Harold Ketron
Harold Ketron | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 21, 1879 Clarkesville, Georgia, U.S. |
| Died | December 22, 1946 (aged 67) |
| Occupation(s) | College football player and coach |
| Known for | Early Georgia Bulldogs football player; brought "War Eagle" chant to Auburn Tigers; assistant coach at University of Georgia (1912–1913) |
Harold Wayne "War Eagle" Ketron (July 21, 1879 – December 22, 1946) was an American athlete and coach in the realm of college football.
Early life
Harold Ketron was born in Clarkesville, Georgia to Dr. Irenaus Amelicu Ketron and Roselena McConnell. Raised on a mountainous farm in Habersham County, he and his siblings frequently transformed fields into makeshift sports grounds where they competed in various physical challenges. Ketron is recognized for bringing the War Eagle chant—later embraced by the Auburn Tigers—to Athens during his time at the University of Georgia, a phrase rooted in Habersham vernacular.
University of Georgia
As a prominent member of the Georgia Bulldogs football squad, Ketron is considered among the earliest distinguished players in Georgia’s football history. His style was notably robust and forceful, with contemporary accounts highlighting his fierce approach to the game. His brother, Grover Cleveland Ketron, also played for the Georgia team.
1902
Ketron achieved All-Southern recognition while playing center for the Bulldogs in 1902.
1903
Serving as the sole returning starter and captain of the 1903 Georgia Bulldogs football team, Ketron was described by the Atlanta Constitution as embodying "a whole team in himself."[1] That year, he transitioned from center to tackle.[2]
His dedication was lauded by commentators who claimed no former player rivaled the "War Eagle" in loyalty.[2] Additionally, Ketron played a role in bringing Charley Trippi to the Bulldogs,[3]
Coaching career
Ketron returned to his university as an assistant coach during the 1912 and 1913 seasons.