NEWARK, DE -- The University of Delaware football family was saddened earlier this month with the passing of two former Blue Hen football players who starred in the 1930’s.

Vincent L. “Winnie” Mayer (at right), a three-year standout end for Delaware in 1930-32, died January 17 in Newark, DE at the age of 98. Ernest George, a standout fullback in 1936-38, passed away at the age of 90 on Jan. 3 in Newark, DE. Both were Newark natives.

Mayer, who was inducted into the inaugural class of the University of Delaware Athletics Hall of Fame in 1997 and into the Delaware Sports Museum and Hall of Fame this past May, was a three-year letterwinner at end for the Blue Hens in 1930-32 under coaches Gus Zeigler and Charles Rogers. He led the 1931 team to a record of 5-1-2 and the Class B Eastern championship. That team allowed just 25 points all season. He was also named to Delaware’s all-time football team in 1989.

Mayer, who remained a lifelong fan of University of Delaware athletics, helped found the Newark Touchdown Club (now the Blue Hen Touchdown Club). He earned his degree from Delaware in 1933.

George was a three-year letterwinner in 1936-38 for coaches Lyal Clark and Stephen Grenda and served as co-captain of the 1938 squad. He later played semi-pro football and baseball following his career at Delaware and helped found and was active as a coach and umpire with the Newark Little League baseball program.