The university鈥檚 first football team took to the field undisciplined and without a coach. The 1890 flannel-clad sportsmen lost every game. The next season they chose Rev.聽Frederic Kramer聽(PhD1895) to lead them. He was the All Saints Episcopal Church pastor and a CU English instructor. His leadership led to the team鈥檚 first victory in a 24-4 romp over the Colorado Springs Athletic Association.
鈥淭he rush line linked arms and meandered down the field,鈥 Kramer wrote, 鈥渇ollowed by the backs, one of whom carried the ball. [It was a] human steamroller effect . . .鈥
Four years later Kramer led the university to another first, earning a PhD in 1895.