1955 Ohio Athletic Conference football season

The 1955 Ohio Athletic Conference football season was the season of college football played by the 14 member schools of the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC), commonly referred to as the "Ohio Conference", as part of the 1955 college football season.

1955 Ohio Athletic Conference football season
SportFootball
Number of teams14
ChampionMuskingum
1955 Ohio Athletic Conference football standings
ConfOverall
TeamW L TW L T
Muskingum $ 7 –0 –08 –0 –0
Heidelberg 5 –0 –09 –0 –0
Akron 6 –2 –06 –2 –0
Wooster 5 –2 –07 –2 –0
Hiram 3 –2 –05 –3 –0
Capital 4 –3 –05 –3 –0
Denison 3 –3 –24 –3 –2
Wittenberg 3 –3 –24 –3 –2
Ohio Wesleyan 1 –2 –23 –4 –2
Otterbein 2 –4 –12 –5 –1
Mount Union 1 –5 –11 –5 –2
Kenyon 0 –4 –00 –7 –0
Marietta 0 –5 –00 –8 –0
Oberlin 0 –5 –00 –8 –0
  • $ – Conference champion

The Muskingum Fighting Muskies, in their eleventh season under head coach Ed Sherman, won the OAC championship with an 8–0 record (7–0 against OAC opponents).

The Heidelberg Student Princes, led by tenth-year head coach Paul Hoernemann, finished in second place with a 9–0 record (5–0 against OAC opponents).

Teams

Muskingum
1955 Muskingum Fighting Muskies football
OAC champion
ConferenceOhio Athletic Conference
Record8–0 (7–0 OAC)
Head coach
Home stadiumMcConagha Stadium

The 1955 Muskingum Fighting Muskies football team represented Muskingum University of New Concord, Ohio. In their eleventh season under head coach Ed Sherman, the Fighting Muskies compiled a perfect 8–0 record (7–0 against OAC opponents), won the OAC championship, and outscored opponents by a total of 291 to 60.[1] It was Muskingum's first conference championship since 1950 and its first perfect season since 1931.[2][3]

Sherman won the "Ohio college football coach of the year" award, based on a poll of Ohio coaches. He defeated Doyt Perry and Ara Parseghian who finnished second and third.[4]

The 1955 season was one of four perfect seasons in Muskingum football history, along with 1926, 1931, and 1960.[5]

The team played its home games at McConagha Stadium in New Concord, Ohio.

DateOpponentSiteResultAttendanceSource
September 24at MariettaZanesville, OHW 53–0[6]
October 1at Akron
W 19–724,025[7]
October 8Ohio Wesleyan
W 23–19[8]
October 15Washington & Jefferson*
  • McConagha Stadium
  • New Concord, OH
W 29–0[9]
October 22at WoosterWooster, OHW 35–14[10]
October 29Capital
  • McConagha Stadium
  • New Concord, OH
W 54–14[11]
November 5Denison
  • McConagha Stadium
  • New Concord, OH
W 38–0[12]
November 12at Mount UnionAlliance, OHW 40–6[2]
  • *Non-conference game

Heidelberg
1955 Heidelberg Student Princes football
ConferenceOhio Athletic Conference
Record9–0 (5–0 OAC)
Head coach

The 1955 Heidelberg Student Princes football team represented Heidelberg College of Tiffin,Ohio. In their tenth year under head coach Paul Hoernemann, the Student Princes compiled a 9–0 record (5–0 against conference opponents), finished in second place in the OAC, and outscored opponents by a total of 253 to 96.[13][14]

The team's statistical leaders included halfback Walter Livingston with 931 rushing yards, 178 receiving yards, and 102 points scored, and quarterback Bryan Powers with 596 passing yards.[13] Three Heidelberg players were selected as first-team players on the International News Service's All-Ohio Conference football team: Livingston; back Roy King; and guard Jerry Zimmerman.[15]

The 1955 season was the third perfect season in Heidelberg football history. Other perfect seasons were 1930, 1948, and 1972.[16]

DateOpponentSiteResultAttendanceSource
September 17Bluffton*Tiffin, OHW 40–12
September 24at Hope*Holland, MIW 28–6
October 1at Ohio WesleyanDelaware, OHW 35–26
October 8WittenbergTiffin, OHW 20–0
October 15at CapitalColumbus, OHW 34–32
October 22Baldwin–Wallace*Tiffin, OHW 34–0
October 29Mount UnionTiffin, OHW 27–0
November 5at Saint Joseph's*Rensselaer, INW 14–13[17]
November 12Akron
  • Columbian Stadium
  • Tiffin, OH
W 21–75,000[18]
  • *Non-conference game

[13]

Akron
1955 Akron Zips football
ConferenceOhio Athletic Conference
Record6–2 (6–2 OAC)
Head coach
CaptainMario Russo
Home stadiumRubber Bowl

The 1955 Akron Zips football team represented the University of Akron. In its second season under head coach Joe McMullen, the team compiled a 6–2 record (6-2 against OAC opponents), finished in second place in the OAC, and outscored opponents by a total of 245 to 73. Mario Russo was the team captain.[19] The team played its home games at the Rubber Bowl in Akron, Ohio.

DateOpponentSiteResultAttendanceSource
September 24at WittenbergSpringfield, OHW 21–7[20]
October 1Muskingum
L 7–1924,025[21]
October 8at OtterbeinWesterville, OHW 58–0[22]
October 15Mount Union
  • Rubber Bowl
  • Akron, OH
W 34–0
October 22Denison
  • Rubber Bowl
  • Akron, OH
W 19–7[23]
October 29at WoosterWooster, OHW 53–6[24]
November 5Oberlin
  • Rubber Bowl
  • Akron, OH
W 46–13[25]
November 12at HeidelbergTiffin, OHL 7–17[26]

Wooster
1955 Wooster Fighting Scots football
ConferenceOhio Athletic Conference
Record7–2 (5–2 OAC)
Head coach
  • Philip L. Shipe (7th season)

The 1955 Wooster Fighting Scots football team represented the College of Wooster of Wooster, Ohio. In their seventh year under head coach Philip L. Shpe, the Fighting Scots compiled a 2–4–2 record (2–4–2 against OAC opponents), the Fighting Scots finished in fourth place in the OAC, and were outscored opponents by a total of 245 to 163.[27]

DateOpponentSiteResultAttendanceSource
September 24at AlleghenyMeadville, PAW 41–13
Octoberr 1KenyonWooster, OHW 27–0
October 8at WaynesburgWaynesburg, PAW 27–12
October 15at DenisonGranville, OHW 21–19
October 22MuskingumWooster, OHL 14–35
October 29AkronWooster, OHL 6–53[24]
November 5at Mount UnionAlliance, OHW 27–13
November 12at HiramHiram, OHW 35–12
November 19OberlinWooster, OHW 47–6

Hiram
1955 Hiram Terriers football
ConferenceOhio Athletic Conference
Record5–3 (3–2 OAC)
Head coach

The 1955 Hiram Terriers football team represented the Hiram College of Hiram, Ohio. In their second year under head coach Edward Chupa, the Terriers compiled a 5–3 record (3–2 against OAC opponents), finished in fifth place in the OAC, and were outscored opponents by a total of 144 to 136.[28]

DateOpponentSiteResultAttendanceSource
September 24at BlufftonBluffton, OHW 14–6
October 1CapitalHiram, OHL 12–15
October 8at Grove CityGrove City, PAW 19–6
October 15MariettaHiram, OHW 32–0
October 22at Bethany (WV)Bethany, WVL 0–61
October 29OtterbeinHiram, OHW 27–0
November 5at KenyonGambier, OHW 27–0
November 12WoosterHiram, OHL 12–35

Capital
1955 Capital Crusaders football
ConferenceOhio Athletic Conference
Record5–3 (4–3 OAC)

The 1955 Capital Crusaders football team represented Capital University of Columbus, Ohio. The Crusaders compiled a 5–3 record (4–3 against OAC opponents), finished in sixth place in the OAC, and outscored opponents by a total of 224 to 147.[29]

DateOpponentSiteResultAttendanceSource
September 24Ohio NorthernColumbus, OHW 27–7
October 1at HiramHiram, OHW 15–12
October 8at MariettaMarietta, OHW 37–0
October 15HeidelbergColumbus, OHL 32–34
October 22KenyonColumbus, OHW 46–6
October 29at MuskingumNew Concord, OHL 14–54
November 5WittenbergColumbus, OHL 20–27
November 12OttebeinWesterville, OHW 33–7

Denison
1955 Denison Big Red football
ConferenceOhio Athletic Conference
Record4–3–2 (3–3–2 OAC)
Head coach

The 1955 Denison Big Red football team represented Denison University of Granville, Ohio. In their second year under head coach Keith W. Piper, the Big Red compiled a 4–3–2 record (3–3–2 against OAC opponents), tied for seventh place in the OAC, and outscored opponents by a total of 146 to 144.[30]

DateOpponentSiteResultAttendanceSource
September 24Washington & JeffersonGranville, OHW 27–13
October 1at Mount UnionAlliance, OHT 19–19
October 8at KenyonGambier, OHW 34–6
October 15WoosterGranville, OHL 19–21
October 22at AkronAkron, OHL 7–19
October 29WittenbergGranville, OHW 13–8
November 5at MuskingumNew Concord, OHL 0–38
November 12at OberrlinOberlin, OHW 27–20
November 19Ohio WesleyanGranville, OHT 0–0

Wittenberg
1955 Wittenberg Tigers football
ConferenceOhio Athletic Conference
Record4–3–2 (3–3–2 OAC)
Head coach

The 1955 Wittenberg Tigers football team represented the Wittenberg University of Springfield, Ohio. In their first year under head coach Bill Edwards, the Tigers compiled a 4–3–2 record (3–3–2 against OAC opponents), finished in a tie for seventh place in the OAC, and outscored opponents by a total of 154 to 119.[31]

DateOpponentSiteResultAttendanceSource
September 17OlivetSpringfield, OHW 28–0
September 24AkronSpringfield, OHL 7–21
October 1MariettaSpringfield, OHW 44–13
October 8at HeidelbergTiffin, OHL 0–20
October 15OtterbeinSpringfield, OHT 13–13
October 22at Mount UnionAlliance, OHW 14–6
October 29at DenisonGranville, OHL 8–13
November 5at CapitalColumbus, OHW 27–20
November 12at Ohio WesleyanDelaware, OHT 13–13

Ohio Wesleyan
1955 Ohio Wesleyan Battling Bishops football
ConferenceOhio Athletic Conference
Record3–4–2 (1–2–2 OAC)
Head coach
  • Glenn Fraser (9th season)

The 1955 Ohio Wesleyan Battling Bishops football team represented the Wittenberg University of Delaware, Ohio. In their ninth year under head coach Glenn Fraser, the Battling Bishops compiled a 3–4–2 record (1–2–2 against OAC opponents), finished in ninth place in the OAC, and outscored opponents by a total of 173 to 171.[32]

DateOpponentSiteResultAttendanceSource
September 24RochesterDelaware, OHW 26–19
October 1HeidelbergDelaware, OHL 26–35
October 8at MuskingumNew Concord, OHL 19–23
October 15at WabashCrawfordsville, INL 14–27
October 22at OberlinOberlin, OHW 20–14
October 29SewaneeDelaware, OHW 42–12
November 5Badlwin-WallaceDelaware, OHL 13–28
November 12WittenbergDelaware, OHT 13–13
November 19at DenisonGranville, OHT 0–0

Otterbein
1955 Otterbein Cardinals football
ConferenceOhio Athletic Conference
Record2–5–1 (2–4–1 OAC)
Head coach
Home stadiumMemorial Stadium

The 1955 Otterbein Cardinals football team represented Otterbein University of Westerville, Ohio. In their first season under head coach Bob Agler, the Cardinals compiled a 2–5–1 record (2–4–1 against OAC opponents), finished in tenth place in the OAC, and were outscored by a total of 226 to 84.[33]

DateOpponentSiteResultAttendanceSource
September 17at Centre*Danville, KYL 13–281,500[34]
September 24Mount Union
L 7–45[35]
October 1at OberlinOberlin, OHW 19–14[36]
October 8Akron
  • Memorial Stadium
  • Westerville, OH
L 0–58[22]
October 13Marietta
  • Memorial Stadium
  • Westerville, OH
W 12–7
October 15at WittenbergSpringfield, OHT 13–13
October 29at HiramHiram, OHL 13–28[37]
November 12Capital
  • Memorial Stadium
  • Westerville, OH
L 7–33
  • *Non-conference game

Mount Union
1955 Mount Union Purple Raiders football
ConferenceOhio Athletic Conference
Record1–5–2 (1–5–1 OAC)
Head coach

The 1955 Mount Union Purple Raiders football team represented the University of Mount Union of Alliance, Ohio. In their sixth and final season under head coach Nelson M. Jones, the Purple Raiders compiled a 1–5–2 record (1–5–1 against OAC opponents), finished in eleventh place in the OAC, and were outscored by a total of 174 to 95.[38]

DateOpponentSiteResultAttendanceSource
September 24at Otterbein
W 45–7[35]
October 1DenisonAlliance, OHT 19–19
October 8at Western Reserve*
T 6–6
October 15at AkronAkron, OHL 0–34
October 22WittenbergAlliance, OHL 6–14
October 29at HeidelbergTiffin, OHL 0–27
November 5WoosterAlliance, OHL 13–27
November 12MuskingumAlliance, OHL 6–40
  • *Non-conference game

Kenyon
1955 Kenyon Lords football
ConferenceOhio Athletic Conference
Record0–7 (0–4 OAC)
Head coach
  • William C. Stiles (3rd season)

The 1955 Kenyon Lords football team represented Kenyon College of Gambier, Ohio. In their third year under head coach William C. Stiles, the Lords compiled a 0–7 record (0–4 against OAC opponents), finished in a three-way tie for last place in the OAC, and were outscored by a total of 207 to 19.[39]

DateOpponentSiteResultAttendanceSource
September 24AshlandGambier, OHL 7–14
October 1at WoosterWooster, OHL 0–27
October 8DenisonGambier, OHL 6–34
October 15at Hobart*Geneva, NYL 0–53
October 22at CapitalColumbus, OHL 6–46
October 29Hamilton*Gambier, OHL 0–6
November 5HiramGambier, OHL 0–27
  • *Non-conference game

Marietta
1955 Marietta Pioneers football
ConferenceOhio Athletic Conference
Record0–8 (0–5 OAC)
Head coach
  • John R. Smith (4th season)

The 1955 Marietta Pioneers football team represented the Marietta College of Marietta, Ohio. In their fourth year under head coach John R. Smith, the Pioneers compiled a 0–8 record (0–5 against OAC opponents), finished in a three-way tie for last place in the OAC, and were outscored by a total of 243 to 40.[40]

DateOpponentSiteResultAttendanceSource
September 24at MuskingumZanesville, OHL 0–53
October 1at WittenbergSpringfield, OHL 13–44
October 8CapitalMarietta, OHL 0–37
October 13at OtterbeinWesterville, OHL 7–12
October 15at HiramHiram, OHL 0–32
October 29Ohio NorthernMarietta, OHL 0–19
November 5Bethany (WV)Marietta, OHL 13–27
November 12at WilmingtonWilmmington, OHL 7–19

Oberlin
1955 Oberlin Yeomen football
ConferenceOhio Athletic Conference
Record0–8 (0–5 OAC)
Head coach

The 1955 Oberlin Yeomen football team represented Oberlin College of Oberlin, Ohio. In their 26th season under head coach Lysle K. Butler, the Cardinals compiled a 0–8 record (0–5 against OAC opponents) and finished in a three-way tie for last place in the OAC.

All-conference team

The following players received honors on the All-Ohio Conference football teams:

  • Ends: Rudy Visnich, Muskingum (INS-1); Fritz Stafford, Capital (INS-1)
  • Tackles: Howard Collins, Muskingum (INS-1); Bill Wagner, Denison (INS-1)
  • Guards: Mario Russo, Akron (INS-1); Jerry Zimmerman, Heidelberg (INS-1)
  • Center: Curt Rehfuss, Mount Union (INS-1); Jack Lofstrom, Muskingum (INS-2)
  • Quarterback: Joe McDaniel, Muskingum (INS-1); Dick Zahn, Hiram (INS-2)
  • Backs: Walt Livingston, Heidelberg (INS-1); Dick Jacobs, Wooster (INS-1); Roy King, Heidelberg (INS-1); Tom Dingle, Wooster (INS-2); Gene Urbanski, Wittenberg (INS-2); Ben Kimbrough, Akron (INS-2)

[41]

References
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  2. "Muskingum Clinches Ohio Conference Championship: 1st Perfect Record Since 1931 Season". Sunday Times signal. November 13, 1955. p. IV-1 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. "Unbeaten Heidelberg Rips Akron But Muskies Take Conference Crown". The Daily Times. New Philadelphia, Ohio. November 14, 1955. p. 7 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. "Muskingum's Sherman Gets Coach Award". Springfield News-Sun. December 4, 1955. p. 2C – via Newspapers.com.
  5. "Muskingum (OH) Records by Year". College Football Data Warehouse. Archived from the original on September 6, 2015. Retrieved May 30, 2023.
  6. "Muskingum Humbles Marietta". Akron Beacon Journal. September 25, 1955. p. 2C – via Newspapers.com.
  7. Don Plath (October 2, 1955). "24,025 See Zips Lose: Kimbrough Only Threat For Akron; Muskies Take 19-7 Verdict". The Akron beacon Journal. p. C1 – via Newspapers.com.
  8. "Muskies Scared". The Akron Beacon Journal. October 9, 1944. p. 2B – via Newspapers.com.
  9. "Muskingum Hangs up 5th In Row". Akron Beacon Journal. October 16, 1955. p. 8B – via Newspapers.com.
  10. "Mighty Muskingum Hands Wooster First Loss: McDaniel's Passing Rips Scots; Muskies Notch Fifth Straight". Akron Beacon Journal. October 23, 1955. p. 8B – via Newspapers.com.
  11. "Muskingum Victorious Over Capital By 54-14". Springfield News-Sun. October 30, 1955. p. 3C – via Newspapers.com.
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  13. "Brief Summary of Cumulative Football Statistics - Heidelberg College (1955)". National Collegiate Athletic Association. Retrieved May 30, 2023 – via NCAA.org.
  14. "2020 Ohio Athletic Conference Football Record Book" (PDF). Ohio Athletic Conference. 2020. p. 47. Retrieved September 16, 2021.
  15. Howard Babcock (December 6, 1955). "Muskingum, Heidelberg Top Loop 11". Mansfield News-Journal. p. 16 – via Newspapers.com.
  16. "Heidelberg (OH) Records by Year". College Football Data Warehouse. Archived from the original on September 6, 2015. Retrieved May 30, 2023.
  17. "St. Joseph's surprised By Heidelberg of Ohio". The Terre Haute Tribune. Terre Haute, Indiana. Associated Press. November 6, 1955. p. 52. Retrieved June 15, 2023 – via Newspapers.com open access.
  18. Don Plath (November 13, 1955). "Heidelberg Jolts Akron U". Akron Beacon Journal. pp. 1B, 4B – via Newspapers.com.
  19. "Akron Zips 2017 Football Media Guide" (PDF). University of Akron. p. 160. Retrieved May 10, 2020.
  20. Don Plath (September 25, 1955). "Zips Romp: Kimbrough Leads Akron U Attack". The Akron Beacon Journal. pp. 1C, 2C – via Newspapers.com.
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  22. Don Plath (October 9, 1955). "Zips, Bucks Rebound With Vengeance". The Akron Beacon Journal. pp. 1B, 4B – via Newspapers.com.
  23. Don Plath (October 23, 1955). "Zips And Flashes Grind Up Hefty Foes". The Akron Beacon Journal. pp. 1B, 4B – via Newspapers.com.
  24. Don Plath (October 30, 1955). "Zips Humble Wooster". The Akron Beacon Journal. pp. 1C, 5C – via Newspapers.com.
  25. Don Plath (November 6, 1955). "Zips, Bucks Roll On: Boggs Stars In Akron's TD Parade". The Akron Beacon Journal. pp. 1B, 3B – via Newspapers.com.
  26. Don Plath (November 13, 1955). "Heidelberg Jolts Akron U". The Akron Beacon Journal. pp. 1B, 4B – via Newspapers.com.
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  28. "1955 - Hiram (OH)". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved July 2, 2023.
  29. "1955 - Capital (OH)". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved July 2, 2023.
  30. "1955 - Denison (OH)". College Football Warehouse. Retrieved July 2, 2023.
  31. "1955 Wittenber (OH)". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved July 2, 2023.
  32. "1955 Ohio Wesleyan". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved July 2, 2023.
  33. "Otterbein University Football Media Guide 2014" (PDF). 2014. p. 37. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  34. "Largest Opening Crowd Sees Centre Colonels Win 28-13". The Danville Advocate-Messenger. September 19, 1955. p. 6 – via Newspapers.com.
  35. "Mount Union Stuns Otterbein, 45-7". The Lima News. September 25, 1955. p. 2D – via Newspapers.com.
  36. "Otterbein Rallies". The Lima News. October 2, 1955. p. 2D – via Newspapers.com.
  37. "Otterbein Is Loser To Hiram Gridders". The Cincinnati Enquirer. October 30, 1955. p. 58 – via Newspapers.com.
  38. "Mount Union Yearly Results". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved July 2, 2023.
  39. "1955 - Kenyon (OH)". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved July 2, 2023.
  40. "1955 - Marietta (OH)". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved July 2, 2023.
  41. "Muskingum, Heidelberg Top Loop 11". Mansfield News-Journal. December 6, 1955. p. 16 – via Newspapers.com.
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