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The university’s first football team took to the field undisciplined and without a coach. The 1890 flannel-clad sportsmen lost every game. The next season they chose Rev. Frederic Kramer (PhD1895) to lead them. He was the All Saints Episcopal Church pastor and a CU English instructor. His leadership led to the team’s first victory in a 24-4 romp over the Colorado Springs Athletic Association.

“The rush line linked arms and meandered down the field,” Kramer wrote, “followed by the backs, one of whom carried the ball. [It was a] human steamroller effect . . .”

Four years later Kramer led the university to another first, earning a PhD in 1895.