Here's what I wrote in How Football Became Football: "A tradition involving fans celebrating on the field that remains common is the tearing down of the goal posts after big wins. The first known instance of goal posts torn down in celebration came when Idaho bested Washington State 16-0 in 1912, which, given Idaho’s nickname, the Vandals, seems appropriate.
More amusing was the first known instance of a teardown coming at the hand of the losing team's fans. That occurred in 1914 when Parsons High School in Kansas lost to Chanute, 81-6. So disgusted were Parsons fans with the team’s performance that they tore down their own goal posts and did not field another football team for six years."
I should research this again to see if I find earlier references.
Thanks. I've been collecting old images for some time and began buying and/or noting those with unusual goal posts. I waited until I had a critical mass to prep an article.
This one is terrific, Tim, and where in the world did you find these pictures? Well written with your usual dry humor, too. Best part: “properly mown”. Wish I used this phrase when my boys did a shoddy job on the lawn.
Side question: when was the first recorded goal post tear down for a big win celebration?
Here's what I wrote in How Football Became Football: "A tradition involving fans celebrating on the field that remains common is the tearing down of the goal posts after big wins. The first known instance of goal posts torn down in celebration came when Idaho bested Washington State 16-0 in 1912, which, given Idaho’s nickname, the Vandals, seems appropriate.
More amusing was the first known instance of a teardown coming at the hand of the losing team's fans. That occurred in 1914 when Parsons High School in Kansas lost to Chanute, 81-6. So disgusted were Parsons fans with the team’s performance that they tore down their own goal posts and did not field another football team for six years."
I should research this again to see if I find earlier references.
Thanks. I've been collecting old images for some time and began buying and/or noting those with unusual goal posts. I waited until I had a critical mass to prep an article.
This one is terrific, Tim, and where in the world did you find these pictures? Well written with your usual dry humor, too. Best part: “properly mown”. Wish I used this phrase when my boys did a shoddy job on the lawn.