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The Tragic Tale of Dudley Sargent DeGroot: A West Virginia Football Coach's Descent

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Dudley Sargent DeGroot, a renowned football coach, was hired as West Virginia University's 25th head football coach in 1948. Despite a promising start with a 9-3 record in 1947, DeGroot's tenure was marred by controversy, criticism, and ultimately, a loss of support from the university's athletic community. This article delves into the events that led to DeGroot's downfall, from his early days as a coaching savant to his struggles with the university's athletic council and the local press.

Key Takeaways:

  • DeGroot, a Stanford graduate and Clark Shaughnessy protege, was initially promoted as a brilliant coach with a wide-ranging expertise, including ornithology.
  • Despite being a 20-point favorite, DeGroot's team lost to Ohio University on September 24, 1949, leading to a series of criticisms from local sportswriters and the athletic council.
  • The Ohio U. loss marked the beginning of the end for DeGroot, with increasing dissent and criticism from the Mountaineer alums, local press, and athletic council members.
  • DeGroot's off-field actions, including his tardiness in purchasing a home in Morgantown and the playing of his son Dudley DeGroot Jr., became fair game for his critics.
  • In one notable exchange, DeGroot accused local sportswriter Clem Hamilton of being a "young, marijuana-smoking sports editor" after Hamilton took DeGroot to task in his "Ham Gravy" column.

Statistics:

  • West Virginia University's 1948 football team had a 9-3 record, including impressive home victories over South Carolina and Maryland.
  • DeGroot's team lost to Ohio University 17-7 on September 24, 1949, marking a disappointing start to the 1949 season.
  • The Mountaineers concluded the 1949 season with a 47-7 loss at 15th-ranked Maryland on Thanksgiving Day.
  • DeGroot ultimately left West Virginia for the New Mexico head coaching job, reportedly making $4,000 less than he was making at West Virginia.

Sources:

  • "The Charleston Gazette" - Sunday, December 11, 1949 (A.L. "Shorty" Hardman column)
  • Morgantown's Dominion-News (Bill Hart editorial)
  • Fairmont's The West Virginian (Clem Hamilton's "Ham Gravy" column)
  • Los Angeles Dons archives
  • West Virginia University athletic department records
  • Charleston Gazette archives (George Springer column)

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