Hall of Fame
This team, 26-men strong, won all eight contests it played in 1940 by the unbelievable combined score of 273-27. Coach Rome Rankin's Maroons shutout five of the eight opponents and held two other foes to just one touchdown.
Highlights of the season included a 20-0 win over Illinois State, a 39-0 victory over Arkansas State and a 35-0 decision over Northern Illinois to begin the season. Eastern closed that magical season with a 25-0 win over Central Michigan and a 48-0 drubbing of Bowling Green.
Team members included Al Dressman, end Ber Rasnick, Bill Cross, Bill Hickman, Bob Goosens, Bob Mowat, two-time All-American halfback Chuck Schuster, Cliff Tinnell, Francis Haas, Frank Flanagan, All-American tackle Fred Darling, George Ordick, Harold Yinger, Joe Bill Siphers, All-American quarterback Spider Thurman, Kenneth Perry, Larry Lehman, Nelson Gordon, Ora Tussey, tackle Ralph Darling, Roy Buchaus, fullback Ted Benedett, halfback Travis Combs, Walter Grob and Walter Mayer.
Spider Thurman was the quarterback for this team and received Little All-American honors while also being selected to the All-Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference two seasons and being chosen KIAC Most Valuable Player his senior year. This team also featured the "Harlan County Backfield" which included halfback Bob Mowat, blocking back Travis "Tater" Combs, freshman quarterback Joe Bill Siphers and starting QB Spider Thurman.
