St. Paul recorder. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1934-2000, 1958-11-21
Coll Bass Best
Running Back In
College Football

College foofpulI
Stockton, Calf (ANP) Bass
is the best running back in foot
ball today, college or pro"
The reference is TO Dick Bass,
terrific halfback for the College Of
Pacific. Although the lavish en-
dorsement came from COPS coach.
Jack Myers, Il is not 10 be taken
lightly,
Myers was a prime blocker for
one Of pro footballs greatest rum
ners Steve Van Buren, Of the Phil
adelphia Eagles.
Bass win have to demonstrate
that fact when he enters the pro
ranks, but than can wait. There
is little doubt, however about his
stature in college competition.
While he has been slowed by
the opposition OBVIOUSLY with de-
lenses set for him) In his last two
games, Bass has become the most
feared runner among the nations
collegians. Figures bespeak why.
After cops first five games,
the 81 year-old l90-pounder was
the leader in rushing. He had gain
ed 647 yards in 10 rushes, aver
aging slightly better than eight
yards. This yardage put him fifth
among those in the race for total
offense honors.
He was amazing In the first two
games Of the season. Against Ariz-
ona State (Tempe) and California
he ripped off 426 yards in 40
carries for an astounding i04 av-
erage. He scored on runs Of 1894
and 45 yards and passed for five
successful conversion attempts.
In the Arizona State game. Bass
was pitted against Leon Burton,
the 1857 rushing leader who set
an all-time rushing average OF
9.62 yards. Bass gained 212 yards
in II carries for a 1874 average,
scored touchdowns on runs Of 81
and As yards and threw two con-
version passes. Burton gained 90
yards in 10 carries for a IL aver
age.
In the California game, Pete
Elliott, the Bears coach, rugged a
defense designed especially for
Bass. On hcloffs, his team used
the "squeegie" type kickoff 20 keep
the ball away from the thunder
bolt from COP.
He is the most exciting runner
I have seen since Buddy Young
ran for Illinois, Elliott said.
III this hoy gets in a spread
field, you might as well just wave
goodbye"
In spite Of Eliotts precautions,
Bass carried the ball for the first
six plays Of the game, gaining
g, 3, 7, IS, 4 and nine yards TO set
the pattern for a surprise 2i-to-
20 COP triumph. He gained 215
yards for a new school record and
contributed a 7s-yard touchdown
run. His three pass conversions
provided the winning margin.
One play in that game had 10
be seen TO be believed. On a 30
yard jaunt 10 Bears 1.-TWO Of them
twiceD had their hands on him
before they finally brought him TO
earth.
Red Hickey. a San Francisco
Fagty Miners coach, watching the
game. remarked:
Bass could make any pro team
right now"
Bass has deceptive speed. He has
run the 100 in 9.s seconds and the
go In I'll. But when he carries
the ball he appears 10 loaf But
don't let that fool you--as - does
frustrated tacklers. He can cut
in. cut out or go straight ahead
He sets UP his blockers well.
Myers has ben asked 10 compare
Bass with Hugh McElhenny, great
runner for the Forty Miners He
said he would take his protege
without hesitation.
Il would for several reasons. "
said Myers. First Of all, per-
sonally think Bass Is a better nun
ner, a more dangerous runner, be
cause he Ia shiftier. faster and
hits harder. But mainly. Dick II a
fully-accomplished player. He Il
our best runner, passer, punter
and now he has added the drop
kick 10 his other accomplishments"
Bass entered COP with one Of
the most fabulous high school rec
orda Of any athlete. He prepared
for Vallejo (caIif) High. In two
seasons. he Melted 5000 yards In
$50 carries for a brilliant 13.2
average. He scored ss tOuchdOwns
and "a extra points for 44z points.
with al the conversions coming In
his senior year
Bass missed all Of last season.
re fractured his ankle before the
FIRST game ana remained sldelined