The game ball from October 6, 1916, when Central Normal School defeated Oklahoma Methodist University (Oklahoma City) 183-0.

Football 6/5/2020 2:00:00 PM Chris Brannick

Friday Features: UCO Football Part III

The Foundation

READ PART I, THE DII ERA
READ PART II, THE MIDDLE AGES

In the final installment of our three-part series glancing back at the University of Central Oklahoma football program, we showcase the beginning, the early years, and the laying of the foundation of one of the most successful programs in the country.

Central got its start in a peculiar way. In 1902, according to some historical reports, Oklahoma State invited Central to Stillwater for a game. Central did not have a team but mustered up a group of students to meet the challenge. OSU won 40-0 that day, but UCO football was born. Sort of. OSU does not list the game in its records in addition to noting it did not field a team in 1902. Central didn't field a team in 1903 either and didn't get any last-minute invitations by any opposing foes.

Now 1904, Central put together a squad once again and completed an official season, marking what is essentially the first official season of Central football. With the exception of the three-year hiatus during World War II, the Bronchos have competed every fall since 1904.

There are a handful of unique opponents in those early years. Central Normal School as it was known played local high schools, military institutes, junior colleges, as well as OU and OSU numerous times.

The first victory in school history came in 1904 against Oklahoma City University, 7-0. The second win in school history, a 6-0 triumph over Oklahoma State in 1905, helped the Bronchos toward their first winning season. Central went 4-3-1 that fall.

C.W. Wantland took over coaching duties in 1912 and was also the university's athletic director. He had two stints as head football coaching, winning 43 games in seven seasons from 1912-19 and 57 more games from 1921-30. Now having two buildings on campus named after him, Wantland Hall and Wantland Stadium, the coach's 100 all-time victories still ranks second in school history.

In 1914, following a tough season-opening loss to OU, Central responded with five straight wins and earned the title of conference champions for the first time in program history.

Central followed that up with a 1915 season that still holds as one of the best of all time, putting up a 9-0 record and winning a second conference title. Central posted six shutouts and held two more opponents to just three points.

Some of Wantland's most notable wins:

October 6, 1916: Central 183, Oklahoma City 0. A collegiate record for most points scored in a game, but it was short-lived as Georgia Tech beat Cumberland 222-0 the next day.
November 18, 1922: Central 14, Iowa State 13. One all-time meeting, one all-time victory.
October 4, 1924: Central 2, Oklahoma 0. The only victory against the Sooners in 19 tries.
October 14, 1924: Central 13, Baylor 6. One all-time meeting, one all-time victory.

The 1924 season also stands out as one of the best. Central finished 9-1 and won another conference title. Beating OU and Baylor in the first two weeks of the season set the tone. Central then beat East Central and Tulsa in Week 3 & 4 respectively, and Southeastern in Week 5. After a setback at Centenary (La.) in Week 6 by the smallest of margins, 7-6, Central finished strong, beating Southwestern, Oklahoma City, Northern Oklahoma, and Oklahoma Baptist down the stretch. Central six shutouts on the season and allowed three of the four other opponents to score only once.

Claude B. Reeds took over for Wantland in 1931 and led Central to 56 victories during the decade. Most impressive of Reeds' accomplishments might be the six consecutive conference championships from 1934-39, which made for eight in nine years after Reeds won two in his first two seasons (1931-32). Central has won 32 conference or division championships in its history. Reeds' eight titles are the most by one coach.

Dale Hamilton took over in 1941 and coached the team for two seasons before football took a break during World War II.

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