Ironton Tanks
Encyclopedia
The Ironton Tanks were a semi-professional football team organized in 1919 in Ironton, Ohio
.
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." 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.
(NFL) powerhouses the Chicago Bears
and New York Giants
, 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 when talking about non-NFL teams: "None, however, matched the Ironton (Ohio) Tanks' 1930 achievements."
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”. 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". Other rivals in Ohio were the Ashland
Armcos, Dayton Koors, several teams from Cincinnati, Columbus
and Akron
, 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), 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.
Glenn Presnell
The best player for the Tanks is also controversial, Glenn Presnell
. Besides leading the Tanks to victories over the Giants
and Bears
, guiding the Portsmouth Spartans to 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. 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. 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. He was inducted into the Nebraska Football Hall of Fame in 1973 and named 34th out of Nebraska's top 100 athletes. Interesting trivia is that his wife helped choose the famous powder blue
uniforms for the Detroit Lions when the team moved from Portsmouth, Ohio
. However, Glenn's memory is challenged by the Lions official site 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". Many feel his NFL career itself deserved entry into the Pro Football Hall of Fame
, 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,
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 it should be noted that 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 tht 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 and appear to be the first team to sport this intimidating moniker.
The secrets of their success;
1) Recruiting
The answer to the most intriguing question about the Ironton Tanks, "How could they compete year after year with teams from the NFL and much larger cities?" is found primarily with the leader of the early years Charlton "Shorty" Davies (circled in the picture gallery's newspaper article below) and his teammate at Ohio State
, Bill Brooks. The early Tanks typically played without helmets and made fifty dollars a game but sometimes were not paid (F.C. "Dutch" McCarthy, private conversation). However, they were able to attract top players by providing coaching and teaching jobs in the surrounding areas. Charlton "Shorty" Davies coached at Ironton High School
. Glenn Presnell taught science at Ironton High School and coached at Russel. Other Tanks taught or coached at Hanging Rock, Pedro, Blackfork, South Point, Chesapeake
, Coal Grove
, Proctorville, Rome and Raceland.
2) Innovative Offense
Although the Tanks operated out of the standard formation of the day, the single wing, they were able to use the pass, in part because of Presnell's threat to run from the tailback position. He credited his superior speed more than quick cuts. The ball was more round than today, which made a passing game even more difficult. Still the Tanks were able to innovate with "looping and angle charges still being used today by teams of the National Football League".
1919 2-1-1
4-Nov Tue New Boston Tigers 9-0 W
11-Nov Tue Ashland Playhouse 0-7 L
18-Nov Tue Ashland Playhouse 0-0 T
25-Nov Tue Portsmouth N & W 12-0 W
1920 5 Wins - 1 Loss - 1 Tie
10-Oct Sun Morris Harvey 0-14 L
24-Oct Sun Smoke House 6-6 T
6-Nov Sat Marshall 13-0 W
8-Nov Mon New Boston Tigers 77-0 W
15-Nov Mon Nitro 13-0 W
26-Nov Fri Lombards 26-0 W Day After Thanksgiving
29-Nov Mon Portsmouth Smoke House 14-0 W
1921 7 Wins - 2 Ties
2-Oct Sun Jackson Bearcats 6-0 W
16-Oct Sun Charleston Westside 34-0 W
23-Oct Sun Ashland Tigers 7-0 W
30-Oct Sun Portsmouth Smoke House 0-0 T
13-Nov Sun Lombards 21-7 W
20-Nov Sun Portsmouth Smoke House 14-0 W
27-Nov Sun Wellston Eagles 0-0 T
4-Dec Sun Morris Harvey 19-14 W
11-Dec Sun Wellston Eagles 7-6 W
1922 9 Wins - 1 Tie
1-Oct Sun Columbus Olympians 13-6 W
8-Oct Sun Athens 19-0 W
15-Oct Sun Huntington Boosters 18-7 W
22-Oct Sun Williamson 76-0 W
29-Oct Sun Jackson Bearcats 40-0 W
5-Nov Sun Huntington Boosters 7-7 T
12-Nov Sun Lancaster 38-0 W
26-Nov Sun Washington Ct. House 45-0 W
30-Nov Thurs Huntington Boosters 12-10 W First Thanksgiving Day Game
1923 10 Wins - 1 Loss
30-Sep Sun Ironton Eagles 46-0 W
7-Oct Sun Columbus Seagraves 18-0 W
14-Oct Sun Columbus Westside 7-6 W
21-Oct Sun Smoke House 40-0 W
28-Oct Mon Huntington Boosters 7-0 W
4-Nov Tue Logan Wildcats 7-0 W
11-Nov Wed Huntington Boosters 6-12 L
18-Nov Thu Cincinnati Saints 31-0 W
25-Nov Fri Portsmouth Smoke House 21-6 W
29-Nov Thurs Cincinnati Harrisons 20-0 W 2nd Thanksgiving Day Game
9-Dec Sun Huntington Boosters 26-0 W
1924 11 Wins - 1 Tie
21-Sep Sun Ironton Panthers 38-0 W
28-Sep Mon Columbus JungleImps 25-6 W
5-Oct Tue Murray City Tigers 7-0 W
12-Oct Wed Louisville Brecks 31-0 W
19-Oct Thu Cincinnati Potters 14-3 W
26-Oct Fri Akron Silents 19-0 W
2-Nov Sat Huntington Boosters 6-0 W
9-Nov Sun Portsmouth Smoke House 44-0 W
16-Nov Mon Cincinnati Potters 7-3 W
23-Nov Tue Covington C.A.C. 12-0 W
27-Nov Thurs Huntington Boosters 21-0 W 3rd Thanksgiving Day Game
29-Nov Sat Portsmouth Smoke House 0-0 T
1925 9 Wins - 1 Loss - 2 Ties
27-Sep Sun Chillicothe 29-0 W
4-Oct Mon Columbus Bobbs 35-0 W
11-Oct Tue Cincinnati Potters 15-6 W
18-Oct Wed Ashland Armcos 21-6 W
25-Oct Thu Huntington Boosters 12-0 W
1-Nov Fri Columbus Wagner-Pirates 19-5 W
8-Nov Sat Ashland Armcos 9-0 W
15-Nov Sun Huntington Boosters 0-0 T
22-Nov Sun Dayton Koors 7-7 T
26-Nov Thurs Canton Bulldogs 0-12 L 4th Thanksgiving Day Game
29-Nov Sun Cincinnati Potters 9-0 W
14-Dec Mon Dayton Koors 24-6 W
1926 11 Wins - 1 Loss - 1 Tie
19-Sep Sun Columbus All Stars 27-0 W
26-Sep Sun Middletown Armcos 27-0 W
3-Oct Sun Columbus Wagner Pirates 39-0 W
10-Oct Sun Dayton Koors 23-0 W
17-Oct Sun Cleveland Indians 47-0 W
24-Oct Sun Ashland Armcos 2-0 W
31-Oct Sun Akron Silents 27-0 W
7-Nov Sun Portsmouth Presidents 9-0 W
14-Nov Sun Kokomo American Legion 15-0 W
21-Nov Sun Ashland Armcos 7-0 W
25-Nov Thurs Kansas City Cowboys 0-0 T 5th Thanksgiving Day Game Beechwood stadium Opens
28-Nov Sun Cincinnati Potters 0-28 L
5-Dec Sun Portsmouth Presidents 33-0 W
1927 6 Wins - 3 Losses - 2 Ties
18-Sep Sun Columbus Bobbs 7-0 W
25-Sep Sun Middletown Armcos 0-7 L
2-Oct Sun Toledo Boosters 25-7 W
16-Oct Sun Shelby Blues 14-0 W
23-Oct Sun Ashland Armcos 0-0 T
30-Oct Sun Akron Indians 27-0 W
6-Nov Sun Portsmouth Shoe Steels 18-0 W
13-Nov Sun Ashland Armcos 7-7 T
20-Nov Sun Portsmouth Shoe Steels 0-7 L
24-Nov Thurs Middletown Armcos 0-8 L 6th Thanksgiving Day Game
27-Nov Sun Logan Wildcats 14-0 W
1928 7 Wins - 1 Loss - 3 Ties
30-Sep Sun Columbus Bobbs 52-0 W
7-Oct Sun Cleveland Panthers 47-0 W
14-Oct Sun Akron Awnings 0-0 T
21-Oct Sun Portsmouth Spartans 0-0 T
28-Oct Sun Ashland Armcos 6-7 L
4-Nov Sun Cincinnati Guards 7-0 W
11-Nov Sun Portsmouth Spartans 0-0 T
18-Nov Sun Middletown Armcos 13-0 W
25-Nov Sun Ashland Armcos 3-0 W
29-Nov Thurs Akron Awnings 19-0 W 7th Thanksgiving Day Game
9-Dec Sun Portsmouth Spartans 14-0 W
1929 5 Wins - 6 Losses
22-Sep Sun Columbus Medel Tailers 39-0 W
29-Sep Sun Chillicothe Eagles 6-0 W
6-Oct Sun Toledo Boosters 78-0 W
13-Oct Sun Portsmouth Spartans 3-0 W
20-Oct Sun Ashland Armcos 2-7 L
27-Oct Sun Akron Awnings 7-5 W
3-Nov Sun Portsmouth Spartans 0-20 L
10-Nov Sun Cincinnati Guards 0-5 L
17-Nov Sun Ashland Armcos 0-7 L
24-Nov Sun Portsmouth Spartans 0-38 L
28-Nov Thurs Akron Awnings 3-7 L 8th Thanksgiving Day Game
1930 7 Wins - 3 Losses
28-Sep Sun Portsmouth Spartans 6-7 L
5-Oct Sun Chillicothe Eagles 14-0 W
12-Oct Sun Akron Awnings 3-0 W
15-Oct Sun Portsmouth Spartans 16-15 W
26-Oct Sun Washington Olympics 70-0 W
2-Nov Sun Memphis Tigers 0-7 L
11-Nov Sun New York Giants 13-12 W Giants place 2nd in NFL with 13-4 record
16-Nov Sun Akron Awnings 13-0 W
23-Nov Sun Chicago Bears 26-13 W Bears place 3rd in NFL with 9-4-1 record
27-Nov Thurs Portsmouth Spartans 0-12 L 9th Thanksgiving Day Game
Last game of the Ironton Tanks
Ironton, Ohio
Ironton is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Lawrence County. The municipality is located in southern Ohio along the Ohio River. The population was 11,211 at the 2000 census. Ironton is a part of the Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH, Metropolitan Statistical Area . As of the...
.
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." 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.
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 LeagueNational Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
(NFL) powerhouses the Chicago Bears
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
and New York Giants
New York Giants
The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
, 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
Professional Football Researchers Association
The Professional Football Researchers Association is an organization of researchers whose mission is to preserve and, in some cases, reconstruct professional football history. It was founded on June 22, 1979 in Canton, Ohio by writer/historian Bob Carroll and six other football researchers and is...
's report on the 1930 season when talking about non-NFL teams: "None, however, matched the Ironton (Ohio) Tanks' 1930 achievements."
Thanksgiving Day Game Tradition
The Tanks were the originators of what is now the National Football League Detroit Lions Thanksgiving Day Game tradition. The Tanks first played a game the day after Thanksgiving with the Lombards, a crosstown rival on Friday Nov 26, 1920 winning 26-0. They began the actual string of Thanksgiving Day Games by defeating the Huntington Boosters 12-0 on Nov 30, 1922. The Tanks continued playing on this national holiday each year thru 1930, which was the Tanks final season. Several Tank players (including Glenn Presnell) continued their football careers by joining the nearby Portsmouth Spartans who did not continue the annual tradition thru 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 players (led by Presnell) indicated that in the past (as Tanks) that they always got a good turnout on Thanksgiving Day. He promptly scheduled 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
Ohio
Ohio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
area, particularly Portsmouth
Portsmouth, Ohio
Portsmouth is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Scioto County. The municipality is located on the northern banks of the Ohio River and east of the Scioto River in Southern Ohio. The population was 20,226 at the 2010 census.-Foundation:...
, where the local sentiment was summed up by this quote “ancient and hereditary foes”. 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". Other rivals in Ohio were the Ashland
Ashland, Kentucky
Ashland, formerly known as Poage Settlement, is a city in Boyd County, Kentucky, United States, nestled along the banks of the Ohio River. The population was 21,981 at the 2000 census. Ashland is a part of the Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH, Metropolitan Statistical Area . As of the 2000 census, the...
Armcos, Dayton Koors, several teams from Cincinnati, Columbus
Columbus, Ohio
Columbus is the capital of and the largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio. The broader metropolitan area encompasses several counties and is the third largest in Ohio behind those of Cleveland and Cincinnati. Columbus is the third largest city in the American Midwest, and the fifteenth largest city...
and Akron
Akron, Ohio
Akron , is the fifth largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Summit County. It is located in the Great Lakes region approximately south of Lake Erie along the Little Cuyahoga River. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 199,110. The Akron Metropolitan...
, 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
Rose Bowl Game
The Rose Bowl is an annual American college football bowl game, usually played on January 1 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. When New Year's Day falls on a Sunday, the game is played on Monday, January 2...
(1922), won the World Series
World Series
The World Series is the annual championship series of Major League Baseball, played between the American League and National League champions since 1903. The winner of the World Series championship is determined through a best-of-seven playoff and awarded the Commissioner's Trophy...
(Reds
Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the National League Central Division. The club was established in 1882 as a charter member of the American Association and joined the National League in 1890....
vs White Sox
Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...
, 1919
1919 World Series
The 1919 World Series matched the American League champion Chicago White Sox against the National League champion Cincinnati Reds. Although most World Series have been of the best-of-seven format, the 1919 World Series was a best-of-nine series...
) and won an NFL title (Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
back to back 1948-49). Greasy insisted his Reds won the scandal-plagued 1919 "Black Sox" Series
Black Sox Scandal
The Black Sox Scandal took place around and during the play of the American baseball 1919 World Series. Eight members of the Chicago White Sox were banned for life from baseball for intentionally losing games, which allowed the Cincinnati Reds to win the World Series...
because of better pitching.
Glenn Presnell
The best player for the Tanks is also controversial, Glenn Presnell
Glenn Presnell
Glenn Emery "Press" Presnell was an American football player, coach, and college athletics administrator. He set the NFL single-season scoring record in 1933 and led the league in total offense. He was the last surviving member of the Detroit Lions inaugural 1934 team and helped lead the team to...
. Besides leading the Tanks to victories over the Giants
New York Giants
The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
and Bears
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
, guiding the Portsmouth Spartans to the NFL regular season championship in 1932, he helped the Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League , and play their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.Originally based in Portsmouth, Ohio and...
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
Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions...
3-0. He led the NFL in scoring in 1933 with 64 points from TDs, field goals and points after TDs. 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. 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. He was inducted into the Nebraska Football Hall of Fame in 1973 and named 34th out of Nebraska's top 100 athletes. Interesting trivia is that his wife helped choose the famous powder blue
Powder blue
Powder blue may refer to two different colors.The paler variant is often associated with powder snow.-Powder blue :The web color powder blue is shown on the right....
uniforms for the Detroit Lions when the team moved from Portsmouth, Ohio
Portsmouth, Ohio
Portsmouth is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Scioto County. The municipality is located on the northern banks of the Ohio River and east of the Scioto River in Southern Ohio. The population was 20,226 at the 2010 census.-Foundation:...
. However, Glenn's memory is challenged by the Lions official site 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". Many feel his NFL career itself deserved entry into the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Pro Football Hall of Fame
The Pro Football Hall of Fame is the hall of fame of professional football in the United States with an emphasis on the National Football League . It opened in Canton, Ohio, on September 7, 1963, with 17 charter inductees...
, 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
Canton, Ohio
Canton is the county seat of Stark County in northeastern Ohio, approximately south of Akron and south of Cleveland.The City of Caton is the largest incorporated area within the Canton-Massillon Metropolitan Statistical Area...
, has also attracted attention,
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 it should be noted that 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
Glenn Presnell
Glenn Emery "Press" Presnell was an American football player, coach, and college athletics administrator. He set the NFL single-season scoring record in 1933 and led the league in total offense. He was the last surviving member of the Detroit Lions inaugural 1934 team and helped lead the team to...
was honored by the Lions in 1995 at halftime against the Packers as a member of the 60th anniversary of tht 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
San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference and...
today. They were nicknamed Big Red and the Big Red Machine and appear to be the first team to sport this intimidating moniker.
The secrets of their success;
1) Recruiting
The answer to the most intriguing question about the Ironton Tanks, "How could they compete year after year with teams from the NFL and much larger cities?" is found primarily with the leader of the early years Charlton "Shorty" Davies (circled in the picture gallery's newspaper article below) and his teammate at Ohio State
Ohio State Buckeyes football
The Ohio State Buckeyes football team is an intercollegiate varsity sports team of The Ohio State University. The team is a member of the Big Ten Conference of the NCAA, playing at the Division I Football Bowl Subdivision, formerly Division I-A, level. The team nickname is derived from the state...
, Bill Brooks. The early Tanks typically played without helmets and made fifty dollars a game but sometimes were not paid (F.C. "Dutch" McCarthy, private conversation). However, they were able to attract top players by providing coaching and teaching jobs in the surrounding areas. Charlton "Shorty" Davies coached at Ironton High School
Ironton High School
Ironton High School is a public high school in Ironton, Ohio. It is the only high school in the Ironton City School District. Their nickname is the Fighting Tigers...
. Glenn Presnell taught science at Ironton High School and coached at Russel. Other Tanks taught or coached at Hanging Rock, Pedro, Blackfork, South Point, Chesapeake
Chesapeake High School (Ohio)
Chesapeake High School is a public high school in Chesapeake , Ohio. It is the only high school in the Chesapeake Union Exempted Village School District. Their athletic teams' nickname is the Panthers. Their school colors are purple and white...
, Coal Grove
Dawson-Bryant High School
Dawson-Bryant High School is a public high school in Coal Grove, Ohio. It is the only high school in the Dawson-Bryant Local School District. Their mascot is the Hornets; and the school's colors are red, black, and white....
, Proctorville, Rome and Raceland.
2) Innovative Offense
Although the Tanks operated out of the standard formation of the day, the single wing, they were able to use the pass, in part because of Presnell's threat to run from the tailback position. He credited his superior speed more than quick cuts. The ball was more round than today, which made a passing game even more difficult. Still the Tanks were able to innovate with "looping and angle charges still being used today by teams of the National Football League".
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 in addition to a Tribute website with their complete schedule and results]. Ironton native Dave Berry wrote a song in tribute to the professional football played in the region.Tank 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.Tanks Schedule and Record by Year
1919 2-1-1
4-Nov Tue New Boston Tigers 9-0 W
11-Nov Tue Ashland Playhouse 0-7 L
18-Nov Tue Ashland Playhouse 0-0 T
25-Nov Tue Portsmouth N & W 12-0 W
1920 5 Wins - 1 Loss - 1 Tie
10-Oct Sun Morris Harvey 0-14 L
24-Oct Sun Smoke House 6-6 T
6-Nov Sat Marshall 13-0 W
8-Nov Mon New Boston Tigers 77-0 W
15-Nov Mon Nitro 13-0 W
26-Nov Fri Lombards 26-0 W Day After Thanksgiving
29-Nov Mon Portsmouth Smoke House 14-0 W
1921 7 Wins - 2 Ties
2-Oct Sun Jackson Bearcats 6-0 W
16-Oct Sun Charleston Westside 34-0 W
23-Oct Sun Ashland Tigers 7-0 W
30-Oct Sun Portsmouth Smoke House 0-0 T
13-Nov Sun Lombards 21-7 W
20-Nov Sun Portsmouth Smoke House 14-0 W
27-Nov Sun Wellston Eagles 0-0 T
4-Dec Sun Morris Harvey 19-14 W
11-Dec Sun Wellston Eagles 7-6 W
1922 9 Wins - 1 Tie
1-Oct Sun Columbus Olympians 13-6 W
8-Oct Sun Athens 19-0 W
15-Oct Sun Huntington Boosters 18-7 W
22-Oct Sun Williamson 76-0 W
29-Oct Sun Jackson Bearcats 40-0 W
5-Nov Sun Huntington Boosters 7-7 T
12-Nov Sun Lancaster 38-0 W
26-Nov Sun Washington Ct. House 45-0 W
30-Nov Thurs Huntington Boosters 12-10 W First Thanksgiving Day Game
1923 10 Wins - 1 Loss
30-Sep Sun Ironton Eagles 46-0 W
7-Oct Sun Columbus Seagraves 18-0 W
14-Oct Sun Columbus Westside 7-6 W
21-Oct Sun Smoke House 40-0 W
28-Oct Mon Huntington Boosters 7-0 W
4-Nov Tue Logan Wildcats 7-0 W
11-Nov Wed Huntington Boosters 6-12 L
18-Nov Thu Cincinnati Saints 31-0 W
25-Nov Fri Portsmouth Smoke House 21-6 W
29-Nov Thurs Cincinnati Harrisons 20-0 W 2nd Thanksgiving Day Game
9-Dec Sun Huntington Boosters 26-0 W
1924 11 Wins - 1 Tie
21-Sep Sun Ironton Panthers 38-0 W
28-Sep Mon Columbus JungleImps 25-6 W
5-Oct Tue Murray City Tigers 7-0 W
12-Oct Wed Louisville Brecks 31-0 W
19-Oct Thu Cincinnati Potters 14-3 W
26-Oct Fri Akron Silents 19-0 W
2-Nov Sat Huntington Boosters 6-0 W
9-Nov Sun Portsmouth Smoke House 44-0 W
16-Nov Mon Cincinnati Potters 7-3 W
23-Nov Tue Covington C.A.C. 12-0 W
27-Nov Thurs Huntington Boosters 21-0 W 3rd Thanksgiving Day Game
29-Nov Sat Portsmouth Smoke House 0-0 T
1925 9 Wins - 1 Loss - 2 Ties
27-Sep Sun Chillicothe 29-0 W
4-Oct Mon Columbus Bobbs 35-0 W
11-Oct Tue Cincinnati Potters 15-6 W
18-Oct Wed Ashland Armcos 21-6 W
25-Oct Thu Huntington Boosters 12-0 W
1-Nov Fri Columbus Wagner-Pirates 19-5 W
8-Nov Sat Ashland Armcos 9-0 W
15-Nov Sun Huntington Boosters 0-0 T
22-Nov Sun Dayton Koors 7-7 T
26-Nov Thurs Canton Bulldogs 0-12 L 4th Thanksgiving Day Game
29-Nov Sun Cincinnati Potters 9-0 W
14-Dec Mon Dayton Koors 24-6 W
1926 11 Wins - 1 Loss - 1 Tie
19-Sep Sun Columbus All Stars 27-0 W
26-Sep Sun Middletown Armcos 27-0 W
3-Oct Sun Columbus Wagner Pirates 39-0 W
10-Oct Sun Dayton Koors 23-0 W
17-Oct Sun Cleveland Indians 47-0 W
24-Oct Sun Ashland Armcos 2-0 W
31-Oct Sun Akron Silents 27-0 W
7-Nov Sun Portsmouth Presidents 9-0 W
14-Nov Sun Kokomo American Legion 15-0 W
21-Nov Sun Ashland Armcos 7-0 W
25-Nov Thurs Kansas City Cowboys 0-0 T 5th Thanksgiving Day Game Beechwood stadium Opens
28-Nov Sun Cincinnati Potters 0-28 L
5-Dec Sun Portsmouth Presidents 33-0 W
1927 6 Wins - 3 Losses - 2 Ties
18-Sep Sun Columbus Bobbs 7-0 W
25-Sep Sun Middletown Armcos 0-7 L
2-Oct Sun Toledo Boosters 25-7 W
16-Oct Sun Shelby Blues 14-0 W
23-Oct Sun Ashland Armcos 0-0 T
30-Oct Sun Akron Indians 27-0 W
6-Nov Sun Portsmouth Shoe Steels 18-0 W
13-Nov Sun Ashland Armcos 7-7 T
20-Nov Sun Portsmouth Shoe Steels 0-7 L
24-Nov Thurs Middletown Armcos 0-8 L 6th Thanksgiving Day Game
27-Nov Sun Logan Wildcats 14-0 W
1928 7 Wins - 1 Loss - 3 Ties
30-Sep Sun Columbus Bobbs 52-0 W
7-Oct Sun Cleveland Panthers 47-0 W
14-Oct Sun Akron Awnings 0-0 T
21-Oct Sun Portsmouth Spartans 0-0 T
28-Oct Sun Ashland Armcos 6-7 L
4-Nov Sun Cincinnati Guards 7-0 W
11-Nov Sun Portsmouth Spartans 0-0 T
18-Nov Sun Middletown Armcos 13-0 W
25-Nov Sun Ashland Armcos 3-0 W
29-Nov Thurs Akron Awnings 19-0 W 7th Thanksgiving Day Game
9-Dec Sun Portsmouth Spartans 14-0 W
1929 5 Wins - 6 Losses
22-Sep Sun Columbus Medel Tailers 39-0 W
29-Sep Sun Chillicothe Eagles 6-0 W
6-Oct Sun Toledo Boosters 78-0 W
13-Oct Sun Portsmouth Spartans 3-0 W
20-Oct Sun Ashland Armcos 2-7 L
27-Oct Sun Akron Awnings 7-5 W
3-Nov Sun Portsmouth Spartans 0-20 L
10-Nov Sun Cincinnati Guards 0-5 L
17-Nov Sun Ashland Armcos 0-7 L
24-Nov Sun Portsmouth Spartans 0-38 L
28-Nov Thurs Akron Awnings 3-7 L 8th Thanksgiving Day Game
1930 7 Wins - 3 Losses
28-Sep Sun Portsmouth Spartans 6-7 L
5-Oct Sun Chillicothe Eagles 14-0 W
12-Oct Sun Akron Awnings 3-0 W
15-Oct Sun Portsmouth Spartans 16-15 W
26-Oct Sun Washington Olympics 70-0 W
2-Nov Sun Memphis Tigers 0-7 L
11-Nov Sun New York Giants 13-12 W Giants place 2nd in NFL with 13-4 record
16-Nov Sun Akron Awnings 13-0 W
23-Nov Sun Chicago Bears 26-13 W Bears place 3rd in NFL with 9-4-1 record
27-Nov Thurs Portsmouth Spartans 0-12 L 9th Thanksgiving Day Game
Last game of the Ironton Tanks