Eckersall, Walter H.
Football
b. June 17, 1886, Chicago, IL
d. March 24, 1930
Small even for his era at 5-foot-7 and 142 pounds, Eckersall had great speed and was a fine kicker. As late as 1951, forty-five years after his senior season at the University of Chicago, he was listed at quarterback on the Associated Press all-time All-American team.
In high school, Eckersall tied the national interscholastic record for the 100-yard dash, at 10 seconds flat. He quarterbacked and captained the football team, which beat the University of Chicago in 1901, with a long run by Eckersall setting up the winning touchdown.
He enrolled at the university in 1903 and became a starter about halfway through the season. Eckersall couldn't be ignored in 1904. He had kickoff returns of 107 yards against Texas and 106 yards against Wisconsin and he ran 95 yards from scrimmage for a touchdown against Iowa. In a 22-12 loss to Michigan, Eckersall had a 75-yard punt. Walter Camp chose a senior, Vincent Stevenson of Pennsylvania, as his All-American quarterback, but he put Eckersall on the team at end.
Against Illinois in 1905, Eckersall drop-kicked five field goals, a record at the time. He had two against Purdue and his 23-yard field goal against Wisconsin was the only score of the game. Eckersall was Camp's All-American quarterback that season and again in 1906.
The forward pass was legalized in 1906 and Chicago's innovative coach, A. A. Stagg, installed an option play on which Eckersall could roll out around end and either run with the ball or throw it. The play helped Chicago whip Illinois, 63-0. Against Nebraska, Eckersall kicked five field goals to tie his own record in a 38-5 victory.
Eckersall graduated in 1907 and became a sportswriter with the Chicago Tribune. A professional team was organized around him that season, but he retired from the sport after a few games. He later officiated in many important college games and also worked as a boxing referee.