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Show Football The University of Utah football team turned in a winning season and a respectable tie for second place in the Western Athletic Conference in 1966. Renovation was the key word for this football season with a newly remodeled stadium, modern new press box facilities and student block seating to greet the totally renovated Redskin football team. Under the direction of new head coach Mike Giddings, formerly with the nationally ranked USC Trojans, a brand of wide open football was developed with a stingy defense and a gambling offense that kept the fans holding on to their new stadium seats. Many stars made up this "pride and guts" team. Led on defense by All-American candidates John Stipech and Pat McKissick with Al White, Rich Tate of Utah basketball fame and Jerry Pullman in the defensive secondary and quarterback Jack Gehrke, halfback Ben Woodson and ends Terry Baker, Gene Cabading and Bob Trumpy on offense, the hardworking Utes made this a great 5-5 season. It all started with an impressive come from behind win over Oregon State by virtue of Jack Gehrke's running and passing and Rich Tate's end zone interception. Then came Washington State and our first look at the Cinderella team. Once again Gehrke's leadership combined with the fine running of Ben Woodson and Terry Baker's breathtaking touchdown pass reception in the closing seconds to bag an exciting home victory. A week later the high-flying Utes invaded Laramie to give the WAC champion Wyoming team a close fought game until the fourth quarter when Wyoming exploded for a lopsided victory and saddle sores for Cowboy Joe. The Homecoming game against New Mexico boosted spirits in the Utah wigwam, but at the expense of aching eardrums as the Army ROTC cannon rocked the stadium with every score. New Mexico fell handily before the Indian attack 27-0. Two midseason victories were claimed away from home as Utah travelled to Arizona. At Tucson quarterback Mark Reed, his team trailing by 5 points, had the Utes against the wall but was defeated by the clock as Rich Tate knocked down three goal line passes to ice the game for the Redskins. 155 |
