Elmer Busch facts for kids
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| Born: | June 1, 1889 Potter Valley, California, US |
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| Died: | January 14, 1949 (aged 59) Ukiah, California, US |
| Career information | |
| Position(s) | Guard |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Weight | 200 lb (91 kg) |
| College | Carlisle |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 1922 | Oorang Indians |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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Elmer Eugene "Pete" Busch (born June 1, 1889 – died January 14, 1949) was a professional football player. He played for the Oorang Indians in the National Football League (NFL) in 1922.
Elmer Busch was a Native American from the Pomo tribe. He played college football at the famous Carlisle Indian School. In 1973, he was honored by being added to the American Indian Hall of Fame.
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Elmer Busch's Early Life and Family
Elmer Busch was born in 1889 in Potter Valley, California. His parents were Jack and Maggie Busch. Elmer grew up with two brothers and one sister.
He went to the Potter Valley Indian School from 1897 to 1902. Later, he attended the Sherman Institute in Riverside, California, from 1907 to 1910. While at Sherman Institute, he was chosen to go to the Carlisle Indian School.
Playing Football at Carlisle Indian School
Elmer Busch, a member of the Pomo tribe, started at the Carlisle Indian School in October 1910. He was 20 years old at the time. While there, he became very interested in football.
He joined the school's football team and played from 1911 to 1914. He played as an offensive tackle, which is a position on the offensive line.
Carlisle's Successful Football Teams
The Carlisle football team had great success during Busch's time.
- In 1911, they won 11 games and lost only 1.
- In 1912, the team won 12 games, lost 1, and tied 1. Even though many players were lighter, Busch was one of the heaviest at about 186 to 192 pounds. He was 5 feet 10 inches tall. As a lineman, he helped his team gain many yards.
- In 1913, Carlisle won 10 games, lost 1, and tied 1.
Busch was chosen to be the team captain for the 1914 season. However, he had to step down, and Pete Calac became captain instead. After leaving Carlisle in April 1915, Elmer Busch worked for the Santa Fe Railroad in San Bernardino, California. He also coached football in Riverside from 1916 to 1917.
Elmer Busch's Professional Football Career
After his college days, Elmer Busch continued his football journey. He coached at his old school, the Sherman Institute at Riverside, from 1916 to 1917.
In 1922, Busch played in the National Football League (NFL) for the Oorang Indians. This team was special because all its players were Native Americans. The team was created by Walter Lingo, who bred Airedale dogs. He wanted to use the team to promote his dog kennel. Elmer Busch played for the Oorang Indians for one season, leaving after 1922.
Life After Football
After his time in professional football, Elmer Busch continued to work. He worked in the boiler department of the AT & SF Railroad in San Bernardino, California. He worked there from 1915 to 1917.
