Grand Island Baptist College Football, 1899
This rough and tumble group of young men was the 1899 Grand Island Baptist College football team. Note the "fat" football held by Alton Robbins in the center of the front row. Padded lace-up cotton shirts, quilted pants, and shin guards were these iron men's only protection from the other team. Wool stocking caps stuffed with rags often acted as helmets. In 1905, President Theodore Roosevelt threatened to abolish football after 182 serious injuries and 18 deaths were reported nationally in just ten years.

Back row (left to right): Reeves Hopewell, Miles Boardman, unknown, unknown, Arthur Abbott. Middle row: Edgar Palmquest, unknown, unknown. Front row: unknown, L.D. George, Charles Frisch, Alton Robbins, Orrie Hayman, Elmer Johnson, Burney Calvin.

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