About Salad Bowl
Salad Bowl History
The history of the Salad Bowl game encompasses an era in American college football, marked by its annual presence at Montgomery Salad Bowl stadium in Phoenix, Arizona, spanning from 1947 to 1955. This bowl game was a collaborative effort sponsored by the Phoenix and Valley of the Sun Kiwanis Clubs, serving as a platform to celebrate sporting excellence.
Initially inviting college teams, the Salad Bowl championship transformed in 1952, transitioning its focus to feature service teams. In 1953 and 1954, the games showcased the talents of military teams, diverging from the traditional college matchups. The finale of the Salad Bowl in 1955 took a unique turn, hosting an all-star game in both January and December of that year, closing the chapter on a distinctive era in football history.
Montgomery Stadium bore witness to the evolution of this bowl game, witnessing its shifts in participant selection and the changing landscape of the sport itself. The Salad Bowl remains a noteworthy footnote in the annals of football history, remembered for its contributions to the sport during its tenure.
Salad Bowl Records
During its existence from 1947 to 1955, the Salad Bowl showcased several notable teams, including Nevada, Drake, Xavier, Miami (OH), Houston, San Diego NTC, Fort Ord, Skyline All-Stars, and Border All-Stars. Regrettably, detailed win-loss records and appearances for each participating team in this historic bowl game are not readily accessible.
One standout figure in the Salad Bowl's history is Jim Root '53, a remarkable quarterback who led Miami to significant success between 1950 and 1952. Root's tenure saw Miami clinch a Mid-American Conference title and secure a Salad Bowl victory. Notably, he flourished under the guidance of legendary coaches Woody Hayes and Ara Parseghian. Root's achievements include an impressive track record of 161 completed passes for 2,485 yards and 24 touchdowns. His contributions to Miami's football legacy were acknowledged in 1958 when he was honored as one of the university's All-Time Gridiron Greats. Subsequently, Root transitioned to a successful coaching career, gaining national recognition for his coaching prowess at New Hampshire in 1968.
Salad Bowl Winner List
The Salad Bowl, a significant college football postseason event from 1947 to 1955, featured a range of triumphant teams that etched their names in its storied history. Nevada, Drake, Xavier, and Miami (OH) stand among the distinguished winners, each seizing victory in separate years. The winners' roster includes Nevada's 1948 win against North Texas State, Drake's 1949 victory over Arizona, Xavier's 1950 triumph against Arizona State, and Miami (OH)'s 1951 success over Arizona State. Houston, San Diego NTC, Fort Ord, and both the Skyline and Border All-Stars also secured wins in subsequent years, contributing distinct chapters to the rich legacy of the Salad Bowl.
FAQs
The Salad Bowl was held annually from 1947 to 1955, spanning nearly a decade as a prominent college football postseason event at Montgomery Stadium in Phoenix, Arizona.
Teams such as Nevada, Drake, Xavier, Miami (OH), Houston, San Diego NTC, Fort Ord, Skyline All-Stars, and Border All-Stars were among the noteworthy participants in this historic bowl game.
Initially featuring college teams, the Salad Bowl shifted its focus after 1952 to showcase service teams, including military teams in 1953 and 1954. The final games in 1955 were all-star matches, marking a unique departure from traditional college matchups.
Jim Root '53 was a standout quarterback who led Miami to significant victories between 1950 and 1952. His achievements included securing a Mid-American Conference title and a Salad Bowl victory. Root's career saw remarkable success under renowned coaches Woody Hayes and Ara Parseghian.
Nevada, Drake, Xavier, Miami (OH), Houston, San Diego NTC, Fort Ord, and both the Skyline and Border All-Stars claimed victories in different years, leaving their mark in the annals of Salad Bowl history with distinct triumphs.
