1890 Arthur J Cumnock Harvard Football Cabinet Photo

 Arthur Cumnock was one of the early Harvard football stars.  He was a fierce tackler and played on the varsity team all 4 years from 1887-1890.  In 1889 he would be selected captain of the team and would go on to be selected to the first All-American team as an end.

In 1890 he was once again selected captain of the team.  This team would go on to upsetting Yale in the final game on their way to an 11-0 record.   This would be Harvard’s first victory over Yale since 1875 and first recognized National Championship.

In 1891 Cumnock was given a patent on one of the first nose masks.  This was really the beginning of devices designed for player safety.  He extended his patent to John F. Morrill who went on to mass produce his version of the nose guard.