Lane Bridgford, Knox Class of 1920, was a standout member of the 1919 Knox College football team. The team was inducted into the Knox-Lombard Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009.
More than 100 years after his playing career, Bridgford is still in the Knox top-10 performers in a dozen categories. He is first in extra points in a game (9); fourth in most total points in a game (27); fourth in career total points (180); fourth in extra points attempted in a season (33); sixth in total points in a season (95); tied for sixth in touchdowns in a season (12); tied for sixth in career touchdowns (26); and eighth in extra points made in a season (23). He also has the second longest fumble return (85 yards); 10th longest punt return (55 yards); and 10th longest interception return (60 yards) in school history. He was the leader in career touchdowns until 1989, a record that stood for 70 years. He was in the top 4 in nine of the previous categories in 1969, 50 years after his final game.
The 1921 Gale stated, “For three years ‘Bridge’ has been a star on the Knox eleven. Last year he captained the S.A.T.C. team and his appearance on the Knox field again this fall was a most welcome one. As a half back ‘Bridge’ ranks among the best of the state and has been mentioned for ‘All State’ honors. Fast on his feet, he delighted in end runs which were generally good for twenty to twenty-five yards. We hate to see ‘Bridge’ leave as we know his place at left half back will be hard to fill.”
Bridgford was voted onto the Illinois All-State team along with teammates Adolph “Ziggy” Hamblin, Bertram Bennett, and Freeman “Fatty” Campbell. Hamblin and Bennett along with Coach Sam Barry are also members of the Knox-Lombard Athletic Hall of Fame.
The 1919 football team is the only undefeated team in school history. The “Purple and Gold” demolished their competition by a margin of 295-7 for the season. The only score the team allowed was on a fluke play in which a punt hit a Knox player before it bounced into a Lake Forest player’s hands who ran 30 yards for a touchdown.
“Lane Bridgford is without a doubt the best Knox football player that no one has ever heard of,” said Knox football historian Tom Crabtree. “His election to the Hall of Fame is long overdue.”
Following his career at Knox, Bridgford played two years in the National Football League (NFL) for the Rock Island Independents.
***Story and photo courtesy of Knox College***
