Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1949-01-08
Coach, Speaker Here
At Dinner Tonight,
faces Heavy Quiz
BY Lewis F. Atchison


his reasons for giving up the head
coaching post with the Chicago Car
dinals for position with St. Louis
advertising firm, when he addresses
the 14th annual Touchdown Club
dinner tonight at the Statler Hotel.
The popular Jimmy of all trades
has been coming to Washington on
such festive occasions almost since
the first Indian chestnut roast, but
this time the situation is different
The Redskins are looking for head
coach, for one thing, and there are
all sorts of rumors that Councilman
has been offered various football po-
sitions, especially in the rival ALL
America Conference. He Is certain
to be pressed tonight to give an
answer to these rumors.
Councilman will share the main
speaking assignment tonight with
Supreme Court Justice William o.
Douglas, Jennings Randolph, former
member of Congress from West Vir-
ginia, and Admiral William F. (BulD
Halsey retired)' He also will pre-
sent the clubs award to Steve Van
Buren, Of the champion Philadelphia
Eagles, who was picked as the Ma
tional Leagues outstanding player
in 1913.
Goes With Advertising Firm.
Conzelman's plans to switch from
coaching line-plungers to line
writer's was reported a year ago.
At that time he was rumored ready
to 60 with nationally famous soft
drink manufacturer as advertising
director. He was engaged in this
work during the off season and
liked 1t. The financial rewards were
good, too, and the headaches not
quite as lumpy as those of a foot
ball coach. even a winning coach.
In letter to Mrs. Violet Bidwill
chairman of the Cardinals Board
Of Directors, Councilman said he had
accepted a position as account ex-
ecutive with the Darcy Advertising
Co. of st. Louis. He said the diff
Guilty of transporting his family be-
tween Chicago and st. Louis had
increased and had been complicated
by education of his 1l-year-old son.
He also thought it was time that he
settle in one locality.
His resignation with the Cardinals
is effective next Wednesday,. Con-
zelman's 3-year contract had year
to run, at a reported sl7,500
From Chicago the Associated
Press reported that his sudden move
took President Ray Bennigsen by
surprise, and he questioned whether
the jovial strategist and story teller
would be happy out Of football.
Replaced Nevers in 1910.
Councilman replaced Ernie Nevers
as the Cardinals football boss in
1910 after serving eight years at
Washington u, his alma mater, ip
st. Louis. During the war years he
left the grid team in charge of Phil
Handler to return to st. Louis and
become assistant to the President of
the baseball Browns and public re-
lations director.
Councilman capped his career with
the Cards by leading them to the
Western division title in 1947 and
'4S. His men beat the Eagles for the
league crown two seasons ago, but
last month lost a TO decision in a
snow-bound play-of1 at Philadel-
phia.
In his letter of resignation yester-
day Councilman lavishly praised
Handler, Buddy Parker and Dick
Plasman, and said the trio was well
equipped to carry on the coaching
duties"
Conzelman's career has run the
range of variety and excitement,
from actor through orchestra man
ager pro grid player, syndicated
columnist and salesman. Councilman
earned all-league honors with the
undefeated Providence Steamrollers
Of 1928 and in 1947 he was voted
pro coach of the year"
He also is a talented musician,
but the colorful Jimmy is proudest
of his commencement day address
on American youth delivered at the
University of Dayton several years
ago. 1t was so we'll received it has
since become required reading at
the United States Military and
Naval Academies.
1000 to Attend Dinner.
More than 1000 members and
guests will attend the dinner to-
night, including nine cabinet Of
f1cers, Chief Justice Fred M. Vinson
and three associate justices of the
Supreme Court. President Carroll
D. Bird of the Touchdown Club will
welcome the guests and later will
present the past presidents award
to Leslie G. Aries.
Among the athletes to be honored
are Charley Justice, North Carolina
halfback, who will receive the Water
Camp Memorial Trophy as the No. l
college player of 1948. The trophy
will be presented by House Speaker
Sam Rayburn. Bill Fischer, Notre
Dame guard, will receive the Knute
Rockne Memorial Trophy as the
years outstanding lineman from
1c4l. SIllG D. SdGcS, MdIllle IOI pS
commandant. Andy Davis, George
Washington back picked as tops in
the District, will get the 1t. Robert
Smith Memorial Trophy from
James O'Connor Roberts, past COM
mander of the District American
Legion.
Representative Gerald Ford Of
Michigan will accept the trophy
awarded Benny Oosterbaan as
coach of the year from Gen. Hoyt
S. Vandenberg, United States Air
Force chief of staff. Oosterbaan will
be unable to accept the award in
person.
Others to Get Awards.
Admiral Halsey will make the
presentation of the outstanding
All-America Conference player
award to Otto Graham of the
champion Cleveland Browns.
Justice Vinson will present Harry
Wismcr, ace sportscaster and the
Voice of the Redskins. with special
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