Harley, "Chic" (Charles W.)
Football
b. Sept. 15, 1895, Chicago, IL
d. April 21, 1976
Ohio State's first All-American, Harley was largely responsible for turning the school into a football power. When he played at Columbus East High School, the annual game between Columbus East and Columbus North drew bigger crowds than Ohio State did. Harley never played on a losing team until his last high school game in 1914.
The 145-pound halfback was a fast, exciting runner who delighted crowds. Many of the fans who had watched him in high school became Ohio State fans when he became a starter at the university in 1916. Harley promptly led the school to its first Western Conference (Big Ten) championship and was named to Walter Camp's All-American team.
Ohio State repeated as champion in 1917 and Harley was again an All-American. After serving in the Army in 1918, he returned to the school for a third All-American season and starred in Ohio State's first victory over Michigan, a 13-3 win. During his three years as a starter, Ohio State won 21 games while losing only 1 and tying 1.
Harley played professional football with George Halas's Chicago Staleys in 1921.