Jack (third from left) and the All-American 1947 backfield [Bentley Library]

Jack Weisenberger Has Passed Away Comment Count

Seth March 25th, 2019 at 8:18 PM

Awful news this evening: I just learned former Mad Magician Jack Weisenberger is gone. Jack was the spinning fullback, meaning the guy who takes the snaps and does most of the passing, for Michigan's National Championship winning 1947 team, sharing a backfield with fellow stars Howard Yerges, Bob Chappuis, and Bump Elliott.

I had the privilege to interview him few years ago after his family friend, a member of our community, made the introduction. The part that sticks out to me the most from that interview is when I asked Jack what he remembers best about his time in Michigan: It was the train ride to the Rose Bowl, playing cards with his teammates. I keep a playing card on my desk, a jack of clubs I happened to be flipping around with when I was on the phone with him, as a reminder that all of these helmeted shapes throughout history were just young dudes doing a thing. Jack was a delightful person, the greatest teammate, and the proudest alumnus of his university.

Comments

mp2

March 25th, 2019 at 8:53 PM ^

Senior year of high school I joined the quiz bowl team. I regret not doing it earlier. My favorite part was playing euchre on the bus to tournaments. 

SBGraves66

March 26th, 2019 at 12:28 PM ^

Unfortunately, that Rose Bowl film clip doesn't show UM's most deceptive play . . the 'Buck Lateral'.

The play would start with Weisenberger doing his spin fake with Chappius.  Then he would run towards the line and hand the ball off to Yerkes, who had spun around and was standing with his back to the LOS.

Yerkes could then pitch the ball back to the wingback, Bump Elliott, who would then be running a wide sweep reverse . . OR

Yerkes could throw a backwards pass to Chappius, who after his spin fake with Jack had run out to a spot 5 or 10 yards outside the strong side end.

Chappius then had the option of running with it, or throwing a pass - usually deep to someone like No. 41, Gene Dericotti, a tremendous athlete.  (See Rose Bowl Clip)

I'll bet you're thinking 'There's no way this thing could work', but it did.  The defensive players were so completely confused that it usually resulted in a big chunk play, and/or a TD.

 

mlax27

March 25th, 2019 at 9:26 PM ^

My favorite memories were stretching before practice, just listening to whatever shenanigans my teammates were up to that day. As dumb as that may sound.

You Only Live Twice

March 25th, 2019 at 10:29 PM ^

Young people realizing their promise and potential, having a good time in the process.

Nicely captured Seth!

bluewings

March 25th, 2019 at 11:45 PM ^

High school football. The drives back in the coach bus everyone eating their lunches and talking with friends. Was so much fun. Or after home games getting hotdogs and pizza and knowing where the party was that Friday night. 

victors2000

March 26th, 2019 at 3:33 AM ^

Thus passes one of the foundations of Michigan lore. RIP Jack; one more rousing rendition of the Victors as the train pulls away from the station one last time! Go Blue, forever...

yossarians tree

March 26th, 2019 at 9:27 AM ^

It's funny in your mind you picture these guys as your grandfather but at the time they were just young men, most of whom had probably never even kissed a girl. Nice write up Seth.

Mike Damone

March 26th, 2019 at 9:52 AM ^

Jack Weisenberger was a great guy.  He actually gave me my first couple of golf lessons when I was around 8 years old, and told me a couple good stories of his days as a player.  He had a wonderful family, many friends, and treated all those around him well and with respect.  And he loved Michigan - was Maize n Blue to the core.

Thanks for everything, Mr. Weisenberger.  RIP...