Official Football Program – University of Delaware vs. University of Massachusetts

November 8, 1958
University of Delaware Archives and Records Management

Football served as a focal point in campus life during the fall semester, especially during the mid-20th century. Pep rallies were held the night before games, as were dances sponsored by fraternities and other campus organizations. Students, then as now, streamed from campus to the stadium on game day. Football brought together town and gown, as Newark community members, cheerleaders, the mascot (originally a live chicken, now the popular YouDee) the marching band, alumni, and other fans of the Fightin’ Blue Hens gathered to support the team. Through winning seasons, including several National Championships, and those less successful, in all sorts of weather, under coaches like David Nelson, Tubby Raymond and most recently, K. C. Keeler, the Fightin’ Blue Hens created an atmosphere of Delaware pride.