“Hail! to the Victors Valiant” | U-M 12, Chicago 11 (11/24/1898)
The season of 1898 was a special one for other reasons. The Gustave Ferbert coached squad made it through the season undefeated heading into the final game- a showdown with powerhouse University of Chicago held on Thanksgiving Day. The defining moment of the game was when Wolverine Charles Widman broke free on a 65-yard run that allowed the M men to take down Chicago 12-11 and claim the title “Champions of the West”.
One of the 600+ fans that attended game was music student Louis Elbel who was so inspired, he composed “The Victors”. More here.
