Kipke, Harry G., 1899-1972.

Football player at University of Michigan, later coach of the football team.

From the description of Harry G. Kipke papers, 1917-1938. (University of Michigan). WorldCat record id: 34423321

Kipke was born March 26, 1899 in Lansing, Michigan. As a high school athlete, Kipke earned thirteen letters, four each in football, basketball and football, and one in track. Entering the University of Michigan in 1921, Kipke became Michigan's first nine letter man as he won three Varsity awards in football, basketball and baseball. As a football player, he excelled as a halfback and as the team's punter. In 1922, he earned a place on Walter Camp's All-American team and in 1923 was selected captain of the Michigan squad.

Graduating from the University in 1924, Kipke took a position at the University of Missouri as head baseball and assistant football coach but returned to Michigan the following year as an assistant coach in football, basketball and baseball. After three years in these capacities, he accepted the post as head football coach at Michigan State College, but stayed only one season, then returned to the University of Michigan as head football coach.

Head coach from 1929 to 1937 compiled a 46-26-4 overall record and a 27-21-2 record in conference games. After finishing 8th the conference in1929, Kipke's teams won or shared the conference title from 1930-1933 and were named national champions in 1932 and 1933.

Thereafter, his teams began losing, managing just a 6-18 overall record and winning only two conference games from 1934 to 1937. Following the 1937 season Kipke was dismissed and replaced by Herbert O. "Fritz" Crisler.

Kipke then began a long career with the Coca-Cola company and also served as regent of the University of Michigan, 1940-1947. Kipke was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1958.

He died September 14, 1972.

From the guide to the Harry G. Kipke papers, 1917-1938, (Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan)