The Indiana State Normal football program's first three seasons of competition were from 1896 to 1898, representing Indiana State Normal School—now known as
Indiana State University—as an independent. The school did not field a team in 1899 or 1900, and resumed play in 1901.[1]
The 1896 Indiana State Normal football team represented Indiana State Normal School—now known as
Indiana State University—as an independent during the
1896 college football season. This was the inaugural team for the school. Indiana State Normal played one game, versus Terre Haute High School; later Terre Haute William Wiley High. Few to no records remain, though it is known the Sycamores lost to the high schoolers. The coach is unknown and the only player known is
Lotus Coffman, future college president.[2]
The 1897 Indiana State Normal football team represented Indiana State Normal School—now known as
Indiana State University—as an independent during the
1897 college football season. The coach was R. Clark; also described as the team manager, the roster consisted of at least 11 lettermen.
The 1898 Indiana State Normal football team represented Indiana State Normal School—now known as
Indiana State University—as an independent during the
1898 college football season. This was the third team fielded by the school. Led by
Fred DuBridge in his first and only season as head coach, Indiana State compiled a record of 1–2. The roster consisted of at least 18 lettermen.
DuBridge, the director of the local
YMCA, spend most of his career managing YMCA facilities; his son
Lee achieved fame as one of the most preeminent scientists of the 20th century.[10]