Hall of Fame
At six feet, two inches tall and 220 pounds, John Schmidt was one of the biggest and most physical players around in the early years of Macalester football.
Schmidt came to Macalester in 1908 from the small southern Minnesota community of Blue Earth, and quickly became an important member of the football squad. In fact, the University of Minnesota tried to persuade him to transfer, but his heart was with the Scots.
Schmidt was the biggest and best player on the line, which was considered the strength of the team. According to the student yearbook, "The Macalester line was conceded to bet the strongest, from tackle to tackle, in the state in college football...Big Schmidt held the line together and was the most aggressive forwards in the state, as well as a solid defensive player."
"Big Schmidt" helped the football program make tremendous strides. The school had not fielded a team in 1906 and 1907, and struggled without winning a game during 1908 and 1909, his first two seasons on varsity. In 1910, the Scots gained a tie with Pillsbury.
A team captain in his senior year, Schmidt helped the Scots upset Hamline, the strongest team in the state. The 9-3 win in the season finale was one of Macalester's most important victories in the early years of college football. It was Mac's first win of any kind in six years.
Schmidt was active in the Hyperion Society and was president of his senior class. Following graduation, he taught science and coached. In 1920, he moved to Omaha Central High School where he coached football until 1927 and track from 1920 to 1945. His teams won three Nebraska track championships. He passed away in 1949.
