Hall of Fame
Position: Halfback
Years: 1928-1930
Place of Birth: Harrisburg, PA
Date of Birth: Nov 25, 1904
Place of Death: Dallas, OR
Date of Death: Apr 26, 1986
Jersey Number: 40
Height: 6-0
Weight: 165
High School: Harrisburg, PA (Tech HS)\rCornwall on the Hudson, NY \r(New York Military)
If anyone ever doubted the importance of a recruiter's impact upon a player, the story of John Kitzmiller should prove convincing. From Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Kitzmiller had his heart set on a football career at West Point and was particularly impressed with Army coach John McEwan. Just when Kitzmiller was about to enter West Point, McEwan was lured to the head coaching position at Oregon. Without hesitation, Kitzmiller followed him and the two brought the Ducks into national prominence. The 6-0, 165 pound "Flying Dutchman" was a triple threat artist with uncanny tactical abilities. In his career, Oregon would win 23 of 30 games over three seasons. Kitzmiller's warm sense of humor sealed a close bond between him and his coach, and Kitzmiller relished in repeating a McEwan jest which went: "Kitz can do all eight things, perfectly, required of a great back. In fact, the kid has only one weakness. He can't read!" Kitzmiller would laugh heartily over that one, particularly since McEwan doubled as his English professor. Following graduation, Kitzmiller played a season of pro football with the New York Giants. He served as an Army Air Force Captain in India during World War II, then settled down to establish his own manufacturing company in Oregon's Willamette Valley.
