1948 Gem of the Mountains, Volume 46 - University of Idaho Yearbook

C:lte Vandals (jet C:lte ;New 拢ook In the spring, Idaho students and alumni greeted the newcomers with an enthusiasm tinged with curiosity and a mild wonderment that these men had come to guide the football fortunes of Idaho, perennial conference doormat. The roar swelled to a crescendo as Dixie Howell mounted the speaker's rostrum that spring day in memorial gymnasium. What he had to say was short and sure: "I promise yO'U a team that will fight right down to the final gun."

When he left the audience stood and accorded him a tremendous ovation. He had made no rash promises, yet his sincerity had transformed the mild wonderment to respect and enthusiasm.

The big men with the slow southern drawls wasted little time and the spring sessions were long and hard. Harlow and Enis drove their linemen mercilessly, and they began blocking and tackling as never before. The backs and ends ran and ran hardand Howell was everywhere, criticising, praising, stopping play to demonstrate fine points- adjusting mistakes. Shoemaker sent the observers away chuckling heartily at his observations on football and life in general. (Example- Shoemaker to an aspiring, perspiring halfback: "You ah' packin' that ball like a wahtamelon. ") Students scattered to all parts of the state when the spring semester ended, and football fans were aroused by their enthusi路 asm. Maybe this was the year- maybe Howell might produce.

They came back in the fall, then waited- students and alumni waited, and the football fever reached a white heat.

How their hopes were justified is now gridiron history. Howell took his Vandals through their most successful season since 1938, with four games won and a like number lost. Particularly satisfying to Idaho fans were upset victories over Stanford and the Utah Redskins, and a fine showing against the Cougars from WSC. Of the players, many were outstanding- all deserve credit for Idaho's gridiron success. Bill Williams, brought up from an intramural squad last year, ranked second in the nation and tops on the coast in total offense, ending his varsity competition by participating in the East-West Shrine game at San Francisco New Year's Day. Jack Dana, senior guard and squad captain was outstanding in the line as were Ralph Paasch at center and Overgard and Kiilsgaard at tackles. Orville Barnes, lanky end, ranked among the nation's top ten pass snatchers. Bill Beitz and Sam Thies b,old out high hopes to Idaho fans in future ball games on the basis of the stellar ball they played this season, as do Jerry Diehl and Woody Delorme-the former a deadly defensive back, the latter often a spark in Idaho's offense. With many lettermen returning and new men up from the strong frosh squad, Idaho fans are looking forward to a bigger and better season for Dixie Howell.

His showing this year, with practically the same team that lost all games but one last year, has enlisted state-wide support and enthusiasm. Soft-spoken Dixie continues to build for the future with the best wishes of students and alumni.

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