Hall of Fame
Position: End/Guard
Years: 1893-1896
Place of Birth: Hawley, PA
Date of Birth: Dec 24, 1871
Place of Death: Philadelphia, PA
Date of Death: Jan 16, 1936
Height: 5-9
Weight: 170
High School: Scranton, PA (Lackawanna HS)
Charlie Gelbert - height, 5-9; weight, 170 - was called "The Miracle Man" because he did so much with so little. He was a four-year starter for Pennsylvania. Walter Camp named him All-America end in 1894, 1895, 1896. He played guard in the "guards back" play devised by his coach, George Woodruff. The guards would drop into the backfield and lead interference for the ball carrier. He was recognized for his sharp blocking and tackling. In his last three seasons Pennsylvania went 12-0, 14-0, 14-1 and had a 34-game winning streak. In Gelbert's four varsity seasons Penn outscored its opponents 1,594 to 130. Jack Kofoed, writing in the Philadelphia Record in 1912, named Gelbert to his all-time All-America team. Gelbert graduated in 1899 from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. He practiced as a veterinarian until his death. Charles S. Gelbert was born December 24, 1871, at Hawley, Pennsylvania he died January 16, 1936, at Philadelphia. His son, Charles M. Gelbert, was a major league baseball player 1929-1940, a shortstop for the Cardinals, Reds, Tigers, Senators and Red Sox.
