Today in History, 1937: Bison blanked 33-0 by George Washington University in muddy D.C. slugfest

The November wind whipping across the prairie carries whispers of seasons past, and sometimes, those whispers echo with the sting of defeat. Eighty-seven years ago today, on November 13, 1937, the North Dakota Agricultural College—now North Dakota State University—Bison football team faced a humbling 33-0 loss against the George Washington University Colonials in Washington, D.C. It wasn’t just a loss; it was a muddy, relentless dismantling on a field where opportunity seemed as scarce as sunshine. The game marked the end of a season that, despite moments of triumph, concluded with a stark reminder of the challenges faced by teams striving for excellence. North Dakota State University has a long and storied history, and even the greatest programs experience setbacks.

What Happened: A Muddy Defeat in D.C.

The final score of 33-0 doesn't fully capture the story of the November 13, 1937, game between the North Dakota Agricultural College (NDAC) Bison and the George Washington University Colonials. As reported in *The Fargo Forum* on November 14, 1937, the game was played on a gridiron severely hampered by mud, with “30 yards of the field at the east end [being] a quagmire.” The Colonials dominated, gaining 323 yards through running compared to the Bison’s meager 39 yards from scrimmage. The Bison managed only two first downs throughout the entire contest, both in the second half. Newspapers.com provides access to historical newspaper archives that preserve these moments in time.

The Bison’s offensive struggles were compounded by the muddy conditions and a limited passing game, completing only 3 of 18 passes for 27 yards, while the Colonials completed 5 of 18 for 57 yards. While the Bison’s punter, Ernie Wheeler, demonstrated skill with an average of 41 yards per punt, the Colonials capitalized on longer returns, averaging 16 yards compared to the Bison's 10. The game concluded a season where the Bison secured five wins but ultimately fell short against a determined Colonial squad. The team’s perseverance in the face of adversity remains a testament to their character and dedication.

The statistics paint a clear picture of the Colonials’ dominance. The Bison struggled to gain traction, with periods revealing a significant disparity in yardage – 77 to 13 in the first quarter, 139 to 3 in the second, 44 to 6 in the third, and 63 to 17 in the final quarter. Despite early defensive stands, the Bison were ultimately overwhelmed by the Colonials’ relentless offensive push. The game highlighted the importance of consistent performance and adaptability in the face of challenging conditions.

Community Reaction: A Disappointment, But Respect

News of the Bison’s defeat reached Fargo and Moorhead the following day, as reported in *The Fargo Forum*. While the loss was undoubtedly disappointing for fans, the article emphasized the team's efforts and resilience. The report noted that the Bison “earned a lot of respect by their early stands on the goal line,” acknowledging their defensive efforts despite the ultimate outcome. The community recognized the challenges posed by the muddy field and the Colonials' strong performance.

The article also highlighted individual players who demonstrated commendable effort, such as Elmer Holt at guard and Cecil Schrank at tackle. While the team's overall performance fell short, the recognition of individual contributions underscored the dedication and hard work of the Bison athletes. The loss served as a reminder that even in defeat, there are lessons to be learned and qualities to be admired. It’s a reminder that even in setbacks, there's always something to be proud of – the effort, the teamwork, the commitment to representing one’s community with integrity.

Key Dates & Statistics

Here's a snapshot of the key details from the November 13, 1937 game:

Key Dates

• Date: November 13, 1937
• Location: Washington, D.C.
• Final Score: George Washington University 33, North Dakota Agricultural College 0

By the Numbers

• Bison First Downs: 2
• Bison Yards from Scrimmage: 39
• Colonials First Downs: 19
• Colonials Yards from Scrimmage: 323
• Bison Pass Attempts: 18 (3 completed, 27 yards)
• Colonials Pass Attempts: 18 (5 completed, 57 yards)
• Wheeler's Punt Average: 41 yards (11 punts)
• Colonials Punt Average: 39 yards (7 attempts)

What’s Next: Reflecting on a Season

The 1937 season concluded with the loss to George Washington, marking the end of an era for those players and coaches. While the defeat was undoubtedly disheartening, it also provided valuable lessons that would shape the future of Bison football. The team’s resilience and determination, even in the face of adversity, exemplified the spirit of North Dakota and its commitment to excellence.

Today, the Fargo Moorhead Chamber of Commerce celebrates the region’s strong community and spirit. The legacy of the 1937 Bison team serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and unwavering dedication, values that continue to resonate within the community. The memory of that muddy field in Washington D.C. serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of North Dakota State University and its commitment to representing the state with pride.

Lila's Take: More Than Just a Score

Reading about this game, eighty-seven years later, it's easy to focus on the score. 33-0. A decisive defeat. But I find myself dwelling more on the grit and determination it must have taken for those young men to travel across the country and face that muddy field, knowing the challenges ahead. It speaks to a generation shaped by hardship, a generation that understood the value of hard work and perseverance, even when victory seemed impossible. We live in a time where instant gratification is often the norm, and it’s easy to become discouraged by setbacks. But these young men remind us that true strength isn't measured by wins and losses, but by how we respond to adversity.

The article mentions Chuck Pollock’s injury, a constant reminder of the physical toll these games took. It’s a stark contrast to the padded and protected world of modern athletics. And while the statistics show a clear disparity in performance, it’s important to remember that every player on that field gave their all, representing their school and community with pride. I hope that young people today can learn from their example – to embrace challenges, to persevere through setbacks, and to always strive for excellence, even when the odds are stacked against them. Strong families and communities are built on that kind of resilience.

It’s also a poignant reminder of the importance of faith, family, and community. These young men were playing for something bigger than themselves – they were representing their state, their school, and their families. That sense of purpose and belonging is something we should all strive to cultivate in our own lives. The American dream isn’t just about material success; it’s about building a life of meaning and purpose, rooted in strong values and a commitment to serving others.

Resources

For those interested in learning more about the history of North Dakota State University athletics and the 1937 football season, the following resources are available:

• North Dakota State University Athletics Website: https://gobison.com/
• Newspapers.com: https://www.newspapers.com/ (for access to historical newspaper archives)
• North Dakota State University Archives: Contact the university archives for access to historical documents and photographs related to the 1937 football season.

The West Fargo Parks Department also offers a variety of recreational opportunities for youth and families, promoting physical activity and community engagement.

The Bison’s defeat was marked by a standout performance from Vic Sampson, who scored a 60-yard touchdown dash early in the second quarter after Sonny Jones blocked Wheeler’s punt. Bob Nowaskey also returned Wheeler's punt to the Bison 38, leading to another Colonial touchdown. Later in the game, Kaufman passed to Leon Morrison for a touchdown, and Howard Tihila intercepted a pass and returned it for another score.

Closing paragraph: The echoes of that 1937 game serve as a reminder that even in defeat, there is value. The Bison players faced adversity with courage and represented their community with pride. As we reflect on this historic moment, let us remember the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and unwavering dedication – values that continue to shape the spirit of West Fargo and North Dakota.