Ironton Tanks

Last updated
Ironton Tanks
Founded1919;104 years ago (1919)
Folded1930;93 years ago (1930)
Based in Ironton, Ohio, United States
LeagueIndependent
Team historyIronton Tanks (1919–1930)
Team colorsScarlet Red, Gold, White    
Nickname(s)Big Red
The Big Red Machine
Head coaches Earle Louis "Greasy" Neale (1930)
Home field(s)Beechwood Stadium (1919–1926)
Tank Stadium (1926–1930)

The Ironton Tanks were a semi-professional football team organized in 1919 in Ironton, Ohio.

Contents

Their historical marker gives the story of the Tanks origin: "Semi-professional football began in Ironton in 1893 with a team known as the Irontonians. The Ironton Tanks, founded in 1919, was a combination of two Ironton cross-town rival football clubs known as the Irish Town Rags and the Lombards." [1] Their name reflected both the town's deep roots in the iron industry and the desire of returning soldiers from World War I to run over their opponents. [2]

Historical significance

Based on their outstanding record of 85 wins, 19 losses, 14 ties, an undefeated season in 1922, a state championship in 1926 and dual victories in 1930 over National Football League (NFL) powerhouses the Chicago Bears and New York Giants, [2] the Tanks have a strong claim to being the best team to not play in the NFL. This motto is reinforced on the wall of Tank Stadium, where the story of the stadium opening proclaims "When the Tanks Were Tops" (2nd picture in photo gallery below). Their unmatched achievements in 1930 are recorded in a Professional Football Researchers Association's report on the 1930 season [3] when talking about non-NFL teams: "None, however, matched the Ironton (Ohio) Tanks' 1930 achievements." [4]

Although the Ironton Tanks ceased operations after the 1930 season, they lived on. Over half of the Tanks moved on to other NFL teams, the most, including Glenn Presnel stayed in Ironton and played for the Portsmouth Spartans (only 30 miles away) until they too folded in 1933. The combined team strength from the Tank infusion and the addition of rookie Dutch Clark, a future Hall of Famer, turned the Spartans into a power to be reckoned with. In 1932 the Spartans were among the best in the league but lost to the Chicago Bears in the first NFL playoff game, but after the next year in the depths of the depression, the Spartans too folded. Their assets were purchased to pay off debt and the team became the Detroit Lions in 1934. Without presence of the Tanks on the roster the Spartan record would have been less successful and likely not worth being bought and moved to become the Detroit Lions. So the forerunners of today's Lions were both the Tanks and Spartans.

NFL Thanksgiving Day Game Tradition and transfer to the Detroit Lions

As with most football teams of the era, the Tanks regularly played games over Thanksgiving weekend. The Tanks played a game the day after Thanksgiving with the Lombards, a crosstown rival on Friday Nov 26, 1920 winning 26-0 when many people were off due to the holiday. They began the actual string of Thanksgiving Day Games by defeating the Huntington Boosters 12–0 on Thursday Nov 30, 1922. The Tanks continued playing on this national holiday each year through 1930, which was the Tanks final season. Several Tank players (including Glenn Presnell) continued their football careers by joining the nearby Portsmouth Spartans. They did not continue the annual tradition through their demise after the 1933 season. The Spartans assets were acquired and moved to Detroit where they were renamed the Lions. Asked by their new owner (G.A. Richards) about ways to improve ticket sales, the former Tanks players (led by Presnell) indicated that in the past (as Tanks) that they always got a good turnout on Thanksgiving Day. This led him to schedule the first Thanksgiving Day Game in Detroit (actually the 10th game of the series). One thing that made the first game in Detroit so notable was arranging NBC to broadcast the game nationally, reaching a larger audience and developing a national clamor for repeats in following years.

Local rivalries

Perhaps more important to Ironton residents at the time were the local rivalries with other cities in the Ohio area, particularly Portsmouth, where the local sentiment was summed up by this quote “ancient and hereditary foes”. [5] Despite being a small town, only about 1/3 the size of Portsmouth, the Tanks are referred to by Carl Becker refers as the dominant team of the era, "In the 1920s, the "famous" Ironton Tanks were the sovereigns of semi-professional football in the upper Ohio Valley, indeed even in the state of Ohio". [2] Other rivals were the Ashland Armcos, from across the river in Kentucky, Dayton Koors, several teams from Cincinnati, Columbus and Akron, [6] but none appeared to have stirred the fans' passion as did the different Portsmouth teams that appeared between 1920 and 1930.

Earle Louis "Greasy" Neale

The most colorful figure to be associated with the Ironton Tanks was their legendary coach Earle Louis Neale, known as Greasy Neale. He is the only person to have coached in the Rose Bowl (1922), [7] won the World Series (Reds vs White Sox, 1919) and won an NFL title (Philadelphia Eagles back to back 1948-49). Greasy insisted his Reds won the scandal-plagued 1919 "Black Sox" Series because of better pitching. [8]

Glenn Presnell

The best player for the Tanks was Glenn Presnell. Besides leading the Tanks to victories over the Giants and Bears, guiding the Portsmouth Spartans to third place in the NFL regular season championship in 1932, he helped the Detroit Lions to their first NFL championship in 1935. Not only did he play both sides of the ball, Glenn Presnell held the NFL longest field goal record for 19 years, with a 54 yarder that beat the Green Bay Packers 3–0. He led the NFL in scoring in 1933 with 64 points from TDs, field goals and points after TDs. [9] He graduated from the University of Nebraska as an All-American in 1928 with a bachelor's degree in Education and was honored with an Alumni award in 2003 at the age of 97. [10] Glenn was inducted into the Nebraska High School Hall of Fame, citing his three Letters as a Cornhusker, leading the nation in total yards as a senior, All-Missouri Valley two times, and twice being NFL All-pro. [11] He was inducted into the Nebraska Football Hall of Fame [12] in 1973 and named 34th out of Nebraska's top 100 athletes. [13] Interesting trivia is that his wife helped choose the famous powder blue uniforms for the Detroit Lions when the team moved from Portsmouth, Ohio. [9] [14] However, Glenn's memory is challenged by the Lions official site [15] Outside this minor controversy, Glenn and the Lions seemed to have gotten along well. He posed with a football from "Your Friends at the Detroit Lions" crowning him the "LionKing". [14] Many feel his NFL career itself deserved entry into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, [16] while others have said he was unfairly discriminated against because of his years with the Tanks. An online petition to support his entry to the Football Hall of Fame, in nearby Canton, Ohio, has also attracted attention, [17] Note: Glen has been referenced in several publications as being named an All-American while at Nebraska. In studying the Nebraska football media guide, no individual records other than participantion and team win–loss is recorded for that time frame. The Nebraska media guide does show All-American award winners, and Glenn is not shown as on that list. No effort has been made to confirm directly with any sports officials at the University of Nebraska if this is correct. Also the Wikipedia reference for All-American awards for Glenn's years at Nebraska does not show him being awarded the honor. Again, the total evidence confirming his status in unclear. As evidence of Glenn's outstanding career, it can be shown that his on the field performance both as a Tank, Spartan and Lion were exemplary and several other teams had shown interest in signing him upon the Tanks demise. Indeed, Glenns contributions and performance as a starting halfback and safety in his years with the Detroit Lions were key in their becoming 1935 World Champions. Glenn Presnell was honored by the Lions in 1995 at halftime against the Packers as a member of the 60th anniversary of the 1935 championship by being driven to the 50 yard line in a Ford Model T.

Uniforms

The Tanks uniform was also noteworthy, a distinctive blend of khaki pants and red jerseys, reminiscent of the 49ers today. They were nicknamed Big Red and the Big Red Machine [18] and appear to be the first team to sport this intimidating moniker.

Reasons for success

Preserving the Tank legend

The town of Ironton has maintained the legend of these proud footballers by designating the stadium with historical status and creating a fund for its maintenance [21] in addition to a Tribute website [22] with their complete schedule and results. [23] Ironton native Dave Berry wrote a song in tribute to the professional football played in the region. [24]

Tank Memorial Stadium

The Ironton Tanks originally played in Beechwood Stadium but following through on local enthusiasm a stadium fund was created and Tank Stadium was built in 1926. This stadium still stands today and is being used by Ironton High School. It is one of the last covered stadiums in use for high school football today. [1] The stadium was later renamed to Tanks Memorial Stadium, the name in use to the present day. In 2009, the field at Tanks Memorial Stadium was given the additional name of Bob Lutz Field in honor of long-time Ironton head coach Bob Lutz. During the summer of 2014, Tank Memorial Stadium's playing surface was upgraded to Field Turf.

Schedule and results by year

1919

GameDateDayOpponentResultRecord
1November 4TuesdayNew Boston TigersW 9–01–0
2November 11TuesdayAshland PlayhouseL 0–71–1
3November 18TuesdayAshland PlayhouseT 0–01–1–1
4November 25TuesdayPortsmouth N & WW 12–02–1–1

1920

GameDateDayOpponentResultRecord
1October 10SundayMorris HarveyL 0–140–1
2October 24SundaySmoke HouseT 6–60–1–1
3November 6SaturdayMarshallW 13–01–1–1
4November 8MondayNew Boston TigersW 77–02–1–1
5November 15MondayNitroW 13–03–1–1
6November 26FridayLombardsW 26–04–1–1
7November 29MondaySmoke HouseW 14–05–1–1

1921

GameDateDayOpponentResultRecord
1October 3SundayJackson BearcatsW 6–01–0
2October 16SundayCharleston WestsideW 34–02–0
3October 23SundayAshland TigersW 7–03–0
4October 30SundaySmoke HouseT 0–03–0–1
5November 13SundayLombardsW 21–74–0–1
6November 20SundaySmoke HouseW 14–05–0–1
7November 27SundayWellston EaglesT 0–05–0–2
8December 4SundayMorris HarveyW 19–146–0–2
9December 11SundayWellston EaglesW 7–67–0–2

1922

GameDateDayOpponentResultRecord
1October 1SundayColumbus OlympiansW 13–61–0
2October 8SundayAthensW 19–02–0
3October 15SundayHuntington BoostersW 18–73–0
4October 22SundayWilliamsonW 76–04–0
5October 29SundayJackson BearcatsW 40–05–0
6November 5SundayHuntington BoostersT 7–75–0–1
7November 12SundayLancasterW 38–06–0–1
8November 26SundayWashington Ct. HouseW 45–07–0–1
9November 30Thursday (Thanksgiving)Huntington BoostersW 12–108–0–1

1923

GameDateDayOpponentResultRecord
1September 30SundayIronton EaglesW 46–01–0
2October 7SundayColumbus SeagravesW 18–02–0
3October 14SundayColumbus WestsideW 7–63–0
4October 21SundayPortsmouth Smoke House40–04–0
5October 28SundayHuntington BoostersW 7–05–0
6November 4SundayLogan WildcatsW 7–06–0
7November 11SundayHuntington BoostersL 6–126–1
8November 18SundayCincinnati SaintsW 31–07–1
9November 25SundayPortsmouth Smoke HouseW 21–6 [25] 8–1
10November 29Thursday (Thanksgiving Day)Cincinnati HarrisonsW 20–09–1
11December 9SundayHuntington BoostersW 26–010–1

1924

GameDateDayOpponentResultRecord
1September 21SundayIronton PanthersW 38–01–0
2September 28SundayColumbus JungleImpsW 25–62–0
3October 5SundayMurray City TigersW 7–03–0
4October 12SundayLouisville BrecksW 31–04–0
5October 19SundayCincinnati PottersW 14–35–0
6October 26SundayAkron SilentsW 19–06–0
7November 2SundayHuntington BoostersW 6–07–0
8November 9SundaySmoke HouseW 44–08–0
9November 16SundayCincinnati PottersW 7–39–0
10November 23SundayCovington C.A.CW 12–010–0
11November 27Thursday (Thanksgiving)Huntington BoostersW 21–011–0
12November 29SaturdaySmoke HouseT 0–011–0–1

1925

GameDateDayOpponentResultRecord
1September 27SundayChillicotheW 29–01–0
2October 4SundayColumbus BobbsW 35–02–0
3October 11SundayCincinnati PottersW 15–63–0
4October 18SundayAshland ArmcosW 21–64–0
5October 25SundayHuntington BoostersW 12–05–0
6November 1SundayColumbus Wagner PiratesW 19–56–0
7November 8SundayAshland ArmcosW 9–07–0
8November 15SundayHuntington BoostersT 0–07–0–1
9November 22SundayDayton KoorsT 7–77–0–2
10November 26Thursday (Thanksgiving)Canton BulldogsL 0–127–1–2
11November 29SundayCincinnati PottersW 9–08–1–2
12December 14MondayDayton KoorsW 24–69–1–2

1926

GameDateDayOpponentResultRecord
1September 19SundayColumbus All StarsW 27–01–0
2September 26SundayMiddletown ArmcosW 27–02–0
3October 3SundayColumbus Wagner PiratesW 39–03–0
4October 10SundayDayton KoorsW 23–04–0
5October 17SundayCleveland IndiansW 47–05–0
6October 24SundayAshland ArmcosW 2–06–0
7October 31SundayAkron SilentsW 27–07–0
8November 7SundayPortsmouth PresidentsW 9–08–0
9November 14SundayKokomo American LegionW 15–09–0
10November 21SundayAshland ArmcosW 7–010–0
11November 25Thursday (Thanksgiving)Kansas City CowboysT 0–010–0–1
12October 28SundayCincinnati PottersL 0–2810–1–1
13December 5SundayPortsmouth PresidentsW 33–011–1–1

1927

GameDateDayOpponentResultRecord
1September 18SundayColumbus BobbsW 7–01–0
2September 25SundayMiddletown ArmcosL 0–71–1
3October 2SundayToledo BoostersW 25–72–1
4October 16SundayShelby BluesW 14–03–1
5October 23SundayAshland ArmcosT 0–03–1–1
6October 30SundayAkron IndiansW 27–04–1–1
7November 6SundayPortsmouth Shoe SteelsW 18–05–1–1
8November 13SundayAshland ArmcosT 7–75–1–2
9November 20SundayPortsmouth Shoe SteelsL 0–75–2–2
10November 24Thursday (Thanksgiving)Middletown ArmcosL 0–85–3–2
11November 27SundayLogan WildcatsW 14–06–3–2

1928

GameDateDayOpponentResultRecord
1September 30SundayColumbus BobbsW 52–01–0
2October 7SundayCleveland PanthersW 47–02–0
3October 14SundayAkron AwningsT 0–02–0–1
4October 21Sunday Portsmouth Spartans T 0–02–0–2
5October 28SundayAshland ArmcosL 6–72–1–2
6November 4SundayCincinnati GuardsW 7–03–1–2
7November 11SundayPortsmouth SpartansT 0–03–1–3
8November 18SundayMiddletown ArmcosW 13–04–1–3
9November 25SundayAshland ArmcosW 3–05–1–3
10November 29Thursday (Thanksgiving)Akron AwningsW 19–06–1–3
11December 9SundayPortsmouth SpartansW 14–07–1–3

1929

GameDateDayOpponentResultRecord
1September 22SundayColumbus Medal TailersW 39–01–0
2September 29SundayChillicothe EaglesW 6–02–0
3October 6SundayToledo BoostersW 78–03–0
4October 13SundayPortsmouth SpartansW 3–04–0
5October 20SundayAshland ArmcosL 2–74–1
6October 27SundayAkron AwningsW 7–55–1
7November 3SundayPortsmouth SpartansL 0–205–2
8November 10SundayCincinnati GuardsL 0–55–3
9November 17SundayAshland ArmcosL 0–75–4
10November 24SundayPortsmouth SpartansL 0–385–5
11November 28Thursday (Thanksgiving)Akron AwningsL 3–75–6

1930

GameDateDayOpponentResultRecord
1September 28SundayPortsmouth Spartans (NFL)L 6–70–1
2October 5SundayChillicothe EaglesW 14–01–1
3October 12SundayAkron AwningsW 3–02–1
4October 15WednesdayPortsmouth Spartans (NFL)W 16–153–1
5October 26SundayPolish-American Athletic Club of WashingtonW 70–04–1
6November 2SundayMemphis TigersL 0–74–2
7November 11Tuesday New York Giants (NFL)W 13–125–2
8November 16SundayAkron AwningsW 13–06–2
9November 23Sunday Chicago Bears (NFL)W 26–137–2
10November 27Thursday (Thanksgiving)Portsmouth Spartans (NFL)L 0–127–3

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References

  1. 1 2 3 "Ohio Historical Society".
  2. 1 2 3 Becker, Carl M. The "Famous" Ironton Tanks The Coffin Corner Volume XIX Professional Football Researchers Association
  3. ↑ "PFRA report on the 1930 season".
  4. ↑ Carrol, Bob. Nagurski's Debut and Rockne's Lesson Pro Football in 1930 The Coffin Corner Volume XX Professional Football Researchers Association
  5. ↑ Becker, Carl M. Ringers Three: The Ironton Tanks versus the Portsmouth Smoke House, 1921 Journal of Sport History Volume 25, Number 3 page 434
  6. ↑ The Ironton Tanks Game Results Archived 2007-09-28 at the Wayback Machine irontonfootball.com Archived 2007-08-15 at the Wayback Machine
  7. ↑ Washington & Jefferson versus the University of California 0-0 tie
  8. ↑ Mann, Alan. The Unique Career of Greasy Neale Archived 2007-09-30 at the Wayback Machine
  9. 1 2 Dow, Bill. Presnell's Team Made Holiday Game a Classic Archived 2007-08-18 at the Wayback Machine 1999 Portsmouth Spartan's Historical Society
  10. ↑ Paquette, Marti. University of Nebraska Alumni Awards Program 2003
  11. ↑ Nebraska High School Hall of Fame Newsletter Archived 2003-08-29 at the Wayback Machine 2003
  12. ↑ Nebraska Football Hall of Fame
  13. ↑ Rodino, John Nebraska's Top 100 Athletes Omaha World Herald 8/22/2005
  14. 1 2 Green, Jerry Motor City Memories NFL's Oldest Former Player Presnell Recalls Early Days in Detroit Archived 2007-08-21 at the Wayback Machine Gannet News Service July 7, 2003
  15. ↑ Lions official site Archived 2007-09-27 at the Wayback Machine and wiki page, which credit Cy Huston, the first GM and VP with the choice of "Honolulu Blue".
  16. ↑ DatabaseFootball.Com Archived 2007-09-30 at the Wayback Machine
  17. ↑ "Glenn Presnell...Petition for Induction in the Professional Football Hall of Fame, Canton, OH". www.angelfire.com.
  18. ↑ "Ironton Tanks - Ohio History Central". www.ohiohistorycentral.org.
  19. 1 2 Payne, Phillip G. Big Time Football in Ironton Ohio, Small Town Boosterism and the Early Days of Professional Football Buckeye Hill Country: A Journal of Regional History. II (Spring, 1997): 7-23
  20. 1 2 Vaughn, Bob, Ridgeway, Jim Our Interview with Glenn Presnell Archived 2007-09-30 at the Wayback Machine
  21. ↑ Tank Stadium Fund Archived 2007-08-16 at the Wayback Machine
  22. ↑ "Tribute website". Archived from the original on 2007-09-28. Retrieved 2007-08-24.
  23. ↑ "complete schedule and results". Archived from the original on 2007-09-28. Retrieved 2007-08-25.
  24. ↑ "Dave Berry Singer Songwriter Men of Iron and Steel Page". tuhker.tripod.com.
  25. ↑ "Ringers by the Van: The Ironton Tanks vs. the Portsmouth Smoke House, 1923" (PDF).
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