1963 Western Michigan Broncos football team
| 1963 Western Michigan Broncos football | |
|---|---|
| Conference | Mid-American Conference |
| 1963 record | 2–7 (2–4 MAC) |
| Head coach | Merle Schlosser (7th year) |
| MVP | Bill Somerville |
| Captain | Allen Gibbs, Bill Somerville |
| Home stadium | Waldo Stadium |
The 1963 Western Michigan Broncos football team represented Western Michigan University in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) during the 1963 college football season. In their seventh and final season under head coach Merle Schlosser, the Broncos compiled a 2–7 record (2–4 against MAC opponents), finished in fifth place in the MAC, and were outscored by their opponents, 201 to 111.[1][2][3] The team played its home games at Waldo Stadium in Kalamazoo, Michigan.[4]
The team's statistical leaders included Ken Barnhill with 668 passing yards, George Archer with 397 rushing yards, and Tom Patterson with 269 receiving yards.[5] Halfback Allen Gibbs and end Bill Somerville were the team captains.[6] End Bill Somerville received the team's most outstanding player award.[7]
At the end of the 1963 season, Schlosser was reportedly hung in effigy twice, and The Holland Evening Sentinel reported that every player had signed a petition seeking his removal.[8] Schlosser was fired as coach on December 28, 1963, and assigned to other duties in the physical education department. The team compiled a record of 28-33-3 in seven seasons under Schlosser.[9]
References
- ↑ "Football Records: Annual Results". Western Michigan University. Retrieved July 5, 2016.
- ↑ "Football Records: Year-By-Year Results - 1960 - 69". Western Michigan University. Retrieved July 5, 2016.
- ↑ "1963 Western Michigan Broncos Schedule and Results". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved July 5, 2016.
- ↑ "Waldo Stadium". Western Michigan University. Retrieved July 5, 2016.
- ↑ "1963 Western Michigan Broncos Stats". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved July 5, 2016.
- ↑ "Football History: All-Time Captains". Western Michigan University. Retrieved July 5, 2016.
- ↑ "Football History: Team Awards". Western Michigan University. Retrieved July 5, 2016.
- ↑ "Schlosser Under Fire". The Holland Evening Sentinel. December 20, 1963. p. 15.
- ↑ "Schlosser Fired By Western Michigan". Southern Illioisan. December 27, 1963. p. 18.