The Minneapolis Star from Minneapolis, Minnesota • Page 35

Van Brocklin Places High in All Viking Qualifications BEING a very gifted player and a capable executive and organizer. RECOGNIZED as a "player-coach" with the NFL championship Eagles this year. "I say coach," said Boyer, "because I believe it is generally understood within the league that Van Brocklin was partly responsible for the offensive strength of Philadelphia the past season." Then he added; "We were looking for a leader and we've found one." General manager Bert Rose said, "We need his leadership. This is a new team in a tough league. We believe Van can give us that." Said Max Winter, vice president: "You can liken Van Brocklin to Jack Dempsey.

The young players will idolize him and the older members will respect him." H. P. Skoglund, treasurer, revealed that he was not "sold" on Van Brocklin after he made a special trip to the coast to interview him. "I was impressed by his personality and knew him as a but I wasn't so sure about the coaching angle. "Then I talked to some of his former Ram teammates and they all spoke very highly of him.

We found out that he was a leader, that he was an untiring worker and that he wanted to devote all his time to being a coach. Not a player-coach as in the Philadelphia offer." Rose revealed that when he had dinner with Van Brocklin in Philadelphia prior to the season's end "we were together five hours and didn't once mention the Viking job. "I had hoped that he would say something, but ho didn't." When Rose heard that Van Brocklin had decided definitely to retire as a player and was interested in coaching, he contacted officials of the Eagles. He asked permission to negotiate with Van Brocklin if the Eagles did not hire their retiring quarterback. An exchange of telegrams specified that Van Brocklin could only be considered as a coach and not a player-coach.

Then the Dutchman rejected the offer Philadelphia made, and Rose started conversations with him. Wednesday morning the field was narrowed down to two candidates after Bud Grant announced he was not a candidate. The selection of Van Brocklin followed. The selection of Norm Van Brocklin as coach of the Minnesota Vikings came after four months of concentrated study during which time the club's board of directors considered a total of 18 candidates. 1 "The Dutchman," as he's known within the National Football league, was named Wednesday because, as president E.

William Boyer said, "He was extremely high in the three qualifications we were looking for." Van Brocklin, who'll be 35 March 15, became the, Vikings' first coach due to: BEING a perfectionist as a quarterback both with the Los Angeles Rams and the Philadelphia Eagles. Van Brocklin Has Weapons for Success THE MINNEAPOLIS New Viking Coach Takes Firm Grasp of Herculean Situation THE MINNESOTA VIKINGS had no alternative but to name Norman Van Brocklin as first coach of their initial entry in the National Football league. The directors interviewed 18 candidates in recent weeks. By Wednesday noon, they were down to three Van Brocklin, Joe Thomas and Bud Grant. Grant, who has had so much success at Winnipeg, eliminated himself by withdrawing his name before he could ask terms.

--t-i. jmrwA tr-4 Cv jtri' 'Vi 'i 'Vfln V'M Vs ft) The choice between Van Brocklin and Thomas was a toughie. It was a question of experience or a big name from the competitive field (Van Brocklin). No matter which individual was selected, he realized he had a terrific row to hoe. One could make a strong case for both.

The LOWDOWN By Charles Johnson A.ON By BILL HENGEN Minneapolis Star Staff Writer Norm Van Brocklin today Tjegan the challenging but Herculean task of being the first coach of a new team in an old league, the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football league. But he took as firm a grasp of the project Wednesday when the announcement was made as he did in directing the Philadelphia Eagles to the Eastern division and NFL titles the past season. first important step will be taken next week in New York when we pick our 36 players from the NFL pool," he said. "I wish we knew the names in advance, but that is not the pro- cedure. "When we get the list I'll break it down into one of two classifications defense or offense.

And that is the way each player will be selected." Van Brocklin feels capable of meeting the first challenge. "After 12 years in the league you get to know most of the personnel pretty well," he said. In the meantime he'll be considering his coaching aids. "I'll like four assistants two for defense, one offensive line coach and one end coach. "A good end coach is hard to find, but I feel he is essential.

As for the offense, I'll handle that myself." Van Brocklin said he plans to use the T-formation with spread ends. What his placement of his backs will' be can only be determined by the talent he has. "I think the Viking management did a tremendous job of drafting from the college ranks. It looks to me as coach easy as-throwing passes from Star Photos by John Croft quarterback for Norm Van Brocklin WIFE, FORMER TEAMMATE, COACH LIKE VIKING CHOICE Those who have been closest to Norm Van Brocklin over the years as a player think the Minnesota Vikings have picked a "fine leader" as head coach. Jim Aiken, Van Brocklin's coach at Oregon university now retired, said the veteran pro quarterback "has both the experience and the mind to make an excellent coach." Aiken said Van Brocklin "knows offense and how to defense it." Mrs.

Gloria Van Brocklin, Norm's wife who met him when he first started at Oregon, said Norm "never seemed to be happy except in football" after he tried other things in off season. "He will make an excellent coach." John McKay, Southern California coach and teammate of Norm's at Oregon, said, "He was a fine leader as a player and will do just as well as a coach. With Van Brocklin as coach and George Shaw quarterback, the winner." SPORTS Jan. 19, 1961 ID i Fielding questions Coach laughs Eggs Tossed, but Celtics Rip Boston By United Press International -v St. Louis Hawks had the right answer for egg-tossing Boston fans Wednesday night when they tossed the Celtics for a 125-114 loss.

The egg-throwing occurred during the first half when the Celtics went off to a 62-57 lead and was in retaliation for a similar incident when the Eastern division leaders were in St. i.ouis. About a dozen eggs were tossed onto the floor hefore Boston coach Red Auerbach asked fans on the public address system, "to stop and show them our fans are better than theirs in St. Louis." St. Louis coach Paul Seymour seized the mike in an attempt to speak but accidentally pulled out the plug and his words were not audible.

A Garden policeman finally relieved Seymour of the mike. Rozelle "Van Brocklin is one of several who have gone from playing ranks to head coaching positions in our league, including Bobby Waterfield and Frank Albert among others." the commissioner concluded. The NFL's annual meeting staVts next Tuesday. The players available for the Vikings will be known some time Monday. r'VX directors (owners) who pay the bills swung to Van Brocklin.

His choice is certain to be popular with those who pay the freight for this sport with the purchase of tickets. Norm has been in the pro football limelight for 12 years. He always has been a quarterback star. He was the key player in the Philadelphia Eagles' 1960 pro championship drive. Not only does he have the background as a player, but also as a strategist in his successful role as a quarter back.

He knows every team and individual in the NFL today. He knows what it takes to develop a winning team. Van Brocklin made a deep impression on everyone who visited with him after his appointment. He appreciates the back-breaking assignment that is ahead of him. He's ready for the challenge.

He's confident that he can meet-it. It must be taken for granted that no matter how well the Minnesota Vikings fare in their final player allotment in New York next week, they will be an also-ran in the championship race next fall. Only a dedicated young man like Van Brocklin can live through that start and come back fighting for improvement. The fans will be tolerant with him. They will say that if a talented individual like Van can't build a winner eventually no one can.

He knows the gamble be is taking. This could make or break his coaching career, but he's willing to take the chance. No one knows whether outstanding players will make good coaches, but everyone is willing to see them get a chance. 4 4 4 Too bad the Johnny Come Latclys in the radio and television field don't know anything about professional ethics in the communications field. Maybe that's uhy they come and go so fast.

4 Van Brocklin9 Advantages ir THERE ARE PLENTY of pluses in Van Brocklin's favor as he makes his debut as a coach with the Vikings. The most important is that he had handled so adequately that most important position on a pro football team quarterback. While the man at this spot has to have plenty of help, no pro teamTeverJias-won a championship or been a contender without outstanding talent directing the attack. A quarterback must have all the gifts of a coach. He must know the weaknesses and strength of the defense of every foe.

He must direct every offensive movement of his own squad in addition to having super ability as a passer. Van Brocklin qualifies on all counts. In addition, he has the personality that will gain the confidence of all his players to say nothing of making friends and holding them among the ticket buyers. He has color. He has a responsive tongue that may be quite controversial at times, but will keep the pot boiling as far as developing public interest 4 4 4 Don't think there is a dull moment in sports uhen an area pets big league sports in twojUrcctions football and baseball.

4 4 4 Quarterback on His Own ir VAN BROCKLIN made one statement after his appointment that made a hit with everyone. That was that he's a great believer in letting the quarterback call the plays instead of a messenger from the sidelines. That practice is badly overdone in the pro game today. The Vikings' new leader insists that he's no inventive genius as far as turning the game upside down with new tricks. But he has learned the mistakes that other coaches have made in their approach.

He will not make the same ones. He gets off on the right foot with the football public by announcing that he will let his players have the opportunity to do some thinking on their own once the opening whistle sounds. Tough one should I punt? sometimes De Paul Vikings have a Rates Buckeyes 'Possibly Greatest College Team Coach score but dominates both backboards. So Ohio doesn't have to waste anyone else on rebounds to start their fast breaks. The rest can run down the floor.

And how they run, too." Meyer saw Ohio beat Loyola earlier this season. "Loyola held them close for a while but then, bingo," said Meyer. "That's the kind of a team Ohio is. For 15 or 20 minutes you hold, them, and then they kill you with 25 points in five minutes. "They are the best team in the country without question.

Any team would have to be extremely hot and Ohio way off to make it close. That was what the St. Bonaven- like Tommy Mason might be another Bobby Mitchell or John Crow type runner, which would be wonderful. "I like Francis Tarkenton, quarterback. And Ed Sha-rockman and Rip Hawkins were very good picks." Van Brocklin indicated he will have a passing team.

'We'll throw the ball all over the place if possible. And it was a very important move the Vikings made when they got George Shaw. "I've known Shaw since he was in high school. He does everything real well. He'll call the signals, not me from the bench." The Dutchman made it very clear, too, that the Vikings would try to be as strong as possible on defense.

"That's been the big change in the NFL the last five years. Pass defense is the hardest thing to teach and to learn, but it is an extremely important part of the game." He hopes for a capable running game, too. "There is nothing more futile than to have it third down, three yards to go for a first down, and no one to run the ball." Van Brocklin's contract is for three years. Although terms were not disclosed, he is believed to be in the $20 bracket. The Dutchman was an outstanding T-quarterback for Oregon, leading the Webfeet to an undefeated conference season in 194S.

He was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams and in 1S51 he set a league record of 554 yards by passing against the N.Y. Yankees. The former All-American led the Rams to Western division titles in 1949, '50 and '51 (the NFL title in 1951) and in 1955. He retired after the 1957 season but returned in 195S when traded to Philadelphia. The past season, on the way to the title, Van Brocklin completed 153 passes in 281 attempts.

Among them were 24 for touchdowns. Van Brocklin was born in Parade, S. and hen three his family moved to Walnut Creek, Calif. He Is married and has three daughters. Bv DICK GORDON Minneapolis Star Staff Writer Unbeaten Ohio State (12-0) can practically name its score against its opposition, according to basketball coach Ray Meyer of DePaul.

"They may be the greatest college team which ever played," said Meyer regarding Minnesota's foe of Saturday night. Now, remember Ray coached George Mikan and Co. to a national championship and also saw the famed Whiz Kids in action at Illinois. Even though he was still disappointed today over his DePaul team's first loss of the season (at Notre Dame Tuesday), Ray's enthusiasm about Ohio State was obvious even over the long-distance phone from Chicago. "Ohio has more depth and is faster than that Whiz Kid team.

And our DePaul outfit (1944-45) wouldn't be able to compete with them at all. Basketball is better all-around today. Boys start playing earlier, they shoot better and they have better coaching. "The only college team 1 saw which could compare with this present Ohio team is San Francisco (which had Bill Russell and won national titles in 1955-56). But if Ohio wins the NCAA again this year, I would have to say they were the greatest ever." Specifically, Meyer says, Jerry Lucas "not only can ture coach (Ed Donovan) said was the case in their game." The Bonnies, now ranked No.

2, lost to the Buckeyes by a couple of points in the New York holiday tournament. "Ohio is an all-around team. They have poise and they can adjust to any defense. Pressing doesn't bother them. And if you hold the ball on them, they'll probably beat you 70-40." As Meyer points out, Ohio is anything but a one-m a team.

In addition to the 6-8 Lucas at center, they have three other regulars back from last year's national kingpins: 6-6 John Havlicek at forward, and Larry Siegfried and Mel Nowell at guard. Richie Hoyt and Bob Knight, both 6-4, split the other forward post. About this team which can do everything and hopes to against Minnesota at Columbus Saturday, Gopher coach John Kundla says, "It's just another game. But he sort of says it with a smile. WHAT'S DOING BASKETBALL City Preps Roosevelt vs.

West. 2:30 p.m. Friday; Central vs. Is'orth, 3:45 p.m. Friday; South vs.

Marshall. 5 p.m. all at Minneapolis auditorium. St. Thomas at Macal-ester, 8 p.m.

HOCKEY Independent Preps St. Taul academv vs. Blake, 4 p.m. l-ri-day at Minneapolis arena. SWIMMING City Preps Henry vs.

Central. 3:45 p.m. Friday at YMCA. BULLETIN BOARD Lucas Suffers Sprain From the Star Sports Wires COLUMBUS, Ohio Ohio State's Jerry Lucas is sitting out practices for the Buckeyes' Saturday basketball game with Minnesota because of a sprained ankle. The injury, however, is not considered serious and he is expected td be ready for the contest.

NEW YORK Floyd Patterson, world heavyweight boxing champion, and challenger Ingemar Johansson of Sweden, today signed an agreement to meet at Miami Beach, on March 13. VVelu Leads in All-Star SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. Big Willy Welu of SL Louis threatened to make a run away of the $68,150 National All Star Bowling tournament after a sensational Wednesday when he won 12 games, lost 4, posted 82-37 Petersen points and 3,537 pins for a 221-01 average. Helen Shablis of Detroit holds a slim lead among women. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.

Marlene Streit, the defending champion and medalist last year, won the same distinnction Wednesday with a two-under-women's par 36-3S 74 in the Doherty Cup Golf championship. Holds Pittsburgh NBA Key PITTSBURGH, Pa. Unless John Harris changes his mind again, the National Basketball association is likely to lose its Pittsburgh entry to the new American Basketball league. Harris heads the Pittsburgh franchise, but Wednesday announced he was withdrawing the franchise, saying he "knows nothing about basketball." 'Brock' Fine Choice general manager. He did much to create the enthusiasm out there that attracted record-breaking crowds.

"Van worked very closely with Buck Shaw on offense in leading the Philadelphia Eagles to the national championship. That experience will stand him in good stead with the Minnesota Vikings. Pete Rozelle, commissioner of the National Football league, today congratulated the Minnesota Vikings on selecting Norm Van Brocklin as their first head coach. "I think it's a fine choice," he said over the phone from New York. "I have known Van for many years.

He was on the Los Angeles Rams when I was.