Sol Metzger
Encyclopedia
Sol S. Metzger was an American football
player, coach of football and basketball
, college athletics administrator, and sports journalist. He served as the head football coach at Baylor University
(1904), the University of Pennsylvania
(1908), Oregon State University
(1909), West Virginia University
(1914–1915), Washington & Jefferson College
(1916–1917), Union College
(1919), the University of South Carolina
(1920–1924), compiling a career college football
of 69–41–8. Metzger was also the head basketball coach at South Carolina for one season in 1920–21, tallying a mark of 7–11. In addition, Metzger wrote a nationally syndicated sports column.
on December 29, 1880. He was of son of American Civil War
veteran Captain Sol Metzger and his wife Margaret (Andrews) Metzger. He was one of six children with three brothers and two sisters. Growing up in Bedford he attended Bedford Public Schools and the Bedford Academy before going to Phillips-Andover Academy
in Andover, Massachusetts
. He graduated from Phillips-Andover Academy in 1899 where he was a member of the track team as a member of the quarter mile relay team.
. He was active in many organizations including Phi Kappa Psi
fraternity and Sphinx Society
. He was also business manager of the University’s monthly periodical, The Red and Blue. At Penn he was also much involved in several athletic programs including being the manager of the varsity rowing team, a member of the track team and most notably the football team.
three years at end and quarterback
on the varsity team. His first varsity year was played under College Football Hall of Fame
coach George Washington Woodruff
and last two under Carl Sheldon Williams
. In 1901, Metzger first season for the Quakers, he played as a backup. The team started strong by winning their first seven games, but were weakened in part to injuries accumulated during the earlier games. The Quakers lost five out the last eight to finish the season 10–5. The five losses were the most under Woodruff. In addition to the tough season the team had to deal with an undergraduate and dental student revolt upset about the coaching of the team. This led to Head Coach George W. Woodruff to resign as coach. After Woodruff resignation was accepted, the members of the football team sent a letter to the Football Committee unanimously requesting that Woodruff be reinstated as coach. The letter was ignored. In 1902, Carl Sheldon Williams succeeded George W. Woodruff as coached and the Quakers improved to 9–4. The following year Metzger was named captain and led Penn to a 9–3 mark. During his playing career he was best known for playing right end on Defense where he was known for his tackling and stopping the opposition’s runs around end.
. He compiled a 2–5–1 record in 1904.
. Penn won a retroactive national title after an 11–0–1 campaign in his only year at the helm of the Quakers. During the championship run, the Quakers out-scored their opponents, 215–18. A 6–6 tie with the Carlisle Indians
was only blemish on their season. This team was led by two future members of the College Football Hall of Fame
, All-America
n senior captain Bill "Big Bill" Hollenback
at halfback and All-American Hunter Scarlett
at end.
(then known as Oregon Agricultural College) where he posted a 4–2–1 record including late season losses to Washington and the regon
. During the season he had to deal an issue that involved the team’s Captain, Carl Wolff that resulted in Metzger removed him off the squad for insubordination.
, Metzger coached at West Virginia University
from 1914 to 1915, where he and compiled a 10–6–1 record. Metzger replaced Edwin Sweetland
to please outraged alumni calling for the hiring of a nationally known coach. During his tenure as coach he was credited with bring in stars such as Ira Errett Rodgers
, Russ Bailey
and Clay Hite. While at West Virginia he was also noted for being one of the first coaches to employ the screen pass.
In Metzgers first season at West Virginia, the team finished with a 5–4 record. During the season his coaching was hindered when he broke his leg in an automobile accident. The 1915 squad improved to a record of 5–2–1 and gained some national attention. The team scored 216 points to 25 by their opponents. The two losses were a 7–0 loss to traditional power the University of Pennsylvania to start the season, and a forfeit to Washington and Lee. During the Washington & Lee game, Metzger pulled his team off the field alleging rough play while leading 8–6. The only other blemish was a tie to Washington & Jefferson which later defeated traditional power Yale
. Metzger was offered the coaching position for the next season but turned it down, instead signing to coach Washington and Jefferson College.
. The Mountaineers wereheavily favored and Metzger told the media he would "eat his hat if Marshall scores." As expected, Metzger's team won the game handily by a score of 92–6. West Virginia mostly ran ball to the side line where Blondie Taylor was so to punish him for transferring from WVU to Marshall before the season. To prevent the shutout, Marshall coach Boyd Chambers
developed a special play. On the their fourth possession. Marshall moved the ball down to the 15-yard line. Marshall back Dayton Carter came in the game. Marshall quarterback Brad Workman, took the snap and set up to pass. Marshall's tackle Okey Taylor and Carter ran toward the end zone. Carter was hoisted onto Taylor's shoulders as Workman rifled a high pass in their direction. Carter caught the ball and fell into the end zone for a score. Metzger argued with the officials, but the referee and umpire could find no rule to discount the score. The next day the Huntington Herald Dispatch head line was “Marshall Scores” The story did not mention much about West Virginia until the middle of the article instead focusing on the Tower play. Metzger protested to former Yale coach Walter Camp
, who was in charge of college football rules. Camp upheld the score, however, he changed the rules to not allow the play for the 1916 season.
where he coached for two years. During his tenure he coached the Presidents to a record of 15–5. Metzger replaced Robert Folwell who became coach of the University of Pennsylvania.
The 1916 season Metzger had to contend with injuries and suspensions. Two players (Nuss and Ruble) were injured in a loss to Yale. Before the team left for Richmond, Virginia
to play Washington and Lee, three players, Fain, Whitehill and Nall, were declared ineligible due to poor grades. During the victory over Washington and Lee, center Bill Shields fractured ankle and was out for the rest of the season. Before the last game of the season, a victory over Rutgers
, Metzger became ill with ptomaine poisoning. Washington and Jefferson was considered one the youngest and smallest teams in the country, averaging 169 pounds and 20 years of age. Even with the injuries and suspensions, Metzger and the Presidents finished the season with a 8–2 record, the only losses coming mid season in back-to-back games against Yale and Pittsburgh
.
Metzger and the Presidents went 7–3 in 1917 losing to West Virginia, Pittsburgh, and Notre Dame
by a total of 13 points. The team was led by two future college football hall of fame members Wilbur Henry, who was named All-American that year and Edgar Garbisch
. After the 1917 season, several players enlisted in the military to serve in World War I
. There were rumors that the administration was not happy with Metzger's performance, but would allow him to coach the 1918 season. After the season, Metzger tried to enlist in for service in World War I. He was twice refused because of a leg injury he suffered during his tenure as West Virgian head football coach. After those rejections he took a position as an athletic director in the YMCA
at Camp Dix where he organized athletic events for the military personnel.
in Schenectady, New York
. In this position he was in charge of coach the football team as well as developing basketball, baseball and track teams. In developing the athletic program after World War I, Metzger did not have to start from scratch since Union did not abandon its program like other colleges did during the war.
, where he went 31–20–2.
, Collier's Weekly
, and The Saturday Evening Post
. He wrote a syndicated column called "Touchdown Secrets" that was published by newspapers throughout the country. In addition he started a syndicate to provide newspapers articles written by himself as well as other journalists.
that he regarded participating in athletics as a patriotic duty.
, where he resided the rest of his life. On January 18, 1932 he died in Ventnor, New Jersey of erysipelas developed after surgery.
American football
American football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
player, coach of football and basketball
Basketball
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
, college athletics administrator, and sports journalist. He served as the head football coach at Baylor University
Baylor University
Baylor University is a private, Christian university located in Waco, Texas. Founded in 1845, Baylor is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.-History:...
(1904), the University of Pennsylvania
University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania is a private, Ivy League university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. Penn is the fourth-oldest institution of higher education in the United States,Penn is the fourth-oldest using the founding dates claimed by each institution...
(1908), Oregon State University
Oregon State University
Oregon State University is a coeducational, public research university located in Corvallis, Oregon, United States. The university offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees and a multitude of research opportunities. There are more than 200 academic degree programs offered through the...
(1909), West Virginia University
West Virginia University
West Virginia University is a public research university in Morgantown, West Virginia, USA. Other campuses include: West Virginia University at Parkersburg in Parkersburg; West Virginia University Institute of Technology in Montgomery; Potomac State College of West Virginia University in Keyser;...
(1914–1915), Washington & Jefferson College
Washington & Jefferson College
Washington & Jefferson College, also known as W & J College or W&J, is a private liberal arts college in Washington, Pennsylvania, in the United States, which is south of Pittsburgh...
(1916–1917), Union College
Union College
Union College is a private, non-denominational liberal arts college located in Schenectady, New York, United States. Founded in 1795, it was the first institution of higher learning chartered by the New York State Board of Regents. In the 19th century, it became the "Mother of Fraternities", as...
(1919), the University of South Carolina
University of South Carolina
The University of South Carolina is a public, co-educational research university located in Columbia, South Carolina, United States, with 7 surrounding satellite campuses. Its historic campus covers over in downtown Columbia not far from the South Carolina State House...
(1920–1924), compiling a career college football
College football
College football refers to American football played by teams of student athletes fielded by American universities, colleges, and military academies, or Canadian football played by teams of student athletes fielded by Canadian universities...
of 69–41–8. Metzger was also the head basketball coach at South Carolina for one season in 1920–21, tallying a mark of 7–11. In addition, Metzger wrote a nationally syndicated sports column.
Early life
Metzger was born in Bedford, PennsylvaniaBedford, Pennsylvania
Bedford is a borough in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, west of the State Capital, Harrisburg. It is the county seat of Bedford County. Bedford was established in the mid-18th century. Population counts follow: 1890, 2,242; 1900, 2,167; 1910, 2,385. The population was 3,141 at the 2000...
on December 29, 1880. He was of son of American Civil War
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
veteran Captain Sol Metzger and his wife Margaret (Andrews) Metzger. He was one of six children with three brothers and two sisters. Growing up in Bedford he attended Bedford Public Schools and the Bedford Academy before going to Phillips-Andover Academy
Phillips Academy
Phillips Academy is a selective, co-educational independent boarding high school for boarding and day students in grades 9–12, along with a post-graduate year...
in Andover, Massachusetts
Andover, Massachusetts
Andover is a town in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States. It was incorporated in 1646 and as of the 2010 census, the population was 33,201...
. He graduated from Phillips-Andover Academy in 1899 where he was a member of the track team as a member of the quarter mile relay team.
University of Pennsylvania
Metzger was a graduate of University of Pennsylvania in 1903 with a Bachelor of ArchitectureBachelor of Architecture
The Bachelor of Architecture is an undergraduate academic degree designed to satisfy the academic component of professional accreditation bodies, to be followed by a period of practical training prior to professional examination and registration. It is awarded for a course of study that lasts up...
. He was active in many organizations including Phi Kappa Psi
Phi Kappa Psi
Phi Kappa Psi is an American collegiate social fraternity founded at Jefferson College in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania on February 19, 1852. There are over a hundred chapters and colonies at accredited four year colleges and universities throughout the United States. More than 112,000 men have been...
fraternity and Sphinx Society
Sphinx Senior Society
The Sphinx Senior Society of the University of Pennsylvania is the oldest honor society at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1900, the organization is self-perpetuating and today usually consists of 25-30 members. Its members represent a diverse and varied...
. He was also business manager of the University’s monthly periodical, The Red and Blue. At Penn he was also much involved in several athletic programs including being the manager of the varsity rowing team, a member of the track team and most notably the football team.
Football player
As a freshman. Metzger made the freshman football team. He letteredVarsity letter
A varsity letter is an award earned in the United States for excellence in school activities. A varsity letter signifies that its winner was a qualified varsity team member, awarded after a certain standard was met.- Description :...
three years at end and quarterback
Quarterback
Quarterback is a position in American and Canadian football. Quarterbacks are members of the offensive team and line up directly behind the offensive line...
on the varsity team. His first varsity year was played under College Football Hall of Fame
College Football Hall of Fame
The College Football Hall of Fame is a hall of fame and museum devoted to college football. Located in South Bend, Indiana, it is connected to a convention center and situated in the city's renovated downtown district, two miles south of the University of Notre Dame campus. It is slated to move...
coach George Washington Woodruff
George Washington Woodruff
Note: Before 1936, national champions were determined by historical research and retroactive ratings and polls. 1894 Poll Results = Penn: Parke H. Davis, Princeton: Houlgate, Yale: Billingsley, Helms, National Championship Foundation, Parke H. Davis1895 Poll Results = Penn: Billingsley, Helms,...
and last two under Carl Sheldon Williams
Carl Sheldon Williams
Carl Sheldon "Cap" Williams was an American football player and coach. A Wellington, Ohio native, Williams graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1894 with a bachelor of Science and a medical degree in 1897. Williams played both at Oberlin and University of Pennsylvania and coached at...
. In 1901, Metzger first season for the Quakers, he played as a backup. The team started strong by winning their first seven games, but were weakened in part to injuries accumulated during the earlier games. The Quakers lost five out the last eight to finish the season 10–5. The five losses were the most under Woodruff. In addition to the tough season the team had to deal with an undergraduate and dental student revolt upset about the coaching of the team. This led to Head Coach George W. Woodruff to resign as coach. After Woodruff resignation was accepted, the members of the football team sent a letter to the Football Committee unanimously requesting that Woodruff be reinstated as coach. The letter was ignored. In 1902, Carl Sheldon Williams succeeded George W. Woodruff as coached and the Quakers improved to 9–4. The following year Metzger was named captain and led Penn to a 9–3 mark. During his playing career he was best known for playing right end on Defense where he was known for his tackling and stopping the opposition’s runs around end.
Baylor
After graduating from Penn, he took a job as coach at Baylor UniversityBaylor University
Baylor University is a private, Christian university located in Waco, Texas. Founded in 1845, Baylor is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.-History:...
. He compiled a 2–5–1 record in 1904.
Pennsylvania
In 1908, Metzger succeeded Carl Williams, his former coach, at the University of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania is a private, Ivy League university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. Penn is the fourth-oldest institution of higher education in the United States,Penn is the fourth-oldest using the founding dates claimed by each institution...
. Penn won a retroactive national title after an 11–0–1 campaign in his only year at the helm of the Quakers. During the championship run, the Quakers out-scored their opponents, 215–18. A 6–6 tie with the Carlisle Indians
Carlisle Indians football
The Carlisle Indians football team represented the Carlisle Indian Industrial School in intercollegiate football competition. The program was active from 1893 until 1917, when it was discontinued. During the program's 25 years, the Indians compiled a 167–88–13 record and 0.647 winning percentage,...
was only blemish on their season. This team was led by two future members of the College Football Hall of Fame
College Football Hall of Fame
The College Football Hall of Fame is a hall of fame and museum devoted to college football. Located in South Bend, Indiana, it is connected to a convention center and situated in the city's renovated downtown district, two miles south of the University of Notre Dame campus. It is slated to move...
, All-America
All-America
An All-America team is an honorary sports team composed of outstanding amateur players—those considered the best players of a specific season for each team position—who in turn are given the honorific "All-America" and typically referred to as "All-American athletes", or simply...
n senior captain Bill "Big Bill" Hollenback
Bill Hollenback
-References:* *, which tracks the Football history of the Union Club of Phoenixville-External links:...
at halfback and All-American Hunter Scarlett
Hunter Scarlett
Hunter Watt Scarlett was a notable ophthalmologist, and is best known for his college football career for the Penn Quakers from 1904 to 1908. During World War I, he worked in both French and American military hospitals...
at end.
Oregon State
In 1909, Metzger became head coach at Oregon State UniversityOregon State University
Oregon State University is a coeducational, public research university located in Corvallis, Oregon, United States. The university offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees and a multitude of research opportunities. There are more than 200 academic degree programs offered through the...
(then known as Oregon Agricultural College) where he posted a 4–2–1 record including late season losses to Washington and the regon
Oregon Ducks football
The Oregon Ducks football program is the intercollegiate American football team for the University of Oregon located in the U.S. state of Oregon. The team competes at the NCAA Division I level in the Football Bowl Subdivision and is a member of the Pacific-12 Conference. Known as the Ducks, the...
. During the season he had to deal an issue that involved the team’s Captain, Carl Wolff that resulted in Metzger removed him off the squad for insubordination.
West Virginia
After spending time raising fruit in Lewiston, IdahoLewiston, Idaho
Lewiston is a city in and also the county seat of Nez Perce County in the Pacific Northwest state of Idaho. It is the second-largest city in the northern Idaho region, behind Coeur d'Alene and ninth-largest in the state. Lewiston is the principal city of the Lewiston, ID - Clarkston, WA...
, Metzger coached at West Virginia University
West Virginia University
West Virginia University is a public research university in Morgantown, West Virginia, USA. Other campuses include: West Virginia University at Parkersburg in Parkersburg; West Virginia University Institute of Technology in Montgomery; Potomac State College of West Virginia University in Keyser;...
from 1914 to 1915, where he and compiled a 10–6–1 record. Metzger replaced Edwin Sweetland
Edwin Sweetland
Edwin Regur Sweetland was a coach and athletic administrator at several American universities. During his coaching career he was head coach of many sports including basketball, track and field and crew, but the majority of for his coaching work was in football. Though mainly known for football, he...
to please outraged alumni calling for the hiring of a nationally known coach. During his tenure as coach he was credited with bring in stars such as Ira Errett Rodgers
Ira Rodgers
-External links:*...
, Russ Bailey
Russ Bailey
Russel Brooks "Russ" Bailey was a professional American football center in the National Football League. He played two seasons for the Akron Pros .-External links:*...
and Clay Hite. While at West Virginia he was also noted for being one of the first coaches to employ the screen pass.
In Metzgers first season at West Virginia, the team finished with a 5–4 record. During the season his coaching was hindered when he broke his leg in an automobile accident. The 1915 squad improved to a record of 5–2–1 and gained some national attention. The team scored 216 points to 25 by their opponents. The two losses were a 7–0 loss to traditional power the University of Pennsylvania to start the season, and a forfeit to Washington and Lee. During the Washington & Lee game, Metzger pulled his team off the field alleging rough play while leading 8–6. The only other blemish was a tie to Washington & Jefferson which later defeated traditional power Yale
Yale Bulldogs football
The Yale Bulldogs football program represents Yale University in college football at the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision . Yale's football program is one of the oldest in the world, having begun competing in the sport in 1872...
. Metzger was offered the coaching position for the next season but turned it down, instead signing to coach Washington and Jefferson College.
Tower play controversy
In 1915, Metzger was involved in a controversy with what would become known as a "Tower Play" during a game between West Virginia and MarshallMarshall Thundering Herd football
The Marshall Thundering Herd football team is an intercollegiate varsity sports program of Marshall University. The team represents the university as a member of the Conference USA Eastern division of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, playing at the Division 1 Bowl Subdivision...
. The Mountaineers wereheavily favored and Metzger told the media he would "eat his hat if Marshall scores." As expected, Metzger's team won the game handily by a score of 92–6. West Virginia mostly ran ball to the side line where Blondie Taylor was so to punish him for transferring from WVU to Marshall before the season. To prevent the shutout, Marshall coach Boyd Chambers
Boyd Chambers
Boyd B. "Fox" Chambers was an American football, basketball, and baseball coach, and college athletics administrator. He served as the head football coach at Marshall University from 1909 to 1916, at Bethany College in West Virginia in 1917, and at the University of Cincinnati from 1918 to 1921,...
developed a special play. On the their fourth possession. Marshall moved the ball down to the 15-yard line. Marshall back Dayton Carter came in the game. Marshall quarterback Brad Workman, took the snap and set up to pass. Marshall's tackle Okey Taylor and Carter ran toward the end zone. Carter was hoisted onto Taylor's shoulders as Workman rifled a high pass in their direction. Carter caught the ball and fell into the end zone for a score. Metzger argued with the officials, but the referee and umpire could find no rule to discount the score. The next day the Huntington Herald Dispatch head line was “Marshall Scores” The story did not mention much about West Virginia until the middle of the article instead focusing on the Tower play. Metzger protested to former Yale coach Walter Camp
Walter Camp
Walter Chauncey Camp was an American football player, coach, and sports writer known as the "Father of American Football". With John Heisman, Amos Alonzo Stagg, Pop Warner, Fielding H. Yost, and George Halas, Camp was one of the most accomplished persons in the early history of American football...
, who was in charge of college football rules. Camp upheld the score, however, he changed the rules to not allow the play for the 1916 season.
Washington & Jefferson
In 1916, Metzger moved Washington & Jefferson CollegeWashington & Jefferson College
Washington & Jefferson College, also known as W & J College or W&J, is a private liberal arts college in Washington, Pennsylvania, in the United States, which is south of Pittsburgh...
where he coached for two years. During his tenure he coached the Presidents to a record of 15–5. Metzger replaced Robert Folwell who became coach of the University of Pennsylvania.
The 1916 season Metzger had to contend with injuries and suspensions. Two players (Nuss and Ruble) were injured in a loss to Yale. Before the team left for Richmond, Virginia
Richmond, Virginia
Richmond is the capital of the Commonwealth of Virginia, in the United States. It is an independent city and not part of any county. Richmond is the center of the Richmond Metropolitan Statistical Area and the Greater Richmond area...
to play Washington and Lee, three players, Fain, Whitehill and Nall, were declared ineligible due to poor grades. During the victory over Washington and Lee, center Bill Shields fractured ankle and was out for the rest of the season. Before the last game of the season, a victory over Rutgers
Rutgers Scarlet Knights football
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights football team represents Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Bowl Subdivision play...
, Metzger became ill with ptomaine poisoning. Washington and Jefferson was considered one the youngest and smallest teams in the country, averaging 169 pounds and 20 years of age. Even with the injuries and suspensions, Metzger and the Presidents finished the season with a 8–2 record, the only losses coming mid season in back-to-back games against Yale and Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Panthers football
Pittsburgh Panthers football is the intercollegiate football team of the University of Pittsburgh, often referred to as "Pitt", located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Traditionally the most popular sport at the university, Pitt football has played at the highest level of American college football...
.
Metzger and the Presidents went 7–3 in 1917 losing to West Virginia, Pittsburgh, and Notre Dame
Notre Dame Fighting Irish football
Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team is the football team of the University of Notre Dame. The team is currently coached by Brian Kelly.Notre Dame competes as an Independent at the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision level, and is a founding member of the Bowl Championship Series coalition. It is an...
by a total of 13 points. The team was led by two future college football hall of fame members Wilbur Henry, who was named All-American that year and Edgar Garbisch
Edgar Garbisch
Edgar William Garbisch was an American football player. He was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1954. He married Bernice Chrysler, daughter of Walter P. Chrysler, on January 4, 1930. He and his wife collected American art, much of which they donated to the Metropolitan Museum of Art...
. After the 1917 season, several players enlisted in the military to serve in World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
. There were rumors that the administration was not happy with Metzger's performance, but would allow him to coach the 1918 season. After the season, Metzger tried to enlist in for service in World War I. He was twice refused because of a leg injury he suffered during his tenure as West Virgian head football coach. After those rejections he took a position as an athletic director in the YMCA
YMCA
The Young Men's Christian Association is a worldwide organization of more than 45 million members from 125 national federations affiliated through the World Alliance of YMCAs...
at Camp Dix where he organized athletic events for the military personnel.
Union
In 1919, Metzger was named Director of Physical Activities at Union CollegeUnion College
Union College is a private, non-denominational liberal arts college located in Schenectady, New York, United States. Founded in 1795, it was the first institution of higher learning chartered by the New York State Board of Regents. In the 19th century, it became the "Mother of Fraternities", as...
in Schenectady, New York
Schenectady, New York
Schenectady is a city in Schenectady County, New York, United States, of which it is the county seat. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 66,135...
. In this position he was in charge of coach the football team as well as developing basketball, baseball and track teams. In developing the athletic program after World War I, Metzger did not have to start from scratch since Union did not abandon its program like other colleges did during the war.
South Carolina
Metzger's last coaching stop was at the University of South CarolinaUniversity of South Carolina
The University of South Carolina is a public, co-educational research university located in Columbia, South Carolina, United States, with 7 surrounding satellite campuses. Its historic campus covers over in downtown Columbia not far from the South Carolina State House...
, where he went 31–20–2.
Sports author and journalist
Even while coaching, Metzger's chief occupation was writing for magazine and newspapers. He focused mainly on sports and outdoor subjects including fishing and hunting. Many times he would illustrate his articles with his own drawings. He contributed articles to such magazines as OutingOuting (magazine)
Outing was a late-nineteenth- and early twentieth-century American magazine covering a variety of sporting activities. It began publication in 1882 as the Wheelman and had four title changes before ceasing publication in 1923....
, Collier's Weekly
Collier's Weekly
Collier's Weekly was an American magazine founded by Peter Fenelon Collier and published from 1888 to 1957. With the passage of decades, the title was shortened to Collier's....
, and The Saturday Evening Post
The Saturday Evening Post
The Saturday Evening Post is a bimonthly American magazine. It was published weekly under this title from 1897 until 1969, and quarterly and then bimonthly from 1971.-History:...
. He wrote a syndicated column called "Touchdown Secrets" that was published by newspapers throughout the country. In addition he started a syndicate to provide newspapers articles written by himself as well as other journalists.
World War I
At the beginning of the War many colleges and universities were questioning the value of athletic programs on campus. Metzger wrote a series articles that supported the continuation of athletics at colleges and universities. He argued athletes were more likely to enlist than the general student body. He also indicated that athletic programs help train students for the War effort. He wrote The New York TimesThe New York Times
The New York Times is an American daily newspaper founded and continuously published in New York City since 1851. The New York Times has won 106 Pulitzer Prizes, the most of any news organization...
that he regarded participating in athletics as a patriotic duty.
Books
- 1929 Putting Analyzed
- 1931 How To Play Golf co-authored by Grantland RiceGrantland RiceGrantland Rice was an early 20th century American sportswriter known for his elegant prose. His writing was published in newspapers around the country and broadcast on the radio.-Biography:...
and Innis Brown (ISBN 1-4325-9010-3) - 1931 How To Watch Football
Family and later life
Metzger married Miss Mae Oakley of New York City and the couple had three children: John, Robert. and Joy. After retiring from coaching, Metzget moved to Atlantic City, New JerseyAtlantic City, New Jersey
Atlantic City is a city in Atlantic County, New Jersey, United States, and a nationally renowned resort city for gambling, shopping and fine dining. The city also served as the inspiration for the American version of the board game Monopoly. Atlantic City is located on Absecon Island on the coast...
, where he resided the rest of his life. On January 18, 1932 he died in Ventnor, New Jersey of erysipelas developed after surgery.