Other Members of the 1931 Championship Squad

Finding statistical data from 1931 has not been easy task, but I was able to learn a little more about the athletes who played alongside Joseph Reiff as the ‘Cats went 16-1 from the Biographical Dictionary of American Sports. Coach Dutch Lonborg’s team was characterized by large athletic players. The 6-3 Reiff at center was the primary scorer for the ‘Cats leading the team with 123 points in 12 league games. That average of just over 10 ppg was enough to lead the league in scoring. Alongside Reiff in the front court for the ‘Cats were forwards Robert McCarnes and Bert Riel. Both men were also known for their size and athletic skill. Riel served as the team captain. In the backcourt the Wildcats featured guards Frank Marshall and Arthur Smith. With that squad the Wildcats were able to beat Notre Dame twice (always a nice thing to do), the University of Alabama (which must have taken a long train trip), and Bradley University. The Wildcats also won 11 of the team’s 12 league games. Those wins, according to the Helms Foundation, were enough to rate the Wildcats National Champs. So, I again ask Northwestern’s Athletic Department to acknowledge that accomplishment and recognize the efforts of Riel, Reiff, and their teammates.


I want to thank wildcatreport.com poster streamsofwhiskey who is this thread posted pictures of the banner’s Kansas and North Carolina have for their Helms Foundation National Champs. Also, I want to think everyone who so far has voted in the poll or signed the petition. It is great to see some names I recognize from both my time at NU and my home town on the list. Now, let’s all encourage our follow alums and NU supports who have not signed to do so. 10,000 signatures might be a little to lofty of a goal, but I’d like to get 500 or 1,000 before I send it along to NU.

News and Notes: NU's ACC/Big Ten Challenge game vs NC State will be on ESPNU. Here's hoping that Comcast and ESPN finish their deal to get ESPNU onto Comcast systems by that time.