COACHING FOOTBALL

1930. ZUPPKE, Robert C. [With Milton M. OLANDER]. COACHING FOOTBALL, Champaign, Illinois: Bailey & Himes, 1930. black cloth, stamped in orange; 341 pages. Illustrated. First Edition. Zuppke [1879-1957] was an American college football icon and was head coach at the University of Illinois from 1913 to 1941. He was inducted into the College Football Hall Of Fame in 1951 and the field at the University of Illinois' Memorial Stadium is named for him. He was an early pioneer in college football and one of his most famous players was Red Grange. A great innovator, Zuppke introduced the spiral pass from center, the flea-flicker, the screen pass, the onside kick, and the offensive huddle. This title is considered one of the pioneering books on how to play the game. Signed by Zuppke beneath his portrait frontispiece. Also signed by Olander, who was the Assistant Coach at the university, on the title page. Also signed by A.R. Von Lehsten & dated "Sept. '30" on the front pastedown. Von Lehsten was the 1926 football coach at Clarion University in western Pennsylvania. A truly one-of-a-kind copy of a pioneering book by a college football legend! Good (some general overall wear covers; titles on front cover still bright; some cracking to both front & rear hinges- as might be expected- but contents clean & tight). $850.00.