University of Vermont Athletics

Stanley F. Ursprung 1950 - Football, Track and Field

A 1991 UVM Hall of Fame inductee who was a four-year starter at offensive and defensive end in football, Stanley Ursprung would go on to become one of the most successful high school football coaches in Western Massachusetts. Originally from New London, Conn., Ursprung started every game for four years and was elected captain in the 1949 squad.

A top kicker for the Green and Gold, he was used for extra points, field goals and kickoffs and was given the moniker "Automatic Toe" by his teammates. Named to the All-New England second team in 1949, he was also selected to the All-State team first team for three consecutive years. Ursprung was also UVM's top shot putter and hammer thrower on the outdoor track and field team in the spring.

This talented athlete was also involved in several campus groups including Phi Delta Theta fraternity, the Student Government Council, the Varsity Club and was elected to three honorary societies: Gold Key, Key and Serpent and Boulder, serving as president of the boulder Society his senior year.

He started his football career at Chapman Technical High School in New London, Conn., where he played four years under Jack Conway ('28), a former star football player and also a member of the UVM Athletic Hall of Fame.

After graduating from UVM, Ursprung coached for two years at Stevens High School (Claremont, N.H.) and three years at Johnson City (N.Y.) High School before moving on to Longmeadow (Mass.) High School. Head coach of football at Longmeadow for 20 years (1955-74), he had four undefeated teams including the 1969 squad, which won the Suburban League Championship and compiled a career coaching record of 81-51-4.

In 1981, he was elected to the Massachusetts High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame for outstanding service to the game of football. He also served as Longmeadow's head coach of track and field for 25 years.