Historical Marker at Spartan Stadium

Article taken from The Portsmouth Daily Times, Monday, October 6, 2003

Although Spartan Stadium was the subject of Sunday's ceremony, the focus was Glenn Presnell. Presnell, a former Portsmouth Spartan and Detroit Lion, is the only living player from Portsmouth's NFL team, now the Lions. Before the unveiling of the Ohio Historical Socety marker at the stadium, a battery of speakers recalled Spartans history while congratulation the city and Presnell.

Topping the list was U.S. Rep. Ted Strickland, as well as Portsmouth Mayor Greg Bauer, Ohio Rep. Todd Book and Bud Sayre, who read a proclamation from Ohio Sen. Doug White. Equally as impressive as the Panel of speakers were those who sent their wishes through the mail.

NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue, Detroit Lions coach Steve Mariucci and Pro Football Hall of Fame Executive Director John Bankert all addressed leters to Presnell, which were read aloud.

"Please accept my congradulations on this monumental day," Tagliabue's letter began. "...We join you in saluting one of the NFL's early stadiums still in use today."

Opened in 1930, Spartan Stadium was originally called Universal Stadium. The NFL's first night game was played there in 1930, when the Spartans met the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Now home to the Portsmouth Trojans, Universal Stadium was renamed in 1970.

Mariucci paid respects to Presnell, who kicked a 54-yard field goal ---- an NFL record for 19 years ---- and southern Ohio, the "cradle of football."

"On behalf of William Clay Ford and the Detroit Lions, I salute," he said. "The NFL is indebted (for your role in aiding) the sport we love. You have established a legacy is the sole purpose of the Portsmouth Spartans Historical Society, a group dedicated to preserving the memory of Portsmouth's NFL team and getting Presnell into the Hall of Fame.

An addition to the legacy was announced Sunday. In honor of Presnell and his wife, Mary a scholarship has been established at Shawnee State University. Donations were solicited at the ceremony.

"We would like today to be a starting point," said PSHS member Paul Flaugher. "The scholarship is our way to recognize them."

Chris Willis, of NFL Films, was the keynote speaker. Originally from Columbus, Willis is and archivist with a special interest in the Spartans and the early day of the NFL.

"Usually I am working on Sundays, but this is how I spend my vacation, talking about early prefessional football," Willis said "Being a fan of the early days, I am enthusiatic about today. The stadium is remarkable, and it is even better that it continues to be used today."

The ultimate goal for most of the speakers is getting Presnell enshrined in teh Hall of Fame. Bankert has offered verbal support of Presnell and his candidacy in the past, but the things are working on mostly a grassroots level now.

Petitions are online to get Presnell on the veterans ballot for enshrinement at www.portsmouthspartans.org and www.brownsbacker.cc.

Although feeling faint, Presnell addressed the modest crowd.

"I'm very happy to be here at this age," the 98-year-old said. "I have many fond recollections of this stadium."

He recalled the days of a different NFL.

"I remember the old wooden dressing room at the end of the stadium," Presnell said. "Sometimes we had to brush snow off the seats so we could sit down and get dressed.

"I played with snow on the field, but there were some days so hot you could fry an egg on the 50-yard line."

In place for more than 50 years, the OHS marker program has grown from humble beginnings to include more than 900 statewide. The Bicentennial Commission has been key in expanding the effort.

"This is a greater tribute to all who have played here before," OHS representative Brad Long said.