The 1961 Cornell Big Red football team was an American football team that represented Cornell University as a member of the Ivy League during the 1961 college football season. In its first season under head coach Tom Harp, the team compiled a 3–6 record (2–5 in conference games), finished in sixth place in the Ivy League, and outscored opponents by a total of 143 to 137 (102 to 106 in conference games). Dave McKelvey and George Telesh were the team captains.[1][2]
Quarterback Gary Wood led the team in passing (456 yards), rushing (449 yards), and total offense (905 yards).
Cornell gained an average of 193.1 rushing yards and 67.0 passing yards per game. On defense, they gave up an average of 192.2 rushing yards and 46.5 passing yards per game.[12]
Quarterback Gary Wood led the team in multiple categories. He completed 28 of 75 passes (37.3%) for 456 yards with six touchdowns, three interceptins, and a 106.8 quarterback rating. He also led the team in rushing, gaining 449 yards on 94 carries (4.8-yard average) with touchdowns.[12]
Ken Hoffman was the team's leading receiver with 10 catches for 159 passing yards, an average of 25.0 yards per catch.[12]
Other significant contributors included Jim Lampkins (293 rushing yards, 98 receiving yards); George Telesh (224 rushing yards, 30 receiving yards), Tony Pascal (165 rushing yards), Bob Palmisciano (158 rushing yards), and Al Aragona (87 rushing yards, 100 receiving yards).[12]
Awards and honors
Quarterback Gary Wood was selected as a first-team player on the 1961 All-Ivy League football team. Guard Dave Thomas and back George Telesh were named to the second team. End Ken Hoffman and guard Carmine DiGiacomo received honorable mention.[13]
^McGowen, Deane (October 1, 1961). "Cornell Crushes Colgate, 34 to 0". The New York Times. New York, N.Y. p. S5.
^Strauss, Michael (October 8, 1961). "Harvard Blanks Cornell, 14-0, in Upset; Halaby Scores Twice for Crimson". The New York Times. New York, N.Y. p. S1.
^Danzig, Allison (October 15, 1961). "Navy Eleven Victor over Cornell, 31-7". The New York Times. New York, N.Y. p. S1.
^Danzig, Allison (October 22, 1961). "Yale's Runs Sink Cornell, 12 to 0". The New York Times. New York, N.Y. p. S1.
^Danzig, Allison (October 29, 1961). "Tigers Outscore Cornell in a 30-to-25 Ivy Thriller". The New York Times. New York, N.Y. p. S1.
^Werden, Lincoln A. (November 5, 1961). "Columbia Downs Cornell; Lions Gain 35-7 Victory". The New York Times. New York, N.Y. p. S1.
^"Cornell Routs Brown, 25-0, and Gains First Victory of Ivy League Season". The New York Times. New York, N.Y. Associated Press. November 12, 1961. p. S4.
^Strauss, Michael (November 19, 1961). "Dartmouth Turns Back Cornell, 15-14, with Fourth-Period Passing Attack". The New York Times. New York, N.Y. p. S5.
^White, Gordon S. Jr. (November 26, 1961). "Cornell Trims Penn, 31-0, with Telesh and Lampkins Scoring Twice Each". The New York Times. New York, N.Y. p. S3.
