University of Minnesota Athletics
Sigmund Harris - M Club Hall of Fame
Sigmund Harris
Football, 1902-04
HOF Class of 2007
Sigmund Harris, All-American quarterback for “Doc” Williams’ powerful 1902, 1903 and 1904 Gopher teams, also blocked as a back, punted, returned punts and played defensive safety. Just 145 pounds, he played a crucial role in the 1903 tie with Michigan that launched the Little Brown Jug rivalry.
In the 1902 season, with Harris as QB, Minnesota finished 9-2-1. The following two seasons, Harris called his team’s plays, too, since coaches could not call plays in those early football years.
In 1903, Harris and the Gophers shared the Western Conference title with a 14-0-1 record, out-scoring opponents 618-12.
As a senior, the Iowa native and Minneapolis Central High grad led Minnesota to a 13-0 season and a second consecutive Western Conference co-championship. Only Nebraska scored against the Gophers that year.
After graduation, Harris became Williams’ assistant coach, until 1920. He even subbed as head coach for an ill Williams for a 1922 game. Coach Bernie Bierman summoned him to give Little Brown Jug locker room pep talks to the Gophers before Michigan games during the 1930s.