Russell Aukerman

Albert Russell Aukerman (August 11, 1873 – January 8, 1960)^[1] was an early professional football player-coach for the Latrobe Athletic Association. Prior to that, he was a halfback at Gettysburg College.

Russell Aukerman

Born:	(1873-08-11)August 11, 1873 Altoona, Pennsylvania, U.S.[1]
Died:	January 8, 1960(1960-01-08) (aged 86) Takoma Park, Maryland, U.S.[1]
Career information
Position(s)	Halfback
College	Gettysburg
Career history
As coach
1895	Latrobe Athletic Association
As player
1895	Latrobe Athletic Association
1895	Duquesne Country and Athletic Club
Career highlights and awards
Head coaching record (8–4–0) Gettysburg Hall of Athletic Honor (1990)

Biography

Aukerman entered college in 1893 at the age of twenty. Because of his maturity, he was elected as captain of the football team. He then emerged as one of the premier rushers of his day. Over a three-year period, he generated the winning points in wins over Dickinson, Washington & Jefferson, Franklin College and Marshall University.

He was also an accomplished track athlete for Gettysburg, running the 100- and 200-meter relays and also participating in the long jump.

Auckerman then left school to become a physical instructor at the Latrobe A.A., and was subsequently picked to be the team's first head coach in 1895. He formed what became one of the first professional football teams and is credited with scoring the first professional touchdown, with John Brallier in a game against the Jeannette Athletic Club.

Aukerman also played pro football for the Duquesne Country and Athletic Club for two games in 1895 at Exposition Park.

Legacy

Aukerman was elected into the Gettysburg College Hall of Athletic Honor in 1990.

References

1. "A. R. Aukerman, Athletic Leader, Buried in D. C.". Altoona Mirror. Altoona, PA. January 11, 1960. p. 20.

• Gettysburg College HOF profile
• Riffenburgh, Beau & Bob Carroll (1989). "The Birth of Pro Football" (PDF). Coffin Corner. 11 (Annual). Professional Football Researchers Association: 1–30. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 27, 2010.
• Van Atta, Robert (1980). "Latrobe, PA: Cradle of Pro Football" (PDF). Coffin Corner. 2 (Annual). Professional Football Researchers Association: 1–21. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 26, 2009.
• Van Atta, Robert (1981). "The Early Years of Pro Football in Southwestern Pennsylvania" (PDF). Coffin Corner. 3 (Annual). Professional Football Researchers Association: 1–21. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 26, 2009.