Arthur Schabinger


Arthur August Schabinger was an American football and basketball coach and college athletics administrator. Schabinger is credited with throwing the first forward pass in college football history. Even if it was not the first forward pass, most certainly Schabinger was one of the early adopters and innovators of the play.

Basketball achievements

Schabinger coached college basketball for 20 seasons, including stints with Ottawa University, Emporia Teachers College and Creighton University. He was one of the founders of National Association of Basketball Coaches and the president of that organization in 1932. He authored the association's Constitution and By-Laws. He was enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame as a contributor in 1961.

Football achievements

As a player

In 1910, Schabinger led the College of Emporia Presbies to a 17–0 victory over Washburn. During this game, he threw what some have credited to be the first forward pass in college football history. That same year, "Schabie" scored seven touchdowns in a 107–0 win over Pittsburg Normal.
Schabinger's mentor and coach at the College of Emporia was Bill Hargiss.

As a coach

Schabinger was the eighth head football coach at Ottawa University in Ottawa, Kansas, serving four seasons, from 1915 to 1919, and compiling a record of 9–17–5.

Head coaching record

Football

Basketball