University of Minnesota Athletics
William Bevan - M Club Hall of Fame
William Arnold Bevan
Football - 1933-34
Hall of Fame Class of 2006
All-American Bill Bevan was used to winning. His undefeated streak started at St. Paul Central High School and ended when the Chicago Bears defeated his College All-Stars in 1935. After attending Oregon his freshman year, Bevan started at guard for the Golden Gophers and his tenacious play contributed to Minnesota’s undefeated seasons in 1933 and 1934.
One of four consensus All-Americans in 1934, Bevan played on one of the greatest collegiate football teams of the 1930s, Minnesota’s first national championship team of 1934. He was also selected All-Conference in 1933 and 1934. Post-season selection committees noted that Bevan was the “sparkplug of the Gopher team. Big, quick and powerful, he carried a slashing charge that was hard to stop. A savage workman in every phase of play and a hot-shot at kicking points after...touchdowns. He was always in the thick of the fight, enjoying it thoroughly. His intelligent, effective play at guard, both on attack and defense, in game after game, make him, ... an easy choice for an all-America berth.”
He was regarded as one of the toughest players in the nation. Coach Bernie Bierman said, “He never hit his stride until he was kicked in the face.” His scarred face reflected that, as he was one of the last major college football players to play without a helmet. Bevan also kicked off and was one of the best drop kickers of his time, scoring 38 points on extra points.
Not only did he excel in football, Bevan channeled his toughness into a conference light-heavy weight boxing championship title. Despite being declared ineligible for the 1935 season because he played freshman football at Oregon, Bevan was elected the alternate captain for the 1935 Gopher team that won the school’s second national championship.
Following his career at the University of Minnesota, Bevan coached at Iowa State, Tulane, Dartmouth and Pittsburgh before joining the U.S. Army where he served as a lieutenant colonel from 1941 to 1947. Although he turned to business after the service, Bevan continued to coach at the Minnesota High School All-Star Game and spent time as a volunteer coach at Chisago City, Shattuck, and Carlton College. Bevan passed away in 1975.
Football - 1933-34
Hall of Fame Class of 2006
All-American Bill Bevan was used to winning. His undefeated streak started at St. Paul Central High School and ended when the Chicago Bears defeated his College All-Stars in 1935. After attending Oregon his freshman year, Bevan started at guard for the Golden Gophers and his tenacious play contributed to Minnesota’s undefeated seasons in 1933 and 1934.One of four consensus All-Americans in 1934, Bevan played on one of the greatest collegiate football teams of the 1930s, Minnesota’s first national championship team of 1934. He was also selected All-Conference in 1933 and 1934. Post-season selection committees noted that Bevan was the “sparkplug of the Gopher team. Big, quick and powerful, he carried a slashing charge that was hard to stop. A savage workman in every phase of play and a hot-shot at kicking points after...touchdowns. He was always in the thick of the fight, enjoying it thoroughly. His intelligent, effective play at guard, both on attack and defense, in game after game, make him, ... an easy choice for an all-America berth.”
He was regarded as one of the toughest players in the nation. Coach Bernie Bierman said, “He never hit his stride until he was kicked in the face.” His scarred face reflected that, as he was one of the last major college football players to play without a helmet. Bevan also kicked off and was one of the best drop kickers of his time, scoring 38 points on extra points.
Not only did he excel in football, Bevan channeled his toughness into a conference light-heavy weight boxing championship title. Despite being declared ineligible for the 1935 season because he played freshman football at Oregon, Bevan was elected the alternate captain for the 1935 Gopher team that won the school’s second national championship.
Following his career at the University of Minnesota, Bevan coached at Iowa State, Tulane, Dartmouth and Pittsburgh before joining the U.S. Army where he served as a lieutenant colonel from 1941 to 1947. Although he turned to business after the service, Bevan continued to coach at the Minnesota High School All-Star Game and spent time as a volunteer coach at Chisago City, Shattuck, and Carlton College. Bevan passed away in 1975.