Logo
BigBlueToday | Go Blue Michigan Football | M Go Blue Football | M Go Blue Football History | Michigan Football History | Michigan Wolverine Football History

February 19, 2017 Rest in Peace Captain Ivy Williamson

Posted on February 19, 2018 by Barry Gallagher

Today is a great day to remember a Michigan Wolverine Captain named Ivy Williamson who went to rest in peace on this day in 1969 at the age of fifty-eight. Williamson was born on February 4, 1911 at Toledo, Ohio.

Part I. Wolverine of the Day – Ivan “Ivy” Williamson  

Yes, Ivan B. “Ivy” Williamson was born a Buckeye, but his football destiny was played out at The University of Michigan. Actually, he wasn’t even supposed to play college football because of a debilitating leg injury he suffered in his senior year of high school. Ivy Williams defied the odds and showed up ready to play for Harry Kipke in 1929. Of course, freshman did not play in those days, but Williams learned Kipke’s football system and caught some eyes, and some footballs, in his first year in Ann Arbor.

Williams, an end, started six games in 1930 and helped the Wolverines post a final record of 8-0-1. They won the Big Ten Championship with a perfect record of 5 wins and 0 losses. They outscored their opponents by a margin of 111 to 23.

Ivy came back for his junior season and started nine of ten games at right end. Williams played well enough to earn first team All-Big Ten honors. Once again, the Wolverines were almost perfect. Unfortunately, they tied Michigan State 0-0 and lost to Ohio State (7-20) to finish with a final record of 8 wins, 1 loss and 1 tie. The good news was that Michigan’s conference record of 5-1-0 was good enough to share the title. At the season ending football dinner, Ivan “Ivy” Williamson was voted as “Captain” for the 1932 football season.

Ivy Williamson served as Captain of the 1932 National Championship team. Photo courtesy of the Bentley Historical Library at The University of Michigan.

I am certain that Captain Ivy Williamson did everything he could to lead Michigan to a great season, and, it worked! Michigan posted a perfect record of 8-0-0 and won the Big Ten Championship for the third straight season with a record of 6-0-0. Ivy earned All-Conference honors for the second straight season. Oh, by the way, Michigan also won the national championship in 1932!

So, Ivy Williamson, and his teammates from the Class of 1933, finished with a record of 24 wins, 1 loss and 1 tie. They won three consecutive conference championships and earned the national championship as well. Michigan Football was back on top and Ivy Williamson did a lot to make it happen!

Please take a moment to appreciate the contributions of Ivy Williamson to Michigan Football. Ivy also lettered on two Michigan basketball teams and graduated with honors. Yes, he was a “Michigan Man” in every way. He went on to enjoy a successful career in coaching and athletic administration. May Ivy Williamson continue to rest in eternal peace! Go Blue!

For more information on Ivy Williamson check out the notes in the Wikipedia article linked below.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivy_Williamson

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1932 Michigan_Wolverines_football_team

Part II. Trivia Question of the Day – February 18, 2018

When did Fielding H. Yost finally retire from his duties as Michigan’s Athletic Director?

Part II. Trivia Question Answer for February 18, 2018 –  1940

Fielding Yost began coaching football at Michigan in 1901. He added the title of “Athletic Director” to his duties in 1921. Yost left the sidelines in 1924, but was back in 1925. He remained as AD after his retirement from coaching in 1926.  The legendary Yost finally called it quits in 1940 and Fritz Crisler was named as his successor in 1941.

Yost’s work as athletic director was just as good as his coaching accomplishments, which were amazing. Fielding Yost always wanted the “best” for his beloved “Meechegan.” So, that was the standard used to construct Yost Field House (now Yost Ice Arena), the Michigan Golf Course, the massive Intramural Sports Building and, of course, Michigan Stadium. Yes, Fielding H. Yost left a legacy that is unmatched in the 200 year history of The University of Michigan! Go Blue!

Part III. Trivia Question of the Day – February 19, 2018

Who was the first All-American player that Fielding Yost coached at Michigan?

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *