**1930 Columbia Lions football team**
The 1930 Columbia Lions football team represented Columbia University during the 1930 college football season. Competing as an independent, the team was led by head coach Lou Little in his first year and played their home games at Baker Field in New York City.
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## 1930 Columbia Lions football team
The 1930 Columbia Lions football team was the collegiate football squad representing Columbia University in the 1930 season. The team competed as an independent, not affiliated with any formal conference, and played a schedule that included a variety of opponents from across the eastern United States. Under the direction of first-year head coach Lou Little, the Lions sought to build on the program’s traditions and improve their standing in the competitive landscape of college football.
### Background
Columbia University, located in New York City, had a football program with a history dating back to the late 19th century. By 1930, the Lions had experienced periods of both success and struggle. The appointment of Lou Little as head coach marked a new chapter for the team. Little, a former player and assistant coach at other institutions, was known for his strategic approach and emphasis on discipline and fundamentals.
### Coaching Staff
Lou Little took over as head coach in 1930, bringing with him a reputation for strong leadership and tactical knowledge. His arrival was seen as a positive step toward revitalizing the Columbia football program. Little would go on to have a long and influential coaching career at Columbia, but the 1930 season was his inaugural campaign with the Lions.
### Season Overview
The 1930 season was a transitional year for Columbia football. The team played a total of eight games, facing a mix of regional rivals and other independent teams. The Lions aimed to establish a competitive identity under their new coach, focusing on both offensive and defensive improvements.
### Schedule and Results
The Columbia Lions played eight games during the 1930 season. Their opponents included a range of teams from the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. The schedule was as follows:
| Date | Opponent | Location | Result |
|————–|——————–|—————-|———|
| September 27 | Williams College | Baker Field | W 20–0 |
| October 4 | Rutgers University | Baker Field | L 7–13 |
| October 11 | Princeton University | Princeton, NJ | L 0–27 |
| October 18 | Syracuse University | Baker Field | L 6–14 |
| October 25 | Dartmouth College | Hanover, NH | L 0–33 |
| November 1 | Brown University | Baker Field | W 14–7 |
| November 8 | Yale University | New Haven, CT | L 0–20 |
| November 15 | NYU | Baker Field | W 13–6 |
The Lions finished the season with a record of 3 wins and 5 losses. Their victories came against Williams College, Brown University, and New York University, while losses were suffered against Rutgers, Princeton, Syracuse, Dartmouth, and Yale.
### Team Performance
The 1930 Columbia Lions demonstrated moments of strong play, particularly in their wins where the offense was able to produce multiple touchdowns and the defense held opponents to low scores. However, the team struggled against some of the stronger programs on their schedule, such as Princeton and Dartmouth, where they were outmatched.
Offensively, the Lions employed a balanced attack, with an emphasis on the running game complemented by passing plays. Defensively, the team focused on fundamental tackling and containment strategies, though they faced challenges against high-powered offenses.
### Key Players
Several players stood out during the 1930 season for their contributions on both sides of the ball. While detailed individual statistics from the era are limited, team captains and leading scorers were recognized for their leadership and athleticism.
– **Team Captain:** The team captain provided leadership and was often a key player in both offense and defense.
– **Backfield Players:** The running backs and quarterbacks were central to the Lions’ offensive efforts.
– **Defensive Standouts:** Linemen and defensive backs contributed to the team’s ability to limit scoring in key games.
### Home Venue
Columbia played its home games at Baker Field, located in Upper Manhattan, New York City. Baker Field was the university’s primary athletic complex and provided a home-field advantage with its familiar environment and supportive crowds.
### Legacy
The 1930 season was significant as the beginning of Lou Little’s tenure as head coach, a period that would eventually bring greater success and national recognition to Columbia football. Although the team’s record was below .500, the foundation laid during this season helped shape the program’s future.
Lou Little’s coaching philosophy and commitment to player development became hallmarks of Columbia football in the years that followed. The 1930 team’s experience against strong opponents also contributed to the growth and resilience of the program.
### Conclusion
The 1930 Columbia Lions football team experienced a challenging but formative season under new leadership. With a 3–5 record, the team showed flashes of potential and began a new era with coach Lou Little at the helm. Playing as an independent, the Lions faced a competitive schedule and laid groundwork for future development in Columbia’s football history.
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**Meta Description:**
The 1930 Columbia Lions football team, led by first-year head coach Lou Little, competed as an independent and finished the season with a 3–5 record. The team played home games at Baker Field and faced a challenging schedule in the 1930 college football season.