by Erin Lamb
Special Projects Writer

Courtesy University Archives Members of the GW football team carry head coach Bo Sherman after their 13 - 0 Sun Bowl victory over Texas Western.

Though some news reports criticized the selection of the 1956 GW football team to a bowl game, the Colonials made those critics eat their words. The 1956 team capped off a 7-1-1 season with a shocking win over Texas Western in the 1957 Sun Bowl, held in El Paso, Texas.

As reported by The Hatchet, El Paso natives were fearful that the no. 17 Colonials would play a ³brawl-house type² of football because GW was ³comparatively older² and larger than Texas Western. Much of the pre-game hype also focused on GW¹s geography ­ the entire roster hailed from Northern states ­ leading students at Texas Western to sell banners proclaiming, ³Go Home, Damyankees.² GW already felt slighted when public opinion proclaimed the team ³unworthy² of playing Texas Western, but insult was added to injury when the Colonials were not given 10-gallon hats, a Sun Bowl tradition.

By game time, tempers had cooled and the squad was ready for Texas Western¹s ³speedy style.² GW¹s superior size did indeed play a factor. The Hatchet wrote, ³GW¹s massive linemen were a rampaging lot as they tackled viciously and continually opened the holes through which piston-powered backs scampered.²

At the half, Texas Western had gained only 23 yards, and the game was scoreless. Minutes into the third quarter, GW quarterback Ray Looney¹s pass found Paul Thompson in the end zone, upping the score to 6-0. The Colonials scored again in the fourth quarter after a 45-yard run by MVP and co-captain Bo Austin put them on the 18. The run was the longest of the game, culminating a great day for Austin, who had 108 yards and ³played a bang-up game as corner linebacker, containing the T.W. vaunted outside threat.²

The final score, much to the shock of the crowd, stood 13-0, GW. The Hatchet reported, ³Nearly 16,000 fans at Kidd Field realized the same thing. Most of them sat stunned, waiting for the lightning-like Miners to explode.² The GW team carried head coach Bo Sherman off the field.

After the game the crowd and Sun Bowl officials had nothing but kind words for the Colonials. The conduct of the GW team both on and off the field was complimented, and The Hatchet reported that one official said, ³The Buff was one of the best teams ever to appear there.²

Athletic Director Bob Faris gave the final word on the big victory to The Hatchet: ³We¹re very proud of our boys and our coaching staff. They¹ve done a tremendous job all year, and the players certainly hit their peak on New Year¹s Day against Texas Western.² The Sun Bowl victory was the biggest win in the history of the GW football program.