The late Charles E. Hammett, Sr., has been selected as one of the six inductees in Allegheny College’s Athletic Hall of Fame.
Coach Hammett came to Allegheny in 1913, first as an athletic director and later as a professor of physical education. He coached football, basketball, and track during the early part of his tenure.
In 1918 he served with the Y.M.C.A. in France where he supervised a recreational program for the U.S. Army, and developed extensive sports competition in various army outfits.
Hammett coached Allegheny’s football team for six years, 1913-1917 and 1919. His record for these six years was 29-9-4, a .690 winning percentage. He also coached the Gator basketball squad for seven seasons, 1913 and 1917-1922. Hammett’s record for the seven seasons was 56-31-1, a .636 winning percentage.
Hammett is the only coach to have two undefeated football squads in Allegheny football history. In 1914 and 1917 the record was 6-0-1. The 1914 team scored 183 points to its opponents’ 20 points, and the 1917 team scored 159 points to its opponents’ 12 points.
Hammett, a graduate of New Haven Normal School of Gymnastics, is also the author of two books: How to be an Athlete and Major Sports Fundamentals.
In 1930 he suffered a crippling stroke. One year later at commencement, the College conferred on him the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters.
He retired from his position as Director of Physical Education in 1931. After 18 years of invaluable service to the campus and students, Charles E. Hammett, Sr., died on October 2, 1945.
