1935 Pennsylvania State Champions - Ashland H.S.
- nssite8
- Aug 13
- 12 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Introduction
Ashland High School back in the day was a football power in its own right. The 1935 State Championship team coached by Alvin "Doggie" Julian defeated the Altoona High School Mountain Lions 6-2. The Ashland High School Black Diamonds school name was changed by jointure to the North Schuylkill Spartans. Ashland High School was the first high school football team to win a state championship in Schuylkill County, and second in the coal region to Mount Carmel, who won the title back in 1927. The North Schuylkill School District is proud to honor and recognize this amazing accomplishment on this webpage. We walk backwards to explore our roots, heritage, and educate ourselves into the future.
STATE CHAMPS - The 13 players who faced Altoona at Mansion Field in the 1935 State title game. Front row, left to right: John "Sam' Rettinger, tackle; Ed McCutcheon, tackle: Harvey "Knobby" Bennethum, center; Johnny Umlauf, guard; Marlin Quick, guard. Second row: Bill Rothermel, end; Charley Umlauf, back; Bill Sell, end. Back row: Al Simononis, back; Johnny "Boggie" Bogachinskie, back; Bill "Bronk" Brundzo, back and captain; Francis "Ricky" Reichwein, back.
1935: BLACK DIAMONDS FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
PENNSYLVANIA STATE CHAMPIONS
Date | Team | Location | Ashland Score | Opponent Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sept 28 | Porter Twp. | Home | 39 | 0 | Win |
Oct. 4 | Pottsville | Home | 13 | 7 | Win |
Oct. 12 | Philadelphia School for the Deaf | Home | 32 | 20 | Win |
Oct. 19 | Reading | Home | 20 | 7 | Win |
Oct. 26 | Berwick | Away | 36 | 7 | Win |
Nov. 1 | Mount Carmel Twp. | Home | 27 | 20 | Win |
Nov. 9 | Shamokin | Away | 32 | 6 | Win |
Nov. 16 | Bethlehem | Home | 32 | 6 | Win |
Nov. 23 | Shenandoah | Home | 12 | 0 | Win |
Nov. 28 | Minersville | Away | 19 | 0 | Win |
Dec. 7 | Altoona ¹ | Away | 6 | 2 | Win |
RECORD: Won 11, Lost 0, Overall.
HEAD COACH: Alvin "Doggie" Julian
ASSISTANT COACHES: Lloyd "Gus" Daub and Rus Crosby
¹ PENNSYLVANIA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
PENNSYLVANIA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
The Eastern Conference champions
Hail the champions of the Pennsylvania Eastern Conference - Ashland High's Black Diamonds! The Black Diamonds with an impressive 10-0 regular undefeated season. School officials attended the Pennsylvania Eastern Conference meeting in Harrisburg. Mount Carmel put the motion on the floor to declare Ashland the champions. Scranton Tech seconded the motion and it was adopted without a dissenting vote. Final tabulation read: Ashland .588, Scranton Central .567, and Allentown .503. Bedlam reigned throughout the town and in the high school.
With the official announcement, Ashland fans and the team were busy making all kinds of arrangements for the trip Altoona. Little Ashland, the smallest school to ever bid for the State's highest award, would meet big Altoona High School. The Mountain Lions are Pennsylvania Western Conference Champions, making their fifth attempt to capture State honors.
Eve of the big game
On Friday, the eve of the big battle, a visitor in town adequately described Ashland "Football Mad." At 8:30 am, the team departed for Altoona. Twenty-five players, three coaches, three managers, and school doctors boarded the special bus. As the bus pulled out in front of the high school and traveled on North Ninth Street, hundreds of fans lined the street cheering them on. Escorted by the school band, they were stopped at Ninth Street by a mob of students and adult fans, who offered cheers and best wishes. On their way on west Centre Street amid the sounding of the fire siren plus ringing of all town church bells. Pedestrians walking the street stopped and waved them a fond farewell. With hundreds of fans shaking off thoughts of bad weather joining the caravan. An estimated 2,000 fans were expected to be among the crowd for Ashland.
The Team Match Ups
Ashland vs. Altoona. At stake - the Pennsylvania State Championship. It was Ashland's 25-man squad against the four-deep platoon-type Mountain Lions with Altoona with home field advantage. Not only would the Black Diamonds be handicapped in manpower, but also in the more important weight department. The average weight of Ashland was 164 pounds against the western champs 169, a difference of five pounds per man. The biggest difference noticed between the teams was the size of the school. Ashland was opposing a team that gathered a student body of 5,000 almost equaling the population of the Borough of Ashland. Population of Altoona was 90,000. Ashland carried 25 players on the roster, 16 of them were letterman. Altoona, with an annual graduation class of 1,000 gave out 108 football awards at the close of the season.
The State Championship Game
That was the pre-game story! Ashland vs. Altoona! David vs. Goliath! After the warm-up, the Black Diamonds returned to their dressing room for their last instructions from their coaches. Head Coach Julian, Assistant Coach Daub, and Assistant Coach Crosby were given a chance at checking the boys they had nursed along since early September. A chance to check on old injuries. A chance to check over new plays. A chance to use a little psychology for what was to come. Although this is the big game, there was no hullabaloo or inspirational talks. Instead, the coaches did everything in their power to keep the boys calm and relaxed - just another ball game.
A dressing room was overcrowded with coaches fans and just plain "well-wishers." But it wasn't long until the last of them departed and only authorized personnel and the team were present. A zero hour approached. Father William A Kuss, Philadelphia, former rector of St. Mauritius Roman Catholic Church, said a short prayer. He was followed by Rev. C. E. Rudy, pastor of St. James Church., and Rev. H. T. Covert, Methodist pastor.
The quiet was intense. A white-clad game official finally peeked into the room and quietly proclaimed, "Time, Ashland." Coach Doggie Julian stepped forward and for a fleeting moment fixed a solemn stare on the stone-like features of his team. Then he said, "Let's go, gang." The 1935 version of the Ashland Black Diamonds hurried through the door and romped on the field for the supreme test.
Better than 8,000 fans greeted the team as they took the field. The crowd was disappointing but the reason was obvious with the ice-covered highways making travel especially hazardous. Ashland was well represented, however, with over 2,000 coal region fans roaring with the appearance of the red-shirted Black Diamonds on the field. Captain Lloyd Ickes, of Altoona, and Captain Bill "Bronk" Brundzo met with the officials at mid-field, The coin toss favored Ashland and Bronk elected to receive.
ALTOONA SCORES SAFETY - The above photo is a picture prize of Jim Canfield's sports history. It pictures Al Simononis punting from behind his own goal line against Altoona after the first possession in the 1st quarter. The kick was blocked and rolled out of the end zone for an automatic safety. The Ashland blocker, with arms outstretched and facing the ball, Bill "Bronk" Brundzo. Photo from: "Ashland High School Football" book by James Canfield
Altoona's Mike Patronik kicked off the opening kickoff and the battle was on. The kick was taken by team captain Brundzo on the six yard line and he returned it to the 18. After a line plunge picked up a scant yard, Al "Simmy" Simononis punted but the ball was partially blocked and bounced out of bounds on the Ashland 45. Altoona couldn't do nothing, so after two downs. Ickes punted for the coffin corner. The ball rolled dead on the Ashland seven yard line.
Bronk tested Altoona's right wing but once again was stopped after a yard gain. With the ball so deep in their own territory and mud making line plays precarious, the Black Diamonds again went into punt formation. Simmy took Bennethan's pass behind the goal line, but before he could get the boot air-borne, left side of the Altoona line was on him. Ickes jumped high and the ball rebounded from the outstretched fingers into the end zone for the automatic safety. The Mountain Lions moved ahead by a 2-0 score.
The remainder of the quarter was practically Altoona. On one series of plays they marched for three consecutive first downs. Ashland appeared to have a hard time getting any semblance of an offensive attack worked out. Only on one occasion did they pick up a first down. That was on a 10-yard romp by Bronk midway in the quarter, Simmy also found a hole in the line and galloped for eight yards. But that was the extent of the Black Diamonds attack.
Ashland's line wasn't clicking, either. They had a hard time repelling the fast charging Altoona forwards. On three occasions Simmy had trouble getting his punts away. One was blocked and led to the safety. Another deflected while the third found him rushed so fast that his kick went straight up in the air without any propellent.
Ashland Scores winning touchdown
If Ashland fans had little to cheer about in the opening canto, they sure paid up for it early in the second quarter. And they didn't have long to wait! When the whistle ended the first quarter, the locals were marooned on their own 27 yard line. Thus far, it had been all Altoona. There was no sign of the explosion that was to rock Mansion Field to its very foundation on the next three plays.
The by-now-humiliated Ashlanders came out of the huddle on the 27-yard line and facing a third down and two-to-go situation. The snap from the center to Bogachinski, the dwarf-like quarterback. He started what appeared to be a wide sweep around his own right wing. Suddenly he veered back to the left and found himself free. After a down-field dash of about 10 yards, he picked up several blockers who cleared away would-be tacklers. As he skirted to the midfield stripe, the road was clear. But Altoona's quarterback, Ken Simms, a speed merchant of the first order, began cutting down the distance.
Simononis finally overhauled Bogachinski but before he did, the little speedster covered 52 big yards. The Black Diamonds were now on Altoona's 20-yard line. The Ashland stands were rocking. On the next play, Ricky Reichwein, who had replaced Umlauf on the previous play, took the snap from Benethum and used his speed to dash all the way to the two-yard line.
The roar of the crowd made signal calling impossible and Bronk requested the Ashland stands to simmer down until the play started. A momentary hush fell over the field. Boggy bark the signals. The pass from the center went directly to the big 180-pound fullback Brundzo. He lowered his head and plowed straight ahead. A gaping hole opened temporarily to the right of the center. He rammed into it and fell over the goal line with an Altoona defender on his back. That was it! The climax of three plays 72 big yards. The scoreboard changed to Ashland 6, Altoona 2. Bronk's try for the extra point was unsuccessful.
That accounted for all the scoring in the game but it by no means accounted for all the thrills and chills that were to make the afternoon the most memorable game in the athletic history of Ashland. Minus the bench strength of the host club, the Jullianmen were forced to play conservatively. Rather than attempt long end runs that would bring on extreme tiredness, they stuck to line plays, On many occasions they kicked on second and third down to conserve their energy for the long afternoon.
Altoona, in an effort to regain the lead, threw caution to the wind. They stampeded downfield on several long drives and threatened to go all the way. But once they hit the Ashland twenty yard marker, Ashland's defense stiffened and threw them back. Their most serious charge came about early in the third quarter when they moved all the way to the Ashland nine.
The drive started with the run back of the opening kickoff. They moved downfield with short dashes that ate up the yardage. Finally it was Altoona - first and ten - on Ashland's 13 yard line. On the first play, Harf went off left tackle for four yards to the Black Diamonds nine. Ratola then tried the same hole that was stopped by McCutcheon and Bennethum. On third down, Patterson tried the same off tackle play, but the left side of the Ashland line tossed him at the line of scrimmage.
It was now fourth down and still six yards to go for the Mountain Lions. They had found the middle of the Ashland line a hard nut to crack so decided to go to the outside. Harf attempted to circle his own left end but Rothermal floated with him and them drove him to earth five yards behind the scrimmage line for a big loss. Altoona's best efforts couldn't complete with the tired, weary but never-say-die spirit of the Black Diamonds. Ashland took possession on their own 14-yard marker.
The remainder of the game was played in Ashland territory, most of it in the shadow of their goal line. But their dogged determination wouldn't let them give up. They fought tooth and nail until the final gun ended hostilities. The final play of the game found Reichwein intercepting an Altoona pass, but the action was lost forever with surging mob that covered Mansion Field in seconds.
The Celebration
But first, before the bedlam broke loose on the playing field at Altoona, there were several moments of extreme silence. It wasn't called for, not requested. It just happened. The excitement of the game; its strain while the team starved off surge after surge from frantic Altoona. Nerves were taut and shaken as local fans wished, hoped and prayed their team would hold that four-point lead. When the final play ended hostilities, the realization of victory, all that could have been hoped for, was overpowering for most of the fans.
A lump swelled up catching 2,000 throats. Tears were shed unashamedly. Heads were shaken in disbelief. The letdown after the enormous strain if such a great game brought fans to the breaking point. Our team won! They were the champions - the best in the whole Pennsylvania. Then came the wildest human stampede ever to tread the turf at Altoona.
That's it! The story of a champion developed and crowned. From near-obscurity to staggering heights. From near-defeat at Pottsville, 15 miles away, to the state champion at Altoona. 150 miles away. Good players excellent coaches, true fans! And Dame Fortune, too, had played a part in the biggest sports story in the history of Ashland. Time has not marred their memory. Their deeds and achievements mark 1935 as the paramount year in the athletic history of Ashland. Hail to the State Champions - Black Diamonds 1935!
Game Story and Information: "Ashland High Football Book" by James F. Canfield
The Ashland High Football Book, in the photo above, was published by the Record American Company in Mahanoy City, PA. The book was written by James F. Canfield on January 7, 1958. This book was on display in the North Schuylkill Jr./Sr. High School trophy case at the lower lobby. Now, this book is on display in the Ashland Borough Hall/Museum of Anthracite Mining located at 401 South 18th Street.
The 1935 Pennsylvania State Championship Trophy
The 1935 Pennsylvania State Championship Trophy was originally in the trophy case at the old Ashland/North Schuylkill High School that was located at North 9th Street. The Ashland Post Office is at that location today.
When the new North Schuylkill Jr./Sr. High School opened in the 1976/1977 school year. It took the school district until 1981 to have a trophy case in the lower lobby of the school. The 1935 state championship trophy was on display in the trophy case in the lower lobby for years. Due to lack of room in the North Schuylkill trophy cases. The trophy had to find a new home.
The 1935 Pennsylvania State Championship Trophy is currently on display at the Ashland Borough Hall/Museum of Anthracite Mining located at 401 South 18th Street. The trophy and other artifacts about the state championship game are courtesy of the Ashland Area Historic Preservation Society and the Borough of Ashland. All are welcomed to come see this history during borough hours.
The 1935 Ashland Black Diamonds coaching staff: left to right; Alvin "Doggie" Julian, head coach; Russel Crosby, and Lloyd "Gus" Daub.
This photo is in the 1935 game program.
The 1935 Ashland Black Diamonds Team Photo.
This photo is in the game program.
Here portrays the rival bands on the playing field at Mansion Field, Altoona, at the state championship game. Ashland High School Band is in the foreground, while Altoona High School Band is playing on the field.
Philadelphia Inquirer - December 9, 1935
The camera caught some of the gals who did the cheering when Ashland and Altoona battled for the State schoolboy football championship at Altoona. In the photo, left to right, Misses Helen Bolich, Jean Bensinger, Bessie Martin, Muriel Burmeister and Catherine Bolich, all Ashland rooters.
Philadelphia Inquirer - December 9, 1935
This is Miss Virginia Keim shown at the state championship game in Altoona. She is holding Ashland's mascot, Ashie.
Philadelphia Inquirer - December 9, 1935
Head Coach Alvin F. "Doggie" Julian
Doggie Julian - Hall of Fame Basketball Coach - He coached basketball, football and baseball at Ashland High School (1933-35). Head Coach of the Ashland Black Diamonds 1935 State Championship football team. In 1947, he coached Holy Cross College to the NCAA title. In 1948, Julian became coach of the Boston Celtics. He moved next to Dartmouth, where the Big Green became an Ivy League power, winning titles in 1956, 1958 and 1959. In a 41-year coaching career that included stops at Albright, Muhlenberg, Holy Cross, Dartmouth and the Boston Celtics, Julian won 435 games. Overall, he coached in five NCAA tournaments and two NIT. Julian authored a popular basketball text, Bread and Butter Basketball (Prentice-Hall, 1960). The Alvin "Doggie" Julian Award is given for distinguished service to college basketball in New England. Julian was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame as a coach in 1968. He is a member of the Bucknell University Athletics Hall of Fame. He was inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in 1976.
On March 15, 1950, the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA) head coached by Alvin 'Doggie' Julian came to Ashland to play against the Ashland Greens. The Ashland Greens was a semi-professional basketball team sponsored by Green's Dairy, owned by Lincoln "Dee" Green. The Celtics beat the Ashland Greens 80-75 in the Ashland High School Gym. The gym held 2,000 people and later became the North Schuylkill School District gym (1966-1976). This gym held all events until the new North Schuylkill Jr./Sr. High School opened in 1976.
