Bill Reid

Bio

Bill Reid lived and played through brutality early days of mass momentum football. Reid was an outstanding fullback for Harvard just before the turn of century, and later, became the Crimson's head coach. While serving in that capacity, Reid and fellow coaches from Yale, Princeton and Dartmouth were called to Washington, D.C. President Theodore Roosevelt was concerned over the violence in the game and the threats to discontinue the sport. However, during the meeting, Reid urged the Chief Executive to reconsider. He drew up an agreement, signed by all present, directing collegiate football teams to abide by the spirit and letter of the rules. As a player, Reid became the first Harvard player to score two touchdowns against arch rival Yale in a single game. The Crimson was unbeaten through his two varsity seasons and again, in 1901, during his first year as head coach. Reid was a two-time second team All-America in 1898 and 1899. He could not play in 1900 because of a pulled muscle, and he spent the year as Harvard's head cheerleader. He was Harvard's coach in 1901 and 1905-06 with a 30-3-1 record.

Career Highlights

• 1899 Second Team All-America
• 1898 Second Team All-America