November 2016 Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/19/2016
Andy Gustafson (D. 1979) , a native of Aurora, Illinois, was coached by legendary Hall of Fame coaches Glenn "Pop" Warner and Jock Sutherland at Pittsburgh, so it is easy to see that the seed for coaching prowess was planted in Gustafson's mind by wise and able cultivators of the game. As a halfback at Pitt, Gustafson scored the first touchdown ever in Pitt Stadium, against Washington & Lee. But as a coach, Gustafson was more than a "first-ever" man. During his illustrious career, Gustafson led teams from Virginia Tech (1926-1929) and the University of Miami, FL (1948-1963) to an overall record of 115-78-4. Between the years of 1930 and 1947, Gustafson served as an assistant coach at Pitt, Dartmouth and Army, aiding the famous Red Blaik at the latter two institutions. At Miami, Gustafson enjoyed his greatest coaching experiences, leading the Hurricanes to four bowl appearances, and shocking upsets over some of the nation's best teams, including Notre Dame, Purdue, Navy, Iowa, Missouri, Pittsburgh, Penn State, Alabama, Texas Christian and Michigan State. Perhaps his greatest triumph in his entire career came in 1950, when his Hurricanes defeated Purdue one week after the Boilermakers surprised the nation by snapping Notre Dame's 37-game unbeaten streak.
Offered is a typed letter signed on North South All-Star Game letterhead when Gustafson was the director of the game. He writes to future NFL player, Joe Morrison about playing in this prestigious College Football All-Star game. The letter details what Morrison would receive for playing in the game. Gustafson was also the head coach at the University of Miami at the time.
Sweet letter, boldly signed by this College Football HOFer.