1961 Otterbein (15) vs. Ashland (13) Football Film, 1 of 2

Authors

Archives, Otterbein UniversityFollow

Files

Description

Otterbein 15 vs Ashland 13

November 4, 1961, 8:00 PM

Memorial Stadium, Westerville, Ohio

Time: Reel #1: 10:50, Reel #2: 5:11 Type: B & W Program: Yes

Schools: Otterbein University is a private university in Westerville, Ohio. The university was founded in 1847 by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ and named for United Brethren founder the Rev. Philip William Otterbein. After the merger of the Evangelical United Brethren Church and the Methodist Church, in 1968, Otterbein has been associated with the United Methodist Church. In 2010, its name was changed back from Otterbein College to Otterbein University because of an increasing number of graduate and undergraduate programs. Colors: Tan and Cardinal. Mascot: Cardinals

Ashland University is a private Christian university in Ashland, Ohio. Ashland was founded in 1878 as Ashland College. It is affiliated with the Brethren Church. Colors: Purple and Gold. Mascot: Eagles.

Coaches:

Otterbein – Robert “Moe” Alger (March 13, 1924 – September 16, 2005, Otterbein ‘48) A 1941 graduate of Dublin High School in Dublin, Ohio, he enrolled in Otterbein College where he lettered in football, basketball, baseball and track. After serving in the Navy during World War II, and participating in the D-Day invasion, Agler returned to Otterbein in 1946 where he was a member of, arguably, the best team in school history. He was instrumental in the school’s most memorable game, a 13-7 loss to the University of West Virginia with the Cardinals threatening to score as time expired. After graduating in 1948 he played professionally for the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League (NFL) and the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League (CFL). Returning to central Ohio in 1950 Agler was hired as head football coach at his alma mater, Dublin High School, where he won the Franklin County Championship. He moved to Johnstown High School in 1952 before returning to Otterbein the next year as an assistant to Harry Ewing. In 1955 Agler replaced Ewing as head coach serving two stints, from 1955 to 1965 and 1970 to 1974, compiling a record of 74–63–5. He was also the head basketball coach at Otterbein from 1955 to 1958, tallying a mark of 13–39, and served as Athletic Director (1955-1975). Following his retirement, he was instrumental in the construction of the new Memorial Stadium.

Ashland – Fred Martinelli (February 15, 1929 – May 15, 2021, Otterbein ’51) Martinelli played quarterback for Otterbein from 1947-1950, graduating in 1951. His first coaching position was as head coach at Belleville (OH) High School (1951-1955), followed by Bryan (OH) High School (1956-1958) before moving to Ashland College (1959-1993) where he compiled a record of 217–119–12. Martinelli served as Ashland’s Director of Athletics for almost 25-years, 1967-1991. He was named league coach of the year six times while leading the cardinals to 10 league championships. During his tenure he produced 72 All-Americans. He was enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame in 2002.

Notes:

Both teams wearing dark jerseys, Ashland has large white stripe at shoulder, Otterbein is wearing gold helmets.

Otterbein struggled to their 13^th consecutive victory by coming from behind in the final quarter. On the opening kickoff the Cardinals recovered a fumble in the endzone for a safety to start off the scoring. Trailing 9-0 in the third quarter Ashland scored their first touchdown making the difference 9-7. Otterbein came back during the first minute of the fourth, with a 15-yard touchdown run by Gene Kidwell, to make it 15-7. Shortly after the Eagles scored again making it 15-13. As time ran out, the Cardinals were on Ashland four-yard line. Rosters are available in the program. The last five seconds show coaches and players shaking hands after the game. For more game details see the Columbus Dispatch articles linked to this page.

References:

“Upsets Featured Saturday’s Ohio College Grid Card,” Columbus Evening Dispatch, October 30, 1961, p. 7B.

Kilberger, Wil, “OWU’s Hornbeck Threatens Loop Marks,” Columbus Evening Dispatch, November 1, 1961, p. 15B.

Kilberger, Wil, “Wesleyan, Akron Figure Strongly In OC Title Run,” Columbus Evening Dispatch, November 2, 1961, p. 26A.

Kilberger, Wil, “Marshall Must Win For Bobcats,” Columbus Evening Dispatch, November 3, 1961, p. 23B.

“Otterbein Nips Ashland 15-13,” Columbus Sunday Dispatch, November 5, 1961, p. 35B.

“Otterbein, B-W Carry 7-0 Marks,” Columbus Evening Dispatch, November 6, 1961, p. 5B.

Game Date

11-4-1961

Game Score

Otterbein 15 - Ashland 13

Coaches

Otterbein – Robert “Moe” Alger (March 13, 1924 – September 16, 2005, Otterbein ‘48)

Ashland – Fred Martinelli (February 15, 1929 – May 15, 2021, Otterbein ’51)

Game Location

Memorial Stadium, Otterbein College, Westerville, Ohio

Comments

Both teams wearing dark jerseys, Ashland has large white stripe at shoulder, Otterbein is wearing gold helmets.

Otterbein struggled to their 13^th consecutive victory by coming from behind in the final quarter. On the opening kickoff the Cardinals recovered a fumble in the endzone for a safety to start off the scoring. Trailing 9-0 in the third quarter Ashland scored their first touchdown making the difference 9-7. Otterbein came back during the first minute of the fourth, with a 15-yard touchdown run by Gene Kidwell, to make it 15-7. Shortly after the Eagles scored again making it 15-13. As time ran out, the Cardinals were on Ashland four-yard line. Rosters are available in the program. The last five seconds show coaches and players shaking hands after the game. For more game details see the Columbus Dispatch articles linked to this page.

Game Film # and Reel #

Reel #1

Recommended Citation

Archives, "1961 Otterbein (15) vs. Ashland (13) Football Film, 1 of 2" (1961). 1961 Sports Films. 3.
https://digitalcommons.otterbein.edu/sports_films_1961/3

Film Time

10:50 minutes

Keywords

College Football, Football Programs, Football Films