Hall of Fame
Position: Quarterback
Years: 1910-1914
Place of Birth: Spooner, WI
Date of Birth: Dec 23, 1892
Place of Death: Bedford, VA
Date of Death: Jan 29, 1970
Height: 5-11
Weight: 152
High School: Hayward, WI (Hayward Indian School)
Most of the American Indians brought to Carlisle Institute in the early 1900s lacked the basics for formal education. For many, Carlisle represented their first encounter with classroom studies. So, it was not surprising when Carlisle coach Glenn "Pop" Warner wasted little time in recruiting Gus Welch for his football squad. Welch was a "thinker," one of Carlisle's first honor students, and his quick grasp of the game fit right into Warner's need for a quarterback. Welch became a skilled signal-caller, adept at guiding the Indians with an uncanny feel for the tempo of the team and the game. He was known for his ability to hold the team in check until, at just the right moment, he would catch the enemy defenses off guard. Many people felt Welch, the Carlisle captain would have received far greater acclaim had his talents not been overshadowed by legendary teammate, Jim Thorpe. Welch went on to receive his law degree from Dickinson College and, after a brief professional career playing for the Canton (OH) Bulldogs, he became a college coach. Prior to his death in 1970, Gus Welch had served as Athletic Director at American University in Washington, D.C. Welch played five years at Carlisle, 1910-1914.
