by the coaching staff, racial disparities in disciplinary action, lack of academic support, and substandard medical care for all players. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1982. We created a day for minority students coming back together. You find it where you find it. In 1946 he rotated back to the States and was honorably discharged. The Black student-athletes first sent their grievances to Coach Schwartzwalder, though that document does not exist in the University Archives. The Commission subsequently chaired several meetings between the parties, but without success. Led by College Football Hall of Fame coach Ben Schwartzwalder, the Orange were unranked to start the season, but climbed to No. Is that in the book? Damn right. Jim Brown: The other star of "The Express" - Los Angeles Times Ron Womack had been removed from the roster due to an injury, a coaching decision he and his Black teammates viewed with suspicion, but he supported them through the whole boycott and is counted with them. The Syracuse Eight - Tumblr If Jim Brown was happy, I was happy., Still, what fascinated me was that first conversation between Fleder and Brown. Wiping Systems Market Is Likely To Boost In Upcoming Years. Jim told me something really amazing that put things in perspective. Ben Schwartzwalder Wiki - everipedia.org Do you find this information helpful? Ben Schwartzwalder College Coaching Records, Awards and Leaderboards | College Football at Sports-Reference.com Ben Schwartzwalder Career Record: 25 Years, 153-91-3, .626 Win% (at major schools) Bowl Record: 7 Games, 2-5, .286 Win% (at major schools) College Football Coaches Ben Schwartzwalder Overview More Other SR Sites On April 17, 1970, Black members of the football team sent Chancellor John Corbally a letter asking that he address their grievances within two days. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Quite a story, but as an amateur historian, that kind of second or third hand quote, especially one delivered 50 years after it was shared, makes me very skeptical to its veracity. December 23, 2014 Floyd Benjamin "Ben" Schwartzwalder was for 25 years a teacher, a mentor, and a coach at Syracuse University. Coach Schwartzwalder led the SU team to an impressive record of 153 wins, 91 losses, and 3 ties, including seven bowl games, and the only National Championship in SUs history (1959 undefeated team). serving during World War II, Ben Schwartzwalder returned home and began coaching college football; and WHEREAS, In 1949, the couple moved to Syracuse, New York, and Ben Schwartzwalder began his long and distinguished coaching career with the football team at Syracuse University; and For his actions during the invasion, Ben was awarded a Silver Star, a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart, four battle stars, the Presidential Unit Citation, and was promoted to the rank of Major. Floyd Benjamin Ben Schwartzwalder (June 2, 1909 April 28, 1993) was a Hall of Fame football coach at Syracuse University, where he trained future National Football League stars such as Jim Brown, Larry Csonka, Floyd Little and Ernie Davis, the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy. At West Virginia, he became a first-string center at only 148 pounds. Schwartzwalder's teams went to seven bowl games and won four Lambert Trophies. The Schwartzwalder family name was found in the USA between 1880 and 1920. A Life Cut Short - Sports Illustrated Vault | SI.com Biography Lists News Also Viewed. Syracuse 8: Tom Smith, Walker, Muhammad, McGill, Lobon, Harrell, Allen, and Godbolt, Spring 1969. Allen explained his position, but the coach refused to listen. St Louis Sporting News Archives, Oct 7, 1967, p. 58 Corbally and Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Jim Carleton met with the boycotting players that spring and committed to hiring a Black assistant football coach before fall practice. He was also a military veteran. It is where the seeds of the fierce competitor were nurtured and matured. Floyd Burdette Schwartzwalder (June 2, 1909 April 28, 1993) was a Hall of Fame football coach at Syracuse University, where he trained future National Football League stars such as Jim Brown, Larry Csonka, Floyd Little and Ernie Davis, the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy. Coach Ben Schwartzwalder began routines of coming up to Elmire to visit Davis and his family. With the score Reading 13-6, North Carolina state drove All the Way to the Lions goal but Pound it Over. Oct 8, 2008 Dennis Quaid has played both a baseball and football star on the big screen but never a coach. I loved the genre and I thought Ernie was an intriguing character, but it didnt have any real conflict. Fleder started doing his own research, reading a lengthy Sports Illustrated article by William Nack that dealt with Davis, Brown and racism in college sports in the 60s. During the spring season, the players attempted to nudge coach Schwartzwalder one more time. An endearing photo is one from 90s I believe when Cuse players have Ben raised on their shoulders after a win. A nice memory. He graduated from Syracuse University in January 1966 with a bachelor's degree in Economics. Syracuse 8 Collection, University Archives. Ben always refused to pick a favorite team or make comparisons. And then we played Illinois, and I had to play. After holding off the vastly superior German forc es for four days, the senior officer in command ordered the paratroopers to withdraw under the cover of darkness and attempt to reach Allied lines by exfilling in small bands through the flooded marshes and swollen streams. He became a company commander and earned the rank of major. And thus, Ruth Simpson became Mrs. Floyd Schwartzwalder. The story grew each time it was told. I wasnt crazy about the original script, Fleder told me over lunch recently. Ben Schwartzwalder - Wikipedia You had an amazing four years, breaking records and you make it easier for Ernie to come to school. BEN SCHWARTZWALDER (1909-93) The game ended and Ben Schwartzwalder walked to the middle of the field, shook hands, exchanged a few words with his opposing coach, then turned and headed toward the dressing room. Meanwhile, up in central New York, Syracuse was struggling for survival. No. He was awarded a Silver Star, a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart, four battle stars, Presidential Unit Citation and was promoted to the rank of Major for his actions during the invasion. Qualities missing from Davis' portrayal in "The Express," opening Friday. [continued on next page] Pages: 1 2 3 4 If you look at the Underground Railroad, it wasnt just Harriet Tubman, it was all those white people who risked their lives to help these slaves get up north. Walk Where They Fought: La Fire, 82d Airborne Division, D-Day 1944 | Armchair General Magazine - We Put YOU in Command! Lindquist was coming in from the east, and Levy was ensconced in a graveyard across the river at Cauquigny. He didn't starve as a boy growing up but he knew what it was to want. Neither believes "The Express" captures his personality, or accurately portrays his relationships with head coach Ben Schwartzwalder and teammates. In 1973, Schwartzwalder retired from coaching and moved to St. Petersburg, Florida. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. There is so much joy on the faces of the players and Ben. Quot gosh Quot moaned the hard bitten sex paratrooper Quot All we Are is one deep. They got a long-name coach. And while maybe the alumni didnt get the big name coach, Floyd Burdette Ben Schwartzwalder gave SU its finest hours in football, becoming the most successful football coach in the Universitys history. But because that promise already had been made and broken repeatedly, the student-athletes decided to not return to practice and instead hold their own practice for the time being. They show Ben in his Service today for Ben A Memorial Day service will be held at 10:30 a.m. today at Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 4069 Howlett Hill Rd. Former Syracuse head coach Floyd "Ben" Schwartzwalder (center with his arm around SU's Ger Schwedes, 16) was no stranger to a good fight including this one involving the Orange and Texas. Floyd Benjamin "Ben" Schwartzwalder (June 2, 1909 April 28, 1993) was a Hall of Fame football coach at Syracuse University, where he trained such future National Football League stars as Jim Brown, as well as the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy, Ernie Davis. Very similar to Ronald Spiers story in episode 2 of that series when he supposedly gave a handful of German soldiers a cigarette and then executed all but one. He also developed some of the most impressive running backs the game has ever seen Jim Brown, Ernie Davis, Jim Nance, Floyd Little and Larry Csonka. Schwartzwalder continued his campaign all the way into Germany and acted as military governor of the town of Essen for a period of six months.