The Wayne Tartars football program, 1950–1959 represented Wayne State University (known as Wayne University through 1955) during the 1950s in college football. The Tartars competed as an independent from 1950 to 1954 and as a member of the Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) from 1955 to 1959. The 1956 Wayne State Tartars football team won the PAC championship with a 3–0–1 record in conference games. The Tartars were led by two head coaches: Louis F. Zarza (1949–1954); and Herbert L. Smith (1955–1959).
Decade overview
Year
|
Head coach
|
Overall record
|
Conf. record
|
Conf. rank
|
Points scored
|
Points against
|
Delta
|
1950 |
Louis F. Zarza |
2–7 |
NA |
NA |
114 |
262 |
-148
|
1951 |
Louis F. Zarza |
5–4 |
NA |
NA |
230 |
213 |
+17
|
1952 |
Louis F. Zarza |
4–4 |
NA |
NA |
208 |
153 |
+55
|
1953 |
Louis F. Zarza |
3–4–1 |
NA |
NA |
115 |
146 |
-31
|
1954 |
Louis F. Zarza |
3–5–1 |
NA |
NA |
129 |
149 |
-20
|
1955 |
Herbert L. Smith |
1–5–1 |
1–3–1 |
4 |
71 |
204 |
-133
|
1956 |
Herbert L. Smith |
4–2–1 |
3–0–1 |
1 |
104 |
89 |
+15
|
1957 |
Herbert L. Smith |
4–4 |
2–1 |
2 |
103 |
110 |
-7
|
1958 |
Herbert L. Smith |
2–4–1 |
2–1–1 |
3 |
81 |
169 |
-88
|
1959 |
Herbert L. Smith |
4–3 |
4–1 |
3 |
121 |
116 |
+5
|
TOTAL |
|
32–42–5 |
12–6–3 |
|
|
|
1950
The 1950 Wayne Tartars football team represented Wayne University (later renamed Wayne State University) as an independent during the 1950 college football season. In their second year under head coach Louis F. Zarza, the Tartars compiled a 2–7 record and were outscored by a total of 262 to 114.[1]
Schedule
Date | Opponent | Site | Result | Attendance | Source |
---|
September 23 | South Dakota | Detroit, MI | W 19–14 | 4,000 | [2]
|
September 29 | at Detroit | | L 0–34 | 19,257 | [3]
|
October 7 | Western Illinois | - University of Detroit Stadium
- Detroit, MI
| L 20–21 | 7,767 | [4]
|
October 14 | at Michigan State Normal | | W 26–6 | 5,000 | [5]
|
October 21 | at Temple | | L 0–26 | 5,000 | [6]
|
October 28 | at Omaha | Omaha, NE | L 13–32 | |
|
November 4 | South Dakota State | - University of Detroit Stadium
- Detroit, MI
| L 0–40 | 2,911 | [7]
|
November 11 | at Bradley | | L 29–33 | | [8]
|
November 18 | at Toledo | | L 7–56 | |
|
|
[1][9]
1951
The 1951 Wayne Tartars football team represented Wayne University (later renamed Wayne State University) as an independent during the 1951 college football season. In their third year under head coach Louis F. Zarza, the Tartars compiled a 5–4 record and outscored opponents by a total of 230 to 213.[10]
Schedule
Date | Opponent | Site | Result | Attendance | Source |
---|
September 22 | at Iowa State | | L 21–53 | 9,145–10,000 | [11]
|
September 29 | Louisville | | L 12–28 | 7,500 | [12]
|
October 6 | at Arizona State | | L 6–50 | | [13]
|
October 13 | Bradley | - University of Detroit Stadium
- Detroit, MI
| L 27–34 | 3,021 | [14]
|
October 20 | Brandeis | - University of Detroit Stadium
- Detroit, MI
| W 34–6 | 3,278 | [15]
|
October 27 | Omaha | - University of Detroit Stadium
- Detroit, MI
| W 62–9 | 3,000 | [16]
|
November 3 | Washington University | - University of Detroit Stadium
- Detroit, MI
| W 21–7 | 3,211 | [17]
|
November 10 | at Case Tech | Cleveland, OH | W 20–13 | |
|
November 17 | Michigan State Normal | - University of Detroit Stadium
- Detroit, MI
| W 27–13 | 2,347 | [18]
|
|
[10][19]
1952
The 1952 Wayne Tartars football team represented Wayne University (later renamed Wayne State University) as an independent during the 1952 college football season. In their fourth year under head coach Louis F. Zarza, the team compiled a 4–4 record and outscored opponents by a total of 208 to 153.[20]
Schedule
[20][31]
1953
The 1953 Wayne Tartars football team represented Wayne University (later renamed Wayne State University) as an independent during the 1953 college football season. In their fifth year under head coach Louis F. Zarza, the team compiled a 3–4–1 record and was outscored by a total of 146 to 115.[32]
The team's statistical leaders included:
- Right halfback Victor Zucco tallied 637 rushing yards on 79 carries. Zucco was also the team's leading scorer with 54 points on nine touchdowns and the team's leading receiver with 301 receiving yards on 23 catches.
- Left halfback John Kelly tallied 452 rushing yards on 77 carries.
- Quarterback Dick Lisabeth completed 23 of 53 passes for 335 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. Lisabeth was also the team's punter, averaging 30.2 yards on 30 punts.
- Right end Jack Crittendon tallied 20 receptions for 247 yards.
[33]
Schedule
Date | Opponent | Site | Result | Attendance | Source |
---|
September 19 | Great Lakes NTS | Detroit, MI | L 6–33 | |
|
September 25 | Detroit | Detroit, MI | L 0–48 | |
|
October 3 | at Michigan Normal | Ypsilanti, MI | L 6–13 | |
|
October 10 | at Washington University | St. Louis, MO | W 33–13 | |
|
October 17 | Bradley | Detroit, MI | W 32–0 | |
|
October 24 | Brandeis | Detroit, MI | L 0–6 | |
|
November 6 | at Drake | Des Moines, IA | W 25–19 | |
|
November 14 | Valparaiso | Detroit, MI | T 14–14 | |
|
[32]
1954
The 1954 Wayne Tartars football team represented Wayne University (later renamed Wayne State University) as an independent during the 1954 college football season. In their fifth year under head coach Louis F. Zarza, the Tartars compiled a 3–5–1 record and were outscored by a total of 149 to 129.[34]
Schedule
[34]
1955
The 1955 Wayne Tartars football team represented Wayne University (later renamed Wayne State University) as an independent during the 1955 college football season. In their second year under head coach Herbert L. Smith, the Tartars compiled a 1–5–1 record (1–3–1 in conference games), finished in fourth place in the PAC, and were outscored by a total of 204 to 71.[44]
Schedule
[44]
1956
The 1956 Wayne State Tartars football team represented Wayne State University as an independent during the 1956 college football season. In their third year under head coach Herbert L. Smith, the Tartars compiled a 4–2–1 record (3–0–1 in conference games), won the PAC championship, and outscored opponents by a total of 104 to 89.[47]
The team's statistical leaders included halfback John D. Goggins (374 rushing yards), quarterback Ronald Kowalczyk (282 passing yards), end John Poplawski (15 receptions for 186 yards), and fullback Alister Mackenzie (24 points scored).[48]
Schedule
[47]
1957
The 1957 Wayne State Tartars football team represented Wayne State University as an independent during the 1957 college football season. In their fourth year under head coach Herbert L. Smith, the Tartars compiled a 4–4 record (2–1 in conference games), finished in second place in the PAC, and were outscored by a total of 110 to 103.[50]
Halfback Jim MacMillan led the team in rushing (404 yards) and scoring (43 points on seven touchdowns and an extra point). Quarterback Ron Kowalczyk led the team in passing (604 yards), total offense (650 yards), and punting (33 punts, 30.1 yards per punt). End John Poplawski was the leading receiver with 14 receptions for 166 yards.[51]
Schedule
[50]
1958
The 1958 Wayne State Tartars football team represented Wayne State University as an independent during the 1958 college football season. In their fifth year under head coach Herbert L. Smith, the Tartars compiled a 2–4–1 record (2–1–1 in conference games), finished in third place in the PAC, and were outscored by a total of 169 to 81.[52]
Halfback James MacMillan led the team in rushing (517 yards), total offense (867 yards), and scoring (37 points). Other leaders included quarterback Michael Soluk (454 passing yards) and end Wayne Mueller (272 receiving yards).[53]
Schedule
[52]
1959
The 1959 Wayne State Tartars football team represented Wayne State University as an independent during the 1959 college football season. In their sixth and final year under head coach Herbert L. Smith, the Tartars compiled a 2–4–1 record (2–1–1 in conference games), finished in third place in the PAC, and outscored opponents by a total of 121 to 116.[55]
Halfback Dick Laskowski led the team in rushing (328 yards), passing (101 yards),total offense (429 yards). End Dale Mandrell led the team in receiving with 15 catches for 125 yards. Fullback James Morse led the team in scoring with 36 points on six touchdowns.[56]
Schedule
[55]
References
- ^ a b "1950 - Wayne St. (MI)". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
- ^ "Wayne Nips With TD In 4th On Pass". Argus-Leader. Associated Press. September 24, 1950. p. 25. Retrieved February 19, 2022.
- ^ Dick Peters (September 30, 1950). "Titans Put Tartars to Rout, 34–0". Detroit Free Press. pp. 16–17 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Puscas, George (October 8, 1950). "Western Illinois Slips Past Tartars, 21 to 20". Detroit Free Press. p. E5. Retrieved February 19, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Puscas, George (October 15, 1950). "Wayne Sophomores Take Michigan Normal in Stride, 26-6". Detroit Free Press. p. 6E. Retrieved March 5, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Late Temple Flurry Buries Wayne, 26 to 0". Detroit Free Press. Detroit, Mich. October 22, 1950. p. E4 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ George Puscas (November 5, 1950). "Jackrabbits Jump All over Wayne: Last-Half Outburst Sends Score to 40-0". Detroit Free Press. p. 6 (section E) – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Wayne Scares Rival But Goes Down, 33-29". Detroit Free Press. Detroit, Michigan. Associated Press. November 12, 1950. p. E5. Retrieved July 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com .
- ^ "Brief Summary Of Cumulative Football Statistics (1950 Wayne)". National Collegiate Athletic Association. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
- ^ a b "1951 - Wayne St. (MI)". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved June 21, 2025.
- ^ "Wayne Is All Wrong; Iowa State Breezes, 53-21". Detroit Free Press. September 23, 1951. p. 4C – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Tartars Impress in Defeat". Detroit Free Press. September 30, 1951. p. C5 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Tempe shows power, raps Wayne, 50–6". The El Paso Times. October 7, 1951. Retrieved April 5, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ George Puscas (October 14, 1951). "Bradley Scores in Last 70 Seconds to Top Wayne, 34 to 27". Detroit Free Press. p. C5 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ George Puscas (October 21, 1951). "Wayne Picks On Little Brandeis, 34-6, to Get Annual Victory". Detroit Free Press. p. 4C – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ George Puscas (October 28, 1951). "Wayne Lambasts Omaha, 62 to 9; That's Correct, 62 to 9!". Detroit Free Press. p. C5 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ George Puscas (November 4, 1951). "Wayne Waits Until Finish to Wash Out Washington, 21 to 7". Detroit Free Press. p. 2C – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ George Puscas (November 18, 1951). "Wayne Winds Up Winner for Season After Dropping First 4". Detroit Free Press. p. 6C – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Brief Summary Of Cumulative Football Statistics (1951 Wayne)". National Collegiate Athletic Association. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
- ^ a b "1952 - Wayne St. (MI)". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved June 21, 2025.
- ^ Dick Peters (September 21, 1952). "Wayne Bowls over Stubborn 'Dales in Season Opener, 20–6: Tartars Lose 4 Markers on Penalties". Detroit Free Press. p. C3 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Jimmy Brown (September 28, 1952). "U. of L. Stopped Wayne In Opener 19 to 12". The Courier-Journal. p. II-1 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Wayne Streak Ends as Louisville Fashions 19–12 Triumph". Detroit Free Press. September 28, 1952. p. C2 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ John J. Archibald (October 5, 1952). "Bears Gain 13-to-13 Upset Over Wayne". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. pp. 1E, 2E.
- ^ "Down Again, 40-21: Wayne Takes New Trip, This Time over Bradley". Detroit Free Press. October 19, 1952 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Wayne Dances to Tune of Little Brandeis, 31-19". Detroit Free Press. October 26, 1952. p. C4 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Herb Ralby (October 26, 1952). "Stehlin Completes 17 Passes as Brandeis Wins, 31-19". The Boston Globe. p. 61 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ George Puscas (November 2, 1952). "Wayne Makes Itself at Home with 46–14 Romp Over Hurons: Tartars Get 564 Yards on Offense". Detroit Free Press. p. C2 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Wayne Finds Road to Victory at Last: Great Lakes Obliges in 34–19 Game". Detroit Free Press. November 9, 1952. p. 2C – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ George Puscas (November 16, 1952). "25 Points Make Li'l Elbert Big Man as Wayne Parades". Detroit Free Press. p. C5 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Brief Summary Of Cumulative Football Statistics (1952 Wayne)". National Collegiate Athletic Association. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
- ^ a b "1953 - Wayne St. (MI)". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
- ^ "Brief Summary Of Cumulative Football Statistics (1953 Wayne)". National Collegiate Athletic Association. Retrieved June 23, 2025.
- ^ a b "1954 - Wayne St. (MI)". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved June 21, 2025.
- ^ "Hurons Snag Wayne Pass to Win, 7-0". Detroit Free Press. October 2, 1954. p. 14. Retrieved March 5, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Rice, Jack (October 9, 1954). "Siegel to Do Passing for Bears Today". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. St. Louis, Missouri. p. 6A. Retrieved July 3, 2023 – via Newspapers.com .
- ^ Dann, Marshall (October 10, 1954). "Homecoming Inspired Wayne". Detroit Free Press. Detroit, Michigan. p. 1D. Retrieved July 3, 2023 – via Newspapers.com .
- ^ Dann, Marshall (October 10, 1954). "Inspired Tartars Win 27-0 (continued)". Detroit Free Press. Detroit, Michigan. p. 4D. Retrieved July 3, 2023 – via Newspapers.com .
- ^ "Wayne passes fancy, Tartars rip No. Dakota State, 39–0". Detroit Free Press. October 23, 1954. Retrieved October 7, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Maurice Shadle (November 7, 1954). "Bowl-Thirsty Indians Crush Wayne, 59-7: Detroit Club Is No Match Before 6,100". Sunday World-Herald. pp. 1C, 2C – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Drake Ends Season". The Des Moines Register. Des Moines, Iowa. November 12, 1954. p. 13. Archived from the original on May 25, 2023. Retrieved May 24, 2023 – via Newspapers.com .
- ^ "Bulldogs Beat Wayne, 33-24". The Des Moines Register. Des Moines, Iowa. November 13, 1954. p. 9. Archived from the original on May 25, 2023. Retrieved May 24, 2023 – via Newspapers.com .
- ^ "Drake--- (continued)". The Des Moines Register. Des Moines, Iowa. November 13, 1954. p. 10. Archived from the original on May 25, 2023. Retrieved May 24, 2023 – via Newspapers.com .
- ^ a b "1955 - Wayne St. (MI)". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved June 21, 2025.
- ^ Marshall Dann (October 9, 1955). "Wayne Wins as Lone Quarterback Sparkles". Detroit Free Press. p. 2C – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Marshall Dann (October 16, 1955). "Tartars Roll --- for 16 Seconds: Then John Carroll Drops 44-25 Bomb". detroit Free Press. p. 1C – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b "1956 - Wayne St. (MI)". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved June 21, 2025.
- ^ "Brief Summary of Cumulative Football Statistics (Wayne State 1956)". Retrieved June 21, 2025.
- ^ John Hermann (October 14, 1956). "Wayne Makes It 2 Straight, 19-7". Detroit Free Press. p. F3 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b "1957 - Wayne St. (MI)". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved June 21, 2025.
- ^ "Brief Summary of Cumulative Football Statistics (1957 Wayne State)". Retrieved June 21, 2025.
- ^ a b "1958 - Wayne St. (MI)". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved June 21, 2025.
- ^ "Brief Summary of Cummulative Football Statistics (Wayne State 1958)". NCAA. Retrieved June 21, 2025.
- ^ Tom McPhail (October 12, 1958). "Wayne Outscores Carrollers, 33-20: New QB Soluk 'Passes'". Detroit free Press. p. 4C – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b "1959 - Wayne St. (MI)". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved June 21, 2025.
- ^ "Brief Summary of Cumulative Football Statistics (1959 Wayne State)". NCAA. Retrieved June 21, 2025.
- ^ Joe Dowdall (October 4, 1959). "Tartars Intercept Case Tech". Detroit Free Press. p. 4E – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Joe Dowdall (October 11, 1959). "100-Yard Run Saves Tartars". Detroit Free Press. p. E7 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Joe Dowdall (November 1, 1959). "Wayne State Keeps Its Guard Up". Detroit Free Press. p. 2E – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Wayne Rally Overcomes Thiel, 28-15". Pittsburgh Press. November 8, 1959. p. 5 (section 7).
- ^ "Valpo Takes 4th Straight". The Indianapolis Star. November 15, 1959. p. 9 (section 2) – via Newspapers.com.
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