The word "historic" doesn't always refer to the past, especially when you have a running back like Ken Simonton, OSU's current All-America tailback and team captain who seems to set a new rushing record (usually his own) everytime he touches the ball.

Which got us to thinking here at E-Clips. What are the oldest football records at OSU, the ones still waiting for another Ken Simonton to come along?

The oldest record we've been able to find was set in 1916 by George Conn. He picked up a fumble in a game that season and returned it 103 yards for a touchdown, which is still the OSU record in the category "fumble recovery return."

Few fans today remember Ken Carpenter but from 1947-49, Ken set the "all purpose running" record at Oregon State that still stands. His total of 3,903 yards for rushing, receiving and punt and kick-off returns during his career is seconded by Robb Thomas' (1985-88) 3,379 yards. Simonton is currently at 2,877 yards and could be a threat to break the long-standing mark.

Top of Page: Ken Simonton rushes for the winning touchdown during the 1998 Civil War. Above: In 1916 George Conn recovered a fumble and returned it for 103 yards for a touchdown. It's still OSU's longest fumble recovery return. Left: Dainard Paulson and Terry Baker both still hold Beaver football records, Paulson for punting and Baker for the longest run from scrimmage. Below: The 1939 defensive unit still holds six team defensive records! All photos from The Beaver.

Other current records:

The 1907 team is the only one in OSU history to finish a season undefeated, untied and with no points allowed in any game.

The 1933 "Iron Immortals" still hold the record for the most games in which the other team finished with zero, that's zero yards for the game. The guys did it three times.

The 1939 defensive unit still holds six team defensive records. fewest total first downs in a game (1); most times opponent forced to punt in a game (15); fewest rushes allowed per season (298); fewest net yards gained/season (781); lowest average per rush/season (2.6); fewest yards per game (86.6).

In 1949, Dick Gray averaged 18.8 yards per punt return.

In 1959, Dainard Paulson averaged 45.6 yards per punt.

In 1962, Terry Baker ran 99 yards for a TD against Villanova, still the record for longest run from scrimmage.

Also in 1962, Vern Burke caught 12 passes in a game. Number two on the list is the sensational Reggie Bynum (1984-86), who caught 11 passes in a game three times in his career.

--George Edmonston, Jr.