He organized an athletic league from among the soldiers being assembled in England in preparation for D-Day in order to keep the troops motivated and fit. In 1959, he also won the national coach of the year award. A report on Ben Schwartzwalder. Parkersburg, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ben_Schwartzwalder&oldid=1140633059, This page was last edited on 21 February 2023, at 00:55. That makes it exciting. Despite promising to do so, Schwartzwalder failed to follow through. The greatest part of Ernie Davis was that he could cross over lines. He was performing these new duties at the battalion headquarters on 28 June when the command post was struck by a direct artillery hit. Floyd Benjamin Ben Schwartzwalder was for 25 years a teacher, a mentor, and a coach at Syracuse University. A call for help went out and in the end it was that man who was to win more games than Knute Rockne, Frank Leahy, Bud Wilkinson or Earl Blaik that answered. He is buried in the Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Syracuse, NY. He produced 22 straight years of non-losing football, took the Orange to seven bowls, and won the national championship in 1959. Soon thereafter, a force of 80 507th paratroopers led by G Company commander, Captain Ben Schwartzwalder, joined the developing battle. So the story is like you said -- its a big story and a small story. Burials may be scheduled by calling the cemetery staff at (315) 484-1564. The 1959 team was an unprecedented powerhouse with both the toughest offense (313.6 yards rushing, 451.5 yard total and 39 points per game on average) and the toughest defense (giving only 19.3 yards rushing, 96.2 yards total per game on average) in the country. Even as a paratrooper, Schwartzwalder remained focused on his football career. When he was personally decorated by General Matthew Ridgway, the General said "Ben, I never expected to see you here to receive this award.". Today Ed is buried with many of his fallen comrades from the 507th PIR in the beautiful US Military Cemetery, which overlooks Omaha Beach in Normandy. Jim Brown: I was going to leave because it was almost unbearable. A nice memory. Search and browse yearbooks online! Quite a story, but as an amateur historian, that kind of second or third hand quote, especially one delivered 50 years after it was shared, makes me very skeptical to its veracity. . The Syracuse 8 continued their boycott through the 1969 football season. Ben Schwartzwalder . Forego a bottle of soda and donate its cost to us for the information you just learned, and feel good about helping to make it available to everyone. Those units were from the 17th Waffen-SS Panzer Grenadier Division "Gotz von Berlichingen". Dropped far behind enemy lines and miles off target, Ben, a Captain in Company G of the 507th, organized his men, established command, and a week later delivered a large group of prisoners to the Allied lines. SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) The year was 1959. A small donation would help us keep this available to all. Popularized erroneously in 1970 by the media as the Syracuse 8, the nine students behind the boycott were Gregory Allen, Richard Bulls, Dana Harrell, John Godbolt, John Lobon, Clarence Bucky McGill, A. Alif Muhammad, Duane Walker, and Ron Womack. Jim Brown: The coaches. Gary Fleder: You faced the exact same thing. I remember some story like that and Larry committed to SYR because of Ben doing that. He had the same burning drive in 1973 as he did as a rookie coach back in West Virginia in 1933. It is where the seeds of the fierce competitor were nurtured and matured. 222 Waverly Avenue 2023 Syracuse University. Syracuse passing More than Ever in Ben Schwartzwalder s 19 year career took holy Cross apart 41-7. He rose to the rank of major and was awarded a Silver Star, a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart, four battle stars, and a Presidential Unit citation. More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23. No portion of this site may be reproduced or duplicated without the express written permission of Syracuse University. Even if you go to Syracuse now, there is a constant battle that goes on. The priest, his friar and two elderly women who had been caring for the wounded in the local church, a structure dating back to the 12th Century, were summarily shot, and the village then set aflame. Syracuse leads the overall record of the series 31-27, however West Virginia has won the trophy 11 times to Syracuse's 7. They then approached the Office of the Chancellor. And there was always the female situation -- dont date white girls and you have to play better than anybody else. Chancellor John Corbally Records, University Archives. 5 in our series looking at the coaches and players who have made the biggest impact in Syracuse University sports. Collapse. The teammates also say that Brown's portrayal misses Davis' essence. He coached at Syracuse from 1949 to 1973, compiling a 178963 record, and winning one national championship in 1959 while going undefeated with an 110 record. Over 25 season, he compiled a 153-91-3 record and led the team an undefeated season in 1959 that included the National Championship. In 1973, Schwartzwalder retired from coaching and moved to St. Petersburg, Florida. According to an email sent to SU's office of athletics communication and passed along to me, Schwartzwalder served in the same World War II unit and fought together during the D-Day invasion of Normandy with Penn State's Harry Edward Wagner, a Phi Betta Kappa graduate. The coaches? This remains Syracuse's only football national championship to date. Floyd Burdette "Ben" Schwartzwalder Birth 2 Jun 1909. [1] He coached high school football for six years in West Virginia a year at Sistersville High School, followed by the Parkersburg High School Big Reds football from 1936 to 1940[1] and Ohio a year at Canton McKinley High School[1] and won two state championships. (2017, November 17). He also watched Spike Lees documentary, Jim Brown All-American, which offered more insight into the era. Coach Schwartzwalder led the SU team to an impressive record of 153 wins, 91 losses, and 3 ties, including seven bowl games, and the only National Championship in SUs history (1959 undefeated team). It is very likely that Lt. Wagner assisted him with this extracurricular athletic program in view of the fact that Ed had been an assistant manager for the Penn State football team in 1939, and as the 3rd Battalion's personnel officer, or S-1, he would have been able to identify unit personnel with football experience and "facilitate" their assignment to "extra duties". He organized an athletic league from among the soldiers being assembled in England in preparation for D-Day in order to keep the troops motivated and fit. An endearing photo is one from 90s I believe when Cuse players have Ben raised on their shoulders after a win. I will probably buy this book too. If Jim Brown was happy, I was happy., Still, what fascinated me was that first conversation between Fleder and Brown. A new head coach, Floyd "Ben" Schwartzwalder, would take over in 1949. They got a long-name coach. And while maybe the alumni didnt get the big name coach, Floyd Burdette Ben Schwartzwalder gave SU its finest hours in football, becoming the most successful football coach in the Universitys history. They boycotted knowing that their actions threatened their scholarships as well as potential careers in professional football. "Sometimes outstanding individuals are never appreciated until they are gone," said Beano Cooke, a former sports information director and now with ABC-TV. Ben Schwartzwalder was a decent guy, but he was from another era. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). BIO. After returning home, Schwartzwalder began his college coaching career at Muhlenberg College, where he went 25-5. Schwartzwalder continued his campaign all the way into Germany and acted as military governor of the town of Essen for a period of six months. Cutting black players from the list of team members mak ing trips. Jim was very quiet in the early part of the film, Fleder recalls. The funny part is that so many people have known this for years, including myself.". After returning home, Schwartzwalder began his college coaching career at Muhlenberg College, where he went 255. During practices a limit was placed on the number of black players who could be on the field at the same time. Reading your post, I flashed on "Band of Brothers", which detailed a company of the 506th Regiment, 101st Airborne. I wasnt crazy about the original script, Fleder told me over lunch recently. I remember Ben as gruff, but kind. Jim told me something really amazing that put things in perspective. It was 1963 at Syracuse University's alumni football game, where teammates celebrated the Orangemen's 1959 national championship. When the Waffen-SS troops finally overran Graignes, they took out severe revenge on the villagers for having "collaborated with the enemy". And then people, the fans, used to always call for me. When their request was not met, Greg Allen, Richard Bulls, John Godbolt, Robin Griffin (who only boycotted in the spring), Dana D.J. Harrell, John Lobon, Clarence Bucky McGill, A. Alif Muhammad (then known as Al Newton), and Duane Walker began their boycott of spring football practice. kids games foreign dolls asst. Born the second daughter to Floyd ("Ben") and Schwartzwalder, 61 years old, has been head coach since 1949. He was also a military veteran. Shortly after Dec. 7, 1941, Canton McKinley lost a coach and the U.S. Army gained a soldier. In fact, he didnt even look at the original script. The Orange had won but nine games in four years and everyone was unhappy. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. "He was like a magnet to good things, always; polite, smart, a real personality," Whelan said. serving during World War II, Ben Schwartzwalder returned home and began coaching college football; and WHEREAS, In 1949, the couple moved to Syracuse, New York, and Ben Schwartzwalder began his long and distinguished coaching career with the football team at Syracuse University; and Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Schwartzwalder with quarterback Dick Easterly at the Los Angeles Coliseum, 1959. The demand for better medical care was rooted in the fact that the medical doctor for the team was a gynecologist by training and was hesitant to touch black bodies. 44 on it, back to Ben Schwartzwalder, saying Im not Jim Brown. And Ben says to him, God I hope not and God I hope so. And Jim started laughing out loud, watching that, and I finally relaxed. "He was a real taskmaster. Ben Schwartzwalder was in a relationship with Ruth Schwartzwalder. The Black student-athletes first sent their grievances to Coach Schwartzwalder, though that document does not exist in the University Archives. However, Ed Wagner's group overlooked the main route of advance for the German armored forces racing to reinforce the town of Carentan. Because in my experience, I just wanted to get out of there and get moving. I just want to know -- what did you feel on a day-to-day, week-to-week basis? This remains Syracuse's only national football title in football to date. "Ed Wagner, Class of '41, is the namesake of the ROTC Building at Penn State. Gary Fleder: Did you feel it from the players? He is part of Syracuse University history, and a veteran of the U.S. military. During the spring season, the players attempted to nudge coach Schwartzwalder one more time. He remained with the 507th PIR when it was reassigned to the newly formed 17th Abn Div, and fought with this unit during the Battle of the Bulge and in the airborne drop across the Rhine River at Wessel in March 1945. Ron Womack had been removed from the roster due to an injury, a coaching decision he and his Black teammates viewed with suspicion, but he supported them through the whole boycott and is counted with them. Former Syracuse head coach Floyd "Ben" Schwartzwalder (center with his arm around SU's Ger Schwedes, 16) was no stranger to a good fight including this one involving the Orange and Texas. Floyd Benjamin "Ben" Schwartzwalder (June 2, 1909 as Floyd Benjamin Schwartzwalder - April 28, 1993) AKA Ben Schwartzwalder was a Hall of Fame football coach at Syracuse University, where he trained future National Football League stars such as Jim Brown, Larry Csonka, Floyd Little and Ernie Davis, the first African Am He also wrestled and dodged a young coed who was just as fierce a competitor as he when it came to getting her man. After associate coaches ignored the players request to hire a black assistant for a year, one of the Syracuse 8, Greg Allen, met with head coach Schwartzwalder in spring 1969. By the time the 507th reached the battle for Hill 95, they had suffered more than 65% casualties. Elliott: Kings use their heads over hearts in trading Jonathan Quick, This fabled orchid breeder loves to chat just not about Trader Joes orchids. As head coach from 1949-73, he mounted an impressive 153-91-3 record there. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Mere Eglise. He developed some of the most impressive running backs the game has ever seen - Jim Brown, Ernie Davis, Jim Nance, Floyd Little and Larry Csonka. As a captain in the 82nd Airborne (CO of Company G of the 507th), Schwartzwalder earned distinction during the invasion of Normandy and battles that followed in the last days of the war. t: 1.315.443.2093f: 1.315.443.4083 scrc@syr.edu Floyd Burdette Schwartzwalder (June 2, 1909 - April 28, 1993) was a Hall of Fame football coach at Syracuse University, where he trained future National Football League stars such as Jim Brown, Larry Csonka, Floyd Little and Ernie Davis, the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy . This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. After holding off the vastly superior German forc es for four days, the senior officer in command ordered the paratroopers to withdraw under the cover of darkness and attempt to reach Allied lines by exfilling in small bands through the flooded marshes and swollen streams. Syracuse, New York 13244 Gary Fleder: I just want to make a film that has the essence of Ernie Davis. His primary recommendation for every injury was ice and rest. He coached high school football for six years in West Virginia a year at Sistersville High School, followed by the Parkersburg High School Big Reds football from 1936 to 1940 and Ohio a year at Canton McKinley High School and won two state championships. !8 holes of golf and Ben never said a word about football. Cemetery Policies Our goal is to provide and maintain a facility of respect and dignity for the men and women of the military and their families. December 23, 2014 Floyd Benjamin "Ben" Schwartzwalder was for 25 years a teacher, a mentor, and a coach at Syracuse University. He was a paratrooper in World War II, rose to the rank of major, and was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple . Syracuse University Photo & Imaging Collection, University Archives. In fact, I never knew what being an alumnus was. The war ended and football again became his life. You know, the funny thing about cinema is, usually when they do a story that has African Americans in it, there always has to be a white guy whos the savior. But in real life, there are people -- white people -- who have done wonderful things because they were just good human beings. You should know his story, because its a Syracuse University story one that speaks to our past, our present, and our future. Schwartzwalder continued his campaign all the way into Germany and acted as military governor of the town of Essen for a period of six months. He finally gets his chance in The Express, playing legendary Syracuse coach Ben. You should know his story, because its a Syracuse University story one that speaks to our past, our present, and our future. I know it well. Jim was skeptical, Fleder recalls. Schwartzwalder had a knack for developing excellent running backs. Schwartzwalder played center at West Virginia University, despite weighing only 146 pounds, and was an all-campus wrestler in 1930 in the 155 pound weight class. Allen explained his position, but the coach refused to listen. Less than a dozen men rank in this category. Syracuse University did not strip the players of their scholarships, but. He thought the first script was a little thin. Schwartzwalder was born in Point Pleasant, West Virginia. Frank Giardina: Sports Legend Dinner, relationships, Ben Schwartzwalder and D-Day. Schwartzwalder was the head football coach of the Syracuse Orange from 1949 to 1973. He would lead the program for more than 20 years, a period that would reach its crescendo with a national championship, in 1959. All Rights Reserved Worldwide. "Miraculously, Ed and the majority of his "lost" group were able to reach the US lines and by 14 June he was reunited with the regiment outside of St. Schwartzwalder is portrayed by actor Dennis Quaid in the 2008 Universal Pictures film The Express: The Ernie Davis Story, a biographical film about Syracuse University Heisman Trophy winner Ernie Davis. "I have a strange feeling that in the years to come, officials, alumni and fans might finally realize what a tremendous asset Ben was. Floyd "Ben" Schwartzwalder (Ben was a childhood nickname) had a major impact on the Syracuse University football program during his 25 years as head coach including winning a national championship in 1959. They cited instances of unfair treatment, ranging from differences in disciplinary action to the coaching staffs intolerance of their civil rights activism elsewhere on campus. Both sites mention that in addition to the Silver Star, Major Ben was also awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart, the latter indicating a combat wound.". After the United States entered World War II, Schwartzwalder joined the U.S. Army and served with the 507th Parachute Infantry of the famed Eighty-second Airborne Division. He overcame those . By 1941, he had earned a name for himself and was offered the head coaching job at Canton McKinley High School in Ohio, one of the top jobs in the Midwest. The ROTC building at Penn State is named after Wagner. In addition to Heisman Trophy winner Ernie Davis, he coached Jim Brown, Floyd Little, Jim Nance, and Larry Csonka through their college careers. "A lot of things in the movie didn't happen at that time at Syracuse but did happen in the country. 1 overall by the Cleveland Browns, Davis was diagnosed with leukemia. Syracuse a Veteran coach Ben Schwartzwalder was musing about his Lack of depth recently. In the spring of 1970, he arranged for former Syracuse football great Floyd . But for the guards to be enough men to make a difference in a pitched battle, there must have been a lot of German prisoners for Badass Ben to mow down - if that actually happened. Davis, 23, died the next month in a Cleveland hospital. Ben Schwartzwalder began his football career as a 95-pound high school freshman quarterback. Casualties caused the 507th to regroup and reorganize. Schwartzwalder plays a prominent role in the battle. Bemiller was quite literally at the center of Buffalo's American Football League back-to-back championship teams. Ben enrolled at West Virginia University and went out for football. He was a real comedian too. All these years later, Easterly still recalls his teammate not only for his football prowess, but also for his warm, comical personality. Before the summer of 1970, Coach Schwartzwalder agreed but failed to hire a Black assistant coach more than once. Former Syracuse head coach Floyd "Ben" Schwartzwalder (center with his arm around SU's Ger Schwedes, 16) was no stranger to a good fight including this one involving the Orange and Texas Longhorns in the 1960 Cotton Bowl. He served with the 82nd Airborne and was in the first wave of troops that jumped on D-Day in 1944. He played key roles in the capture of the La Fire Causeway and Sainte-Mre-glise, crucial points of entry into France during the D-Day invasion. Los Angeles Times Staff Writer. Dropped far behind enemy lines and miles off target, Ben, a Captain in Company G of the 507th, organized his men, established command, and a week later delivered a large group of prisoners to the Allied lines. "By doing the best we can do with the job we have, wherever it is, we can serve our nation in its greatest task.". He became a company commander and earned the rank of major. Even as a paratrooper, Schwartzwalder remained focused on his football career. Google Image Result for https://d3d4f9a2nwdz4m.cloudfront.net/images/2011/9/28/SchwartzwalderBenonshoulderscolor.jpg, The Penn State game looms down there in Jersey; not so long ago, it delivered Dome delirium. Fleder admits to being something of a nervous wreck. West Virginia and Syracuse might have a sordid past as Big East rivals, but you'd never know it by what's not at stake in this month's upcoming Camping World Bowl. He thought there was only one way to play football and that was the rough way.