Sport(s) | Football |
---|---|
Biographical details | |
Born |
Chatham, Ohio |
May 16, 1872
Died | November 8, 1960 near Pennsburg, Pennsylvania |
(aged 88)
Playing career | |
1891–1892 | Oberlin |
1893–1895 | Penn |
Position(s) | Quarterback |
Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
1902–1907 | Penn |
Head coaching record | |
Overall | 60–10–4 |
Accomplishments and honors | |
Championships | |
2 National (1904, 1907) | |
Carl Sheldon "Cap" Williams (May 16, 1872 – November 8, 1960) was an American football player, coach, and ophthalmologist. He played college football at Oberlin College and the University of Pennsylvania during the 1890s. He returned to Penn and served as the head football coach there from 1902 to 1907, compiling a record of 60–10–4. His Penn Quakers teams of 1904 and 1907 have been recognized as national champions. Williams later practiced ophthalmology for many years in Philadelphia.
William was born on May 16, 1872 in Chatham, Ohio. A Wellington, Ohio native, he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1894 with a bachelor of science and a medical degree in 1897.
Williams played at Oberlin College in 1891 and 1892. The 1891 Yeoman played without a paid coach and went 2–2. The next year Williams was named captain. This team was coached by John Heisman. The Yeoman finished the season undefeated including a season opening victory over Ohio State. Williams scored the first touchdown early in the game which would become a 40–0 route of the Buckeyes. During that season the Yoeman also claimed a second victory over the Buckeyes and a victory over the Michigan but both schools dispute this.
On Heisman's advise, Williams transferred to his coach's former school, the University of Pennsylvania. He lettered three seasons at quarterback for the Red and Blue under renowned coach George Washington Woodruff. At the time Williams played quarterback under Woodruff, the forward pass was illegal. To advance the ball down the field, Woodruff coached his quarterback to "pass the ball with his foot." The rules at the time were that anybody that kicked the ball or anybody behind the kicker was allowed to recover the ball and retain possession. Williams was able to place his kicks with great accuracy allow Penn to recover for a first down.