The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1913-12-14
Many Gridron Stars Have
Been Turned Out by Local
Teams = VigiIants Have
Game on Sound Basis.

Kenzie, who later captained the Vigilani
club. and Pug zslliart.
The most interesting history Of any OF
the Independent elevens Up to date, out.
side OF that Of the Vigilants, Is the War
wicks, who were the first independent
eleven to go through a season without
being scored upon. The Warwicks whose
average weight was but 40 pounds, de-
Tended the Independent title against all
corners for five years and were never de-
feated by any local club. In 1907, the
Warwicks met their only defeat during
the six years OF their reign, this. at the
hand OF the Old Point Military Academy
at the jamestown Exhibition.
Eleven Not scored On.
In 1906 this outfit was not scored upon,
but in one of the battles. which the fol-
lowers OF this team from around the
navy yard will long remember a very
close shave was handed them by the
Seamen Gunners' class OF that year
This was without a doubt the most
brutal game ever witnessed on the Fifth
and l. street grounds. as during the con-
test the Casualty Hospital ambulance
made four trips 10 the field to take away
the players injured during the game.
-Four OF the Warwick players in this
contest received broken bones which set
the team back a good deal, but when
time was called at the end OF the fray
neither goal line had been crossed
Johnny Smith, later a star Hnesman at
the Hilltop. had his right hip broken;
Frank Mccormick, who was in tackle
position, had his collar bone broken;
Bill Vogelson, the sturdy little quarter
back, had conclusion Of the brain, and
George Taylor. the center, had his left
ankle broken Even to this date the navy
yard fans who follow the independent
game remember this contest.
A Disputed Claim.
One of the most interesting circum-
stances which has ever occurred in the
Independent game was shortly after the
organizing OF the present independent
champions. the Vigilant Athletic Club.
The Vigilant and Warwick teams were
arguing about the independent title, the
Warwicks claiming 1t on past perform
ances and the yigilants on its victories
that season, so It was agreed to settle 1t
On the field. and a game was arranged
to be played on Christmas Day, 1907, but
snow and rain caused the contest to be
until New Years Day, on
which date it was played.
The Warwicks nosed out the vigilants
In this contest after one of the hardest
fought games ever played at American
League Park, by a 5 to o score, and as
this game ended in dispute about the
time, there was nothing to be done but
10 play another contest the next season.
At this time Sonny Coleman, who
S at present secretary of the Yigilant
club, was at the helm of the vigilants,
md Buck Oliveri, who is still among the
best players that the District can boast
of, was the spirit behind the vigilant
eleven Hooks" Cohip was captaIning
he warwicks. and Leo T. Dugan was
managing that OUTFIT
Sign Articles
Articles of agreement were drawn IN
md signed before William Peet, sporting
.ditor OF The Herald. and q purse OF s2s
vas deposited with The Herald for the
OF the clubs. The date was
gain set for New Years. and everything
vent along nicely until Mat Sylvester,
Who, at that time, was head OF the local
'oliee force. and who is stu our worthy
heard Of the posting of the
money as a forfeit and once more the
metropolitan police force took a hand in
he matter and put stop to the game.
tanning that it was Gambling propo-
ition.
A committee of six representing The
Herald and the two clubs paid Maj. Syi,
ester visit to try and arrange to have
ne game played after the money for an
'earance was withdrawn, but this visit
opped the climax, as the managers OF the !
lubs were warned not to play the game |
ny where, at any time. or under any
circumstances
The local police chief ruled. and there
Tas no game that season, or have thesel
wo clubs ever met but the one time. The
Varwicks disbanded that season with a 1
ecord that every one Of them can be
feli proud Of, and one which has been
1naled by 20 other team than the present
hampions.
yieiIants Wei known.
The work Of the Yigilant club during
ne past few seasons is well known to
1e present followers Of the game, but
ne more little coincidence which brought
he present independent champions to
heir high, standing must Be related.
IN 1902 when the vigilant club was
ltt3ing with one OF the local clubs on L
N Fifth ar4 t. afraaf nrrs.srr.I- -~-A