Brandon University Dick and Verda McDonald Sports Wall of Fame
1950-51 College Caps Football Team The athletic landscape at Brandon College entered exciting territory in 1950-51 when football was first introduced as a major sport on campus. It marked the first time in 15 years that organized football was played in the city of Brandon and brought the college into the sporting spotlight in western Manitoba.
Former Athletic Director Dr. E.J. 'Curly' Tyler and senior men's representative Johnny MacLean led the way off the field in helping organize the team and working with the Brandon business community to obtain equipment.
On the field, coach Al Tyler embraced the opportunity of building the team from the ground up. It started at square one as he taught the players the basic fundamentals of the game with only five of them having any experience. Coach Tyler had a short window to groom his team for the season and his player's rose to the occasion.
History was made under the lights of Kinsmen Stadium when the Caps made their first appearance a successful one as they defeated the highly tested Dauphin Aristocrats 27-0.
Brandon continued their winning ways with 22-6 victory over the Moosomin Badgers followed by a rematch in Dauphin against the Aristocrats. The Caps overcame a first quarter deficit to defeat Dauphin 52-12.
The biggest challenge was against the Portage Plainsmen, who boasted a strong lineup of veteran players. The Caps prevailed 18-0 to finish the season undefeated.
