Gonzaga Bulldogs football

Gonzaga Bulldogs football
First season1892; 132 years ago
Last season1941; 83 years ago
StadiumGonzaga Stadium
(1922–1941)
LocationSpokane, Washington
ConferenceIndependent
All-time record134–99–20 (.569)
Bowl record0–1 (.000)
RivalriesIdaho (rivalry)
ColorsNavy blue, white, and red[1]
     

The Gonzaga Bulldogs football team represented Gonzaga University of Spokane, Washington, in the sport of college football. Gonzaga last fielded a varsity football team 83 years ago in 1941.[2][3] From 1892 to 1941, Gonzaga went 134–99–20 (.569) with one bowl appearance, in 1922 in the San Diego East-West Christmas Classic. The Bulldogs lost to the undefeated West Virginia Mountaineers,[4][5][6][7] who claimed a share of the national title that season.

Like many colleges, the Gonzaga football program went on hiatus during World War II (in April 1942),[8][9] but after the war the administration decided not to resume it. The program had been in financial difficulty prior to the war.[10][11][12]

GU's most notable football player was running back Tony Canadeo (1919–2003) from Chicago, who played in the NFL for the Green Bay Packers from 1941 to 1952 and was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1974.[13] Ray Flaherty joined him as a hall of famer (as a head coach) in 1976.[14][15] Flaherty was a Gonzaga teammate of Houston Stockton, a noted halfback in the 1920s (and the paternal grandfather of basketball star John Stockton). Their head coach at Gonzaga was Gus Dorais, who threw to college teammate Knute Rockne at Notre Dame in 1913.

  1. ^ "Approved Primary & Secondary Athletic Logo Colors". Gonzaga University Visual Identity and Graphics Standards Guide (PDF). Retrieved February 26, 2018.
  2. ^ "Kennedy scores on Gonzaga as Cougars romp through to lopsided victory". Spokane Daily Chronicle. November 24, 1941. p. 12.
  3. ^ "Gonzaga Bulldogs". College Football Data Warehouse. Archived from the original on October 13, 2012. Retrieved February 26, 2012.
  4. ^ Varnell, George (December 23, 1922). "Bulldogs have chance to put Gonzaga on the football map Christmas Day". Spokane Daily Chronicle. (Washington). p. 12.
  5. ^ "Bulldogs stir throng in brilliant finish". Spokane Daily Chronicle. (Washington). December 26, 1922. p. 18.
  6. ^ "East subdues West on grid". Reading Eagle. (Pennsylvania). December 26, 1922. p. 11.
  7. ^ Blanchette, John (December 24, 1982). "Where did this ridiculous bowl hype start? Gonzaga?". Spokesman-Review. (Spokane, Washington). p. 13.
  8. ^ "Gonzaga cancels its intercollegiate football program". Spokane Daily Chronicle. April 7, 1942. p. 11.
  9. ^ "Unofficial word says Hunton will be dismissed at Gonzaga". Spokane Daily Chronicle. April 8, 1942. p. 17.
  10. ^ "Gonzaga might drop football". Ellensburg Daily Record. Washington. Associated Press. October 23, 1939. p. 6.
  11. ^ Ashlock, Herb (October 23, 1939). "Financial problem may force Gonzaga University to drop collegiate football program". Spokane Daily Chronicle. p. 11.
  12. ^ "Gonzaga looks for supporters". Spokesman-Review. October 24, 1939. p. 14.
  13. ^ "Tony Canadeo". Pro Football Hall of Fame. Retrieved February 26, 2013.
  14. ^ Missildine, Harry (January 27, 1976). "Flaherty named to pro grid hall". Spokesman-Review. p. 11.
  15. ^ "Flaherty gains Hall induction today". Spokesman-Review. Associated Press. July 24, 1976. p. 13.