Joe Reilly (American football)

Joseph Augustus Reilly (October 8, 1880 – November 10, 1951)[1] was an American college football player, coach, and athletic director. He served as the head football coach of Georgetown University from 1904 to 1907, and the co-head football coach (with Joe Kenney) at Boston College in 1908. From 1909 to 1937 he was the director of the Kansas City Athletic Club. Later in life he also served as a "midwestern sports official, and wrestling judge at several Olympic games".[2]

Joe Reilly
Reilly in 1903
Biographical details
Born(1880-10-08)October 8, 1880
Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
DiedNovember 10, 1951(1951-11-10) (aged 70)
Alameda, California, U.S.
Playing career
1899Boston College
1900–1903Georgetown
Position(s)Halfback
Coaching career (HC unless noted)
1904–1907Georgetown
1908Boston College
Head coaching record
Overall19–17–3
Accomplishments and honors
Awards
All-Southern (1903)

Early years edit

Joe Reilly was born on October 8, 1880, in the Charlestown[3] neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts. His father Timothy Reilly was born in Ireland.[4] His mother's maiden name was O'Brien.

Football playing career edit

Boston College edit

Reilly attended Boston College, graduating in 1899. He was a member of the 1899 football team, "Boston College's first great team".[5]

Georgetown University edit

 
Dr. Reilly

Reilly played for the Georgetown Blue and Gray at Georgetown University. As a player, he was an All-Southern halfback and captain of the 1902 team.[6][7][8] An account of a 12–5 victory over Navy reads "No occupants of the half back positions who have been seen here this season have approached the showing made by Joe Reilly to-day."[9] Hub Hart, who had also attended Boston College, was in the same backfield.[3][10] Reilly also lettered in other sports, including baseball and rowing. He ran track as well, captaining the squad and called its fastest man.[11][12] He once held the record for the 220 yards.

Coaching career edit

From 1904 to 1907, Reilly served as the head football coach of Georgetown University. He was the first former Georgetown player to become the school's head coach.[13] Reilly also coached track.[11]

In 1908 he served as co-head football coach, with Joe Kenney, at his alma mater, Boston College. 1908 was the first season that Boston College returned to varsity status after the program was dropped in 1902. His record for the year was 2–4–2.

Kansas City Athletic Club edit

Reilly was director of the Kansas City Athletic Club from 1909 until 1937.[14][15]

Head coaching record edit

Year Team Overall Conference Standing Bowl/playoffs
Georgetown Blue and Gray (Independent) (1904–1907)
1904 Georgetown 7–1
1905 Georgetown 2–7
1906 Georgetown 6–1
1907 Georgetown 2–4–1
Georgetown: 17–13–1
Boston College (Independent) (1908)
1908 Boston College 2–4–2
Boston College: 2–4–2
Total: 19–17–3

References edit

  1. ^ "California, Death Index, 1940-1997," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/VGYX-CNQ : accessed 6 February 2015), Joseph Augustus Reilly, 10 Nov 1951; Department of Public Health Services, Sacramento.
  2. ^ "Georgetown Football: Head Coaches".
  3. ^ a b "Georgetown's Boston Backfield". Boston Post. November 24, 1903. p. 10. Retrieved June 30, 2015 – via Newspapers.com.  
  4. ^ National Archives and Records Administration (NARA); Washington D.C.; NARA Series: Passport Applications, January 2, 1906 - March 31, 1925; Roll #: 2530; Volume #: Roll 2530 - Certificates: 422350-422849, 21 May 1924-21 May 1924
  5. ^ "Teams of Destiny". www.bc.edu. Archived from the original on 2015-09-10.
  6. ^ Morris Allison Bealle (1947). The Georgetown Hoyas: The Story of a Rambunctious Football Team. p. 61.
  7. ^ "Johnny Desaulles Picks All-Southern Football Team". The State. August 27, 1904.
  8. ^ "Team Captains". Archived from the original on 2009-08-22.
  9. ^ "Service Football". Army-Navy Air Force Register and Defense Times. 34: 11. October 31, 1903.
  10. ^ "Notes". The Stylus: 46. January 1, 1902.
  11. ^ a b "GEORGETOWN THE WINNER SELECT TRACK LEADER". The Washington Post. January 12, 1908.
  12. ^ "World's Records For Georgetown" (PDF). The Washington Times. March 28, 1904. p. 8.
  13. ^ "GU Coaches". Retrieved February 6, 2015.
  14. ^ "Moments of Glory in 59 Years for K. C. A. C." The Kansas City Star. May 11, 1958.
  15. ^ "Soft Life Dooms White Sprinters, Says Dr. Reilly". St. Petersburg Times. May 1, 1935.