Rutgers University. Division of Intercollegiate Athletics.

The Centennial Football Game Committee was formed at Rutgers University in 1968 as a result of the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the first "official" collegiate football contest between Rutgers and Princeton University on November 6, 1869. In 1969, Albert W. Twitchell was the University Athletic Director and was thus instrumental in the planning and development of the activities and events that would commemorate this historic event at Rutgers. Under Twitchell, the Committee worked with Princeton University to schedule a centennial game, which would be played on September 27, 1969. They also were involved in the planning of various events, which took place over a two day period including a reenactment of the original game between Rutgers and Princeton, a centennial dinner and awards ceremony and a centennial parade. Another event which took place the day before the game was a ceremony to introduce a stamp, issued by the US Postal Service, in commemoration of the centennial college football season. The committee was involved in correspondence with advertisers, event participants, and the press through out the planning aspects of the events. The game was a national event, attended by and various celebrities and major political figures, and covered heavily by both local and national press. The game itself was played on September 27, 1969. Rutgers defeated visiting Princeton University 29-0.

From the description of Records of the Rutgers University Centennial Football Game Committee, 1967-1971. (Rutgers University). WorldCat record id: 767568146

Albert W. Twitchell was captain of the football team and an All-American in lacrosse prior to graduating in 1935. In 1947, he returned to Rutgers to join the lacrosse and football coaching staffs, becoming the lacrosse head coach in 1950. Additionally, he became the assistant athletic director in 1952. In 1961, he replaced Harry J. Rockafeller as Rutgers' Director of Athletics. Twitchell remained as athletic director until 1973 when he was replaced by longtime assistant Frederick E. Gruninger.

From the description of Records of the Rutgers University Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, 1931-1977, 1962-1974 (bulk). (Rutgers University). WorldCat record id: 767568309

The history of Rutgers University athletics is a significant one. The school hosted and won the first-ever collegiate football game (against Princeton) in 1869, priming the way for future participation and excellence in various collegiate sports. Albert W. Twitchell was involved in athletics in many ways. A native of Dedham, Massachusetts, he was captain of the football team and was an All-American in lacrosse prior to graduating in 1935. In 1947 he returned to his alma mater to join the lacrosse and football coaching staffs, becoming the lacrosse head coach in 1950. Additionally, he became the assistant athletic director in 1952. In 1961 he was named to replace Harry J. Rockafeller as Rutgers' Director of Athletics. He preserved the school's undefeated football season that year, by curiously rejecting at least two informal Bowl bids. Another eventful year was 1967, when Twitchell was inducted into the Lacrosse Hall of Fame, but then had to deal with Rutgers athletics being placed on probation while under his watch. An academic violation prohibited Rutgers from participating in championship sports events for a period of eight months. The year 1969 marked the 100th anniversary of the first collegiate football game, and for the occasion Twitchell arranged home games against Navy and original foe Princeton. Twitchell would remain as athletic director until 1973. After refusing to resign, he was dismissed and replaced by longtime assistant Frederick E. Gruninger. After his dismissal, he became a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee and directed the sports administration program at Miami's Biscayne College.

From the guide to the Inventory to the Records of the Rutgers University Director of Intercollegiate Athletics (Albert W. Twitchell), 1931-1977, 1962-1974 (bulk), (Rutgers University Libraries. Special Collections and University Archives.)