Billy Wasmund

William Stephen Wasmund (December 1887 – October 4, 1911) was an American football player and coach.

Billy Wasmund
Biographical details
BornDecember 1887
Michigan
DiedOctober 4, 1911(1911-10-04) (aged 23)
Austin, Texas
Playing career
1907–1909Michigan
Position(s)Quarterback
Coaching career (HC unless noted)
1910Texas
Head coaching record
Overall6–2

Wasmund was born in December 1887 in Michigan. His father, Lebrecht Wasmund, was a stone contractor born in Germany.[1] Wasmund attended Lafayette College where he played fullback for the school's college football team for two years.[2] Wasmund's play at Lafayette attracted the attention of Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan. Wasmund transferred to Michigan where Yost developed him into a quarterback. Wasmund was the Wolverines' starting quarterback for three years, from 1907 to 1909.[2]

Wasmund at Michigan

In 1910, the University of Texas asked Yost to recommend a coach for the Texas varsity football team, and Wasmund was hired on Yost's recommendation.[2] Wasmund led the Longhorns to a 6–2 record in 1910, and he was rehired to return as head coach in 1911.[3] On October 1, 1911, six days before the opening game of the 1911 season, Wasmund fell from the second-story window of the apartment where he was living near the University of Texas campus. Wasmund was rendered unconscious by the fall and received bruises to his hands, arms and hips, a deep gash on the forehead and deep cuts on both legs. He regained consciousness Sunday afternoon, but died three days after his fall. Wasmund was known to be a somnambulist, and it is thought that he walked through the window while sleep-walking. Death resulted from a rupture of the bladder and peritonitis. Wasmund was 23 years old at the time of his death.[2]

Head coaching record
Year Team Overall ConferenceStanding Bowl/playoffs
Texas Longhorns (Independent) (1910)
1910 Texas 6–2
Texas: 6–2
Total:6–2

References
  1. Ancestry.com. 1900 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Census Place: Detroit Ward 13, Wayne, Michigan; Roll: T623_752; Page: 8B; Enumeration District: 145.
  2. "Wasmund's Fall Results in Death: University of Texas Football Coach Succumbs to Injuries Sustained While Walking in His Sleep". San Antonio Light. October 5, 1911.
  3. "University of Texas Head Coaches". Mack Brown Texas Football. Archived from the original on 2009-12-09.

Further reading
  • Blair, Sam (September 4, 1992). "Building a Dynasty: Wasmund faithful to the end". Dallas Morning News.
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