Bruce Griffith (October 28, 1867 – February 13, 1956) was an American college football player and coach, missionary, and postmaster. He was the captain of the Franklin & Marshall College football team in Lancaster, Pennsylvania from 1891 to 1892, during a period of time when the captain also served as the team's head coach.[1] Griffith led the school to a record of 6–7.[2]

Bruce Griffith
Biographical details
Born(1867-10-28)October 28, 1867
Pavia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
DiedFebruary 13, 1956(1956-02-13) (aged 88)
Topeka, Kansas, U.S.
Playing career
1889–1892Franklin & Marshall
Position(s)End
Coaching career (HC unless noted)
1891–1892Franklin & Marshall
Head coaching record
Overall6–7

Biography edit

Griffith was born on October 28, 1867, in Pavia Township, Bedford County, Pennsylvania. He attended Franklin & Marshall College, where he trained for the seminary and played football as an end.[3] He moved to Wichita, Kansas in the 1890s, serving there as a missionary pastor for the Reformed Church before working in the insurance business with Aetna.

During the early 1900s, Griffith was commissioned as a colonel in the Kansas National Guard. During World War I, he served as a lieutenant colonel with the 130th Field Artillery Regiment at Fort Sill. U.S. President Herbert Hoover appointed Griffith as postmaster of Wichita, an office he held for four years.[4][5]

Death edit

Griffith died on February 13, 1956, at Winters U.S. Veterans Hospital, in Topeka, Kansas.[4][5]

Head coaching record edit

Year Team Overall Conference Standing Bowl/playoffs
Franklin & Marshall (Independent) (1891–1892)
1891 Franklin & Marshall 2–4
1892 Franklin & Marshall 4–3
Franklin & Marshall: 6–7
Total: 6–7

References edit

  1. ^ Kirchner, George (November 17, 1951). "Holman leads 27 F&M coaches in Gettysburg Grid series which started in 1890". Lancaster New Era. Lancaster, Pennsylvania. p. 11. Retrieved May 16, 2021 – via Newspapers.com  .
  2. ^ DeLassus, David. "Franklin & Marshall Coaching Records". College Football Data Warehouse. Archived from the original on November 21, 2010. Retrieved April 9, 2011.
  3. ^ "He Knew Football When It Was In Swaddling Clothes". The Wichita Eagle. Wichita, Kansas. December 6, 1931. p. 24. Retrieved May 3, 2021 – via Newspapers.com  .
  4. ^ a b "Bruce Griffith, Ex-postmaster, Dies in Topeka". Evening Eagle. Wichita, Kansas. February 14, 1956. p. 1. Retrieved May 3, 2021 – via Newspapers.com  .
  5. ^ a b "Death Takes Ex-postmaster (continued)". Evening Eagle. Wichita, Kansas. February 14, 1956. p. 12. Retrieved May 3, 2021 – via Newspapers.com  .

External links edit