 McElwain in 1923 as Northwestern's football team captain | |
| Biographical details | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 14, 1903 Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Died | November 26, 1996 (aged 93) Big Rapids, Michigan, U.S. |
| Playing career | |
| Football | |
| 1921–1923 | Northwestern |
| 1924 | Chicago Cardinals |
| 1925 | Chicago Bears |
| 1926 | Chicago Cardinals |
| Position(s) | Halfback |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| Football | |
| 1927–1939 | Ferris Institute |
| Basketball | |
| 1927–1940 | Ferris Institute |
| Administrative career (AD unless noted) | |
| 1927–? | Ferris Institute |
| Head coaching record | |
| Overall | 31–44–7 (football) 109–127 (basketball) |
William Thompson McElwain (May 14, 1903 – November 26, 1996) was an American football player and coach of football and basketball. McElwain played college football at Northwestern University and professionally in the National Football League (NFL) with the Chicago Cardinals and alongside Red Grange with the Chicago Bears.[1] McElwain served as the head football coach at Ferris Institute—now known as Ferris State University—in Big Rapids, Michigan from 1927 to 1939, compiling a record of 31–44–7.[2] He was also the head basketball coach at Ferris State from 1927 to 1940, tallying a mark of 109–127.
- ^ "Illini Club with Friends Great Famous Sorrel Top with Rousing Banquet". The Miami News. Miami, Florida. December 24, 1925. p. 1. Retrieved July 10, 2019 – via Newspapers.com
.
- ^ "Former Purple Star to Coach at Ferris". Battle Creek Enquirer. Battle Creek, Michigan. Associated Press. July 19, 1927. p. 1. Retrieved March 1, 2018 – via Newspapers.com .
