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University Daily Kansan Thursday, Sept. 12. 1957
MIXING IT UP—Kansas Jayhawkers see first action of the season in Memorial Stadium Saturday as first stringers win.
HERE'S HOW TO DO IT—Chuck Mather shows his team how it's done.
LONBORG LOOKS ON—Dutch takes in scrimmage.
LET ME AT EM COACH—Members of the Jayhawker team watch from the bench during Saturday's scrimmage.
Mather Thinks Chances Good For KU Squad
With nine days of practice under their belts and the Sept. 21 opener with Texas Christian rapidly approaching, coach Chuck Mather sounded a note of optimism about the 1957 Jayhawker football prospects.
"At this point we have progressed further than we have before since I have been coach at KU." Mather said. "I am very enthused about the way the boys are rounding into condition and about the way they played during the first full week of practice."
"We are still a long way from being a sound football team." Mather explained, "but with added practice I'm sure we will improve."
Mather said that only a few of the boys reported overweight with the large majority of the sound reporting for the first practice ready to play.
KU halted their twice-a-day workouts yesterday and will start the regular one-a-day practices today. Mather said today would be spent in smoothing up the offensive plays that have been presented thus far, while Friday's practice will be a review of the defense. Saturday another full scale serimmae will be held in Memorial Stadium.
Several spots on the first team are still in doubt. Walt Schmidt, a junior from East Greenville, Pa., has taken over the No.1 center spot while John Wertzberger is nursing a sore shoulder. Wertzberger is expected to move up again when he is available. Bill Burnison, center on last year's freshman team, is also expected to see some duty.
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"Gibson is doing an exceptionally good job," Mather said. "He looks like he will be a strong contender for Big Eight first team all-conference honors."
A 3-way fight has developed for the two guard positions on the first unit. Chet Vanatta, Bob Kraus, and Tom Russell are in the thick of the fight. Paul Swoboda, Dick Rohlf, and Bill Blasi are also improving fast.
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Ron Claiborne, Tom Horner, Ed Prelock, and Jim Hull are still battling for the other tackle spot. Mather said he would pick the other starter from these four. He also said that John Montgomery and Don Hermick, two sophomores, show considerable promise.
Frank Gibson appears to be holding down one of the tackle positions
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H. C. Palmer appears to have a strong hold on the left end position with John Peppercorn to back him up. Jim Letcvits, Dale Rembsberg and Grant Miller are fighting for the No. 1 spot on the right side.
The quarterback position has two capable men to handle the job. Wally Strauch, the league's leading passer last year, and Bob Marshall will probably share the duties. Mather also pointed out that Larry McKown, a junior from Oil City has shown considerable progress at the quarterback spot and is expected to see some duty.
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Feller Brightens Picture
The return of Don Feller, who played as a freshman in 1951, has made the fullback position especially bright.
DeWitt Lewis is currently running in the No. 2 spot at fullback, although David Harris, a sophomore product from Washington D. C., is pressing him for the job.
"Feller is learning the plays very quickly and fits in very nicely on our team." Mather said. "I am sure he will be one of the outstanding backs in the conference."
Homer Floyd is almost a cinch to open the season at left half. His running mate on the right side is expected to be Charlie McCue.
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"McCue is looking even better than last year." Mather said.
Merritt Behind Flovd
Buddy Merritt is currently running in the No. 2 spot behind Floyd, but is expected to get a battle from Bobby Robinson and John Traylor. Mother said that Larry Carrier was playing outstanding football at right half. He is holding down the No. 2 spot with John Francisco and Charles Lukinae battling for the third and fourth positions.