The DePaul Blue Demons football program represented DePaul University in the sport of college football. The university fielded an intercollegiate squad from 1901 to 1938, going undefeated in 1908 and 1933.
The team played home games at a variety of venues including DePaul Field, Loyola Stadium, Wrigley Field, and Soldier Field.[1][2]
The first season with a complete record is the 1907 St. Vincent's team, the final year before the institution became DePaul University and the athletic teams became the "D-men".[3] The name would then officially be changed to the Blue Demons in 1922. They played in the short-lived Western Interstate Conference from 1925-1927. They were conference champions in both 1925 and 1926. The final home game for the team was on November 12, 1938, a 20–9 victory against Saint Louis at Loyola Stadium. DePaul finished the 1938 season with a 2–7 record.[4]
The statistics surrounding the program are largely incomplete due to so few records being kept in the early years. Despite teams being first organized in 1898, the first intercollegiate games began to be recorded around 1901. Made even more confusing by the fact that many of the St. Vincent's College (1898-1907) games were being played against high school teams that kept little to no statistics.[5] The DePaul University Academy, operating from 1898 to 1968, also fielded a football team from 1913 to 1965. Winning 12 Chicago Catholic League titles.[6]
Results
It is claimed that from 1901 to 1938 that the university team went around 100–93–17 overall.[7] This is uncertain pending new records being discovered. Despite the school no longer having a football team, they made a lasting mark on the sport. Producing players such as a 1940 NFL ChampionChet Chesney, offensive linemanDick Stahlman, among others.[8][9]
Resurgence
Club football vs. Loyola (IL) at the Rambler's Hoyne Field in 2014.
The DePaul Club Football team would very briefly play from 2013-2015. However, the team would face multiple problems. Mostly surrounding funding and a place to play and practice as the team was independent from DePaul Athletics. Despite playing a handful of games, and even briefly having access to the field at Benedictine University in Lisle, the club was soon disbanded.[10]
Seasons
1900 St. Vincent's football teamMichigan Agricultural College victory over DePaul on October 6, 1909 at Old College Field.DePaul's victory over Loyola on November 2, 1930 at Soldier Field, the Ramblers' final seasonThe Blue Demons defeat Ripon for the programs' final game at DePaul Field, on September 24, 1938. "The Barn" can be seen in the background.
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