Joseph Ponsetto (March 29, 1926 – November 24, 2004) was an American football player who was the starting quarterback for the University of Michigan Wolverines football teams of 1944 and 1945.
 Ponsetto from 1946 Michiganensian | |
| Born: | March 26, 1926 |
|---|---|
| Died: | November 24, 2004 (aged 78) Kent County, Michigan, U.S. |
| Career information | |
| Position(s) | Quarterback |
| College | Michigan |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| |
Playing under head coach Fritz Crisler, Ponsetto led the 1944 team to an 8–2 record and a #8 ranking in the final AP Poll.[1] Ponsetto was selected as an All-Big Ten quarterback in 1944 and was elected captain of the 1945 team.[1] He also handled place-kicking responsibilities for the Wolverines, converting four extra points against Minnesota,[2] four more against Purdue,[3] and five against Penn in 1944.[4]
Ponsetto led the 1945 team to a 7–3 record and a #6 ranking in the final AP Poll.[5]
After the 1945 season, Ponsetto underwent surgery on his knee.[6] In September 1946, doctors advised that Ponsetto's knee may not withstand the stress of playing football.[7]
After graduating from Michigan, Ponsetto became a dentist in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area.[8] He married Mary Blynn Manley and had five children.
References
edit- ^ a b "1944 Football Team". University of Michigan, Bentley Historical Library.
- ^ "Wolverines Bowl Over Gophers, 28-13". Los Angeles Times. October 8, 1944.
- ^ "Michigan Rolls Over Purdue". Los Angeles Times. October 29, 1944.
- ^ "Wolverines Bury Quakers Under 41-to-19 Score". Los Angeles Times. November 5, 1944.
- ^ "1945 Football Team". University of Michigan, Bentley Historical Library.
- ^ "Ponsetto Ready to Play Again". Detroit Free Press. July 9, 1945. p. 14.
- ^ "Joe Ponsetto Lost to U-M". Detroit Free Press. September 6, 1946. p. 22.
- ^ Steve Ungrey (November 27, 2004). "Ex-U-M player, local dentist dies; Joe Ponsetto was captain until injury halted career". The Grand Rapids Press.
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