John DeWitt, American football player and hammer thrower (d. 1930)
John Riegel DeWitt (October 29, 1881 – July 28, 1930) was an American athlete, including a legendary college football player. As a track and field athlete, DeWitt competed mainly in the hammer throw. He competed for the United States in the 1904 Summer Olympics held in St. Louis in the hammer throw where he won the silver medal.He was also a prominent guard and kicker for the Princeton Tigers football team. In an attempt to name retroactive Heisman Trophy winners, Dewitt was awarded it for 1903. Walter Camp placed him on an all-time All-America team. One writer calls him Princeton's greatest football player. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1954.
1881Oct, 29
John DeWitt (athlete)
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Events on 1881
- 1Jan
Panama Canal
Ferdinand de Lesseps begins French construction of the Panama Canal. - 16Apr
Bat Masterson
In Dodge City, Kansas, Bat Masterson fights his last gun battle. - 12May
French protectorate of Tunisia
In North Africa, Tunisia becomes a French protectorate. - 21May
Clara Barton
The American Red Cross is established by Clara Barton in Washington, D.C. - 19Nov
Meteorite fall
A meteorite lands near the village of Grossliebenthal, southwest of Odessa, Ukraine.