Skip Navigation

Sign In or Register

West-virginia-encyclopedia-text

SharePrint Rat Rodgers

Rodgers__ira_up_medium

Athlete Ira Errett ‘‘Rat’’ Rodgers (May 26, 1895-February 22, 1963) was among the greatest Mountaineer football players, lettering in 1915–17 and 1919. He was born in Bethany, and started his athletic career as a high school level prep student at Bethany College (1911–14) before moving to West Virginia University.

Rodgers was named to All-American teams in 1916, 1917, and 1919. He was the leading scorer in the nation in 1919, with 19 touchdowns and seven conversions for 147 points. Rodgers accounted for more touchdowns by running or passing (66) than any other player in WVU history. He ran for 42 touchdowns and passed for 24 others over his career. He was recognized as WVU’s greatest all-time athlete, starring in basketball and baseball as well as football.

Rodgers served the university for four decades as a professor and coach and is in WVU’s athletic Hall of Fame. He was admitted to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1953.

This Article was written by John C. Veasey

Last Revised on December 08, 2015

Related Articles


Sources

Kessler, Kent. Hail West Virginians!. Weston: George L. Bland, 1959.

Cite This Article

Veasey, John C. "Rat Rodgers." e-WV: The West Virginia Encyclopedia. 08 December 2015. Web. 13 October 2024.

Comments?

There aren't any comments for this article yet.

West Virginia Humanities Council | 1310 Kanawha Blvd E | Charleston, WV 25301 Ph. 304-346-8500 | © 2024 All Rights Reserved

About e-WV | Our Sponsors | Help & Support | Contact Us The essential guide to the Mountain State can be yours today! Click here to order.