The Life of Walter Camp

Born to parents Leverett and Ellen in New Britain, Connecticut

Attends Hopkins Grammar School in New Haven, Connecticut

The beginning of a legendary rivalry, Yale and Harvard hold their first football game. Harvard wins 4 -0.

Play's Halfback and is Team Captain for the Yale Bulldogs Football Team. A hardworking, natural born leader, he quickly earns the respect of his fellow team mates. Under his leadership they had a record of 25- 1- 6.

Members of Inter-collegiate Football Association (IFA) Rules Committee agree to Camp's suggested changes and this set the course for American Football as we know it today. Yale officially accepts membership to the IFA to join Columbia, Rutgers, and Princeton. Camp would be a member for 48 years.

Graduates from Yale with a BA

Camp invents a System of Downs and the lines on the football field which created a gridiron effect and allowed officials to make accurate calls about yardage.

Camp leaves medical school in 1883 to begin a career at New Haven Clock Company, of which he would eventually become President in 1905.

At an IFA rule meeting, Walter suggests a new scoring system which is still used today.

Camp became head coach of Yale Football and lead his 1888, 1891, and 1982 teams to National Championships. His over all coaching record would be 79-5-3.

Alice and Walter had two children; Walter Jr. and Janet.