Over the Decades: The 1950s

1950s

Columbus Dons football was launched in 1950 under Marty Crowe. The ‘50s proved to be the most tumultuous decade for the program—five coaches, four straight losing seasons, the longest winning streak in school history, and a 10-year record just over .500.

Crowe began Dons football in 1950 with all underclassmen. QB Paul Umhoefer’s 238 yards passing in a single game along with his 15 completions in another contest are marks that still stand.

Highlights of the decade included a 17-game win streak, the school’s initial CWCC crown, and Marshfield’s first-ever All-State performer, guard John Kampine (1951). Two of the top five all-time scoring leaders played in this decade of eight-game seasons, end Jim Moscinski and running back Russ Truhlar. Truhlar was the only Don ever selected for All-CWCC honors three times.

Four consecutive losing seasons (1952-1955) never occurred again. The 53-0 loss to La Crosse Central in 1953 ended up being the worst in school history.

Before becoming a legendary Marshfield sportscaster and radio executive, Jack Hackman was a star running back at Pittsville’s Maryheart High School. Prior to Columbus’ fourth game in the inaugural 1950 season, he contracted polio and the game was cancelled.

The improbable 1950 win in St. Paul, against St. St. Agnes, was the first Dons come-from-behind victory.

Thorp QB Don Soderberg led his 1956 team to victory over the Dons at Beell Stadium with a 215-yard passing performance. It would not be the last time a Soderberg signal-caller would defeat Columbus.