The Catholic times. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1951-current, 1960-11-18
SPORTS of TIMES
SnOw, SnOW
Stay Away'
BY LOU FABRo
Times Sports Editor

& - AHWS~ >F~f
Enthusiasm of Ohio State football fans will reach
fever pitch at 1870 pm. Saturday when Coach Woody
Hayes sends his Buckeye gladiatorS into battle against
the alWayS-dangerous Wolverines of Michigan before
q Jury of SO, O00-plus spectators in Ohio Stadium.
Although Michigan's Big Ten dynasty was ended
some years ago, the annual clash between the Wolves
and Bucks hasn't lost its sparkle-at least not in the
feverish eyes of fanatic Buckeye fans. To them, this
SATURDAYS MEETING REMINDS us it was
Just ten years ago that the Bucks and Wolves fought
probably their most nightmarish duel. Yes, we mean
the "Snow Bowl of 1850.
That struggle stands as one of college footballs
most amazing-if not ridiculous-games of all times.
And because SO, 500 frostbitten spectators did every
thing but use dog teams to get to the STADIUM Tor the
game, it stands as a reminder. to the sports world that
OSU has the most wild-eyed followers IN the country.
Among that loyal gathering was DICK FENLoN
st. Matthias Parish, onetime sports editor OF the
CATHOLIC TIMES, who furnished most of the mater
ial for this narrative.
When thew entered the refrigerated arena against
un-and-down Michigan, the Buckeyes were only one
stop from the Big Ten championship. Included In the
Bucks 81 record, was a spectacular 1871 massacre
of Iowa. But on with the story.
ON THAT 1850 SATURDAY. Central Ohio was
being showed under" by its worst snowstorm since
1918. The weather was so downright horrendous, tnat
Dick Larkins, OSU's athletic director, had to decide
whether or not to call the game.
Swayed by the sight of 10000 people huddled IN
IUE LdIlQ dlllll " nv 49, D1"Nt
his fateful decision. The "show" must 60 on. vigorous
protests by OSU Coach Yves Fesler and Michigan
Coach Bonnie Osterbaan failed to make Larkins palK
at his decision.
five more was in the process of falling. The tempera,
ture was 8 above zero and a 35-mle-per-nour WING
made things all the more miserable. =.
BEFORE THE GAME could start, hundreds OF
fans had to help pull the frozen tarpaulln OIL the turi.
Meanwhile, the blizzard howled through the stadium.
whipping snow around and making live snowmen OF
player and fan alike. i,
After a few cautious plays, both teams realized
that ordinary football was impossible. Both CLUBS re-
sorted to the same strategy: run two plays. INTO lhe
center of the line-punt-and walt for breaks.
The Bucks got the first break in the initial period
when a Wolverine punt was blocked. Vic JanoWlcz, the
AllAmerican tailback who got away from Notre Dame
Coach Frank Leahy, took over at this point. Standing
somewhere around Michigan's 3Oyard line, he booted
a perfect field goal into the teeth of the blizzard even
though he could hardly see the goal posts.
MICHIGAN CAME BACK and tailed two points
when a Janowicz' punt was blocked and rolled out OF
the end zone for a safety. The Bucks still were ahead,
however, 80.
But with only AZ seconds left in the first half,
Michigan got its big break. 1t was third down and the
Bucks were on their own 13-yard line. Rather than
run out the clock with two plays, Fesler elected to
punt.
Janowicz' kick was blocked by Tony Momsen who
fell on the loose ball in the end zone for a touchdown.
Now the Wolverines were ahead, 93. And that's the
way the score stood at the end of the game.
o ONLY DID MICHIGAN win the game, but
the Wolverines also captured the Big Ten title with a
ALL record and a trip to the Rose Bowl. 1t was, Incl
dentally, Michigan'S last championship. The Bucks,
ranked first in the nation just a few weeks before,
finished in a tie for second place with a So record.
S~tatictics reveal how futile it was to play football
that day. Michigan's "offense' Melted II yards but
failed to record a first down. The Buckeye ATTACK" re-
suited in three first downs and Al net yards gained.
Janowicz punted II times for a 32-yard average while
Michigan's AllAmerican back, Chuck Ortmann, booted
the ball "a times for a 30-yard average.
The grim defeat-followed by bitter criticism
from disgruntled sports writer's and fans alike-finally
forced the once-popular Fesler to resign.
LIKE THE NoTRE DAME struggle of 1895, the
"Snow Bowl ranks as a most amazing game. And
like the 1885 battle, it remains as a sad memory among
..a1-- Fac