Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1957-09-27
SPOTLIGHT
ON
SPORTS
All Is Calm and Clear at Navy
By BILL FUCHS

faced man who looks like he might have been heavy
weight prize fighter He the second most famous
grin in these parts wide. crnklng grin that at times
apprehensve spirit within AS head coach Of
the Naval Academy football team he has built with care
and precision his dynasty within the Naval command
and Is evervigant against anything that might it
to come crashing down.
Those among the press who complain that Erdelatz
as tough to interview the Dalai Lama Tibet either
have short memories newly arrived Time when
press conference in the coach Office here series of
sares In those days went to such conferences after
writing your story in the office But you didn't blame the
COACH the athletic director or the admiral It was the
situation one in which the military policy and with it the
ever-threatening, never-escapng chain OF commands
somehow had invaded and held captive the athletic
There was one coach years back who was shocked
happily soby the strange spectacle his oft-beaten
warriors coming to life foreign field For the first time
IN TINS coachs unhappy at Navy he his entire
squad rise of the bench and shout encouragement at those
playing The maneuver also excited a visiting admiral
but in different manner His view partially blocked
He ordered junior officer who ordered a still more
junior officer to order the coach to order his players
to sit down. The coach refused the junior officer told
his senior officer, who told the admiral who raved and
shortly thereafter changes were made at Annapolis 49,
*F+a9s
ERDELATz MOVED FROM the pro ranks to Navy in
1850 against the advice of who he would not last
two seasons. 1t Mrs E. the former Agnes Conner of
San Francisco who talked him into it, Eddie was very re-
uctant to take it, she says HE happy with the San
Francisco FortyNiners the backeld and Navy
Is drerent from other universities. But thought ii
challenge and felt he up to it,"
Erdelatz knew he would need tact. He knew he was
civilian among Navy brass in institution that turns
out Navy brass He also knew the football situation had
sunk to deplorabe state. was prepared to define
victory" before telling the players why they should try
claim few
But in way he conditioned the shock of the
training table Upper cassmen looked with disdain on
lower classmen. They might have been teammates but
one did not socially mnge with lower than SELF
THE ERDELATz BROOM went to work. Tradition
and you find it in most schools-s fine thing But when
1t spilled onto the athletic field it little wonder team
spirit lacking The Sophomores on Navy's football
teams these days have the basic rights seniors
on the field The distinguishing feature with Erdelaz
is ability
There is fine working relationship now between the
top brass and the athletic Office Rear Admiral william
r. Smedberg ILL., academy superintendent and Capt Sade
Cutter director of athletics are two of Erdeaz staunchest
supporters Both wise enough to leave the coaching
to the coach who turns out good football teams with the
efficiency Of corporation president He hand-pcked his
stan and has practices organized to the second
He never asks for time" Capt Cutter says with
admiration Here we tight schedule and 1 know
most coaches would complain about lack time Not this
guy. And he knows everything that's going was
standing with him at practice day and while he was
looking at me he spotted something wrong in a drill on
the other side of the field He eyes in the back of his
head"
is veteran first team led by Quarterback Tom Forresta
handsome youngster from Cleveland and Ned oldham
line runner and splendid speech with pair of
academy oratorica championships to his credit 1t could
be an all-wnnng Notre Dame, November 2 at
South Bend; Duke, November at Baltimore and Army
November 80 at Philadelphia the big obstacles And
then, perhaps bid to the Cotton Bowl
Speaking of bowl games, that was a wise the
part Of Cutter, newy-arrived at Annapolis AS he put
his plate his DESK the captain announced that
Navy would to bowl If invited If the Mdshipmen
had good and beat Army. That as positive as
you can make H. and must bring sigh Of relief to those
readers who weary Of reading Of rumors reports and
speculations about Navy and the bowl
The football players revere Erdelatz who in turn
watches over them like mother hen
Il got real good story for YOU Erdelatz has told the
press on more than occasion, "but promise you
won't use It, 1t might hurt the boy"
He tries earnestly to please the press but times
falls particularly when being interviewed by those used
to the CONSCIOUSNESS of Jim Tatum. He doesn't say
anything" they will sometimes complain.
What they don't appreciate is that compared TO the
way things used to be, Erdeatz is regular
gossip.