Since there was a lack of funds to entice an outside coach for the 1901 football season, the Western University Athletic Association convinced Wilbur D. Hockensmith to organize the team.

Mr. Hockensmith had just graduated from the Western University of Pa. with a degree in mechanical engineering and had played guard on the 1900 football team.

"Coach" Hockensmith and team captain Malcolm McConnell managed to recruit enough players and were granted the use of Schenley Oval for their home field of play.

[14] Chancellor William J. Holland's master vision was to bring the University to the East End and introducing the residents and students to amateur football on the Schenley Oval was a step in the right direction.

[15] The WUP administration also demanded that their opponents sign an agreement that all athletes were in good academic standing at the school.

[17] In its first season under head coach Wilbur Hockensmith, the team compiled a 7–2–1 record and outscored opponents by a total of 96 to 53.

The problem for Coach Hockensmith and team captain McConnell was that the Medical School did not start until October 1.

[19] Coach and captain chose a lineup and they felt prepared for the fourth chapter in the Penn State rivalry.

Robert Bennett added another touchdown and Sam Russell connected on two goal kicks to make the final score 37–0.

William Secrist, a graduate student from Allegheny College, started at fullback so captain Malcolm McConnell could return to his normal guard position.

Their quarterback Wiant and fullback Smith were disqualified for grades and starting end Cole and halfback Brown were injured and did not play.

The WUP offense was on the West Virginia fifteen yard line as time expired with the Western University ahead 12–0.

[3][22] After a hard week of practice the WUP football team was prepared to take on the Methodists of Allegheny College from Meadville, Pa. at Schenley Park in the second game of the free series.

The game started with WUP kicking to Allegheny halfback Taylor, who fumbled the ball into the end zone.

The WUP offense moved the ball but Reed and Wallgren each fumbled when in scoring range to thwart the drives.

[24] With the lineup finally set, the WUP eleven was ready to entertain another large home crowd at Schenley Oval.

Their offense easily penetrated the College defense and fullback Secrist was lifted into the end zone for the scores.

Adams played end for Morrow, Simpson was back at halfback for Reed and Martin stepped in for quarterback McCready.

After the ensuing kick off the WUP offense advanced the ball down the field and scored on a run by McClain.

[7] On November 9 the WUP eleven embarked on their second road game of the season to Beaver Falls, Pa. to play the unbeaten Geneva Covenanters.

With Joe McCready back at quarterback and John Martin at end, coach McConnell was confident the WUP team could compete.

On Geneva's first possession of the second half their offense marched the ball down the field and Joe Thompson scored on a plunge through the middle.

They ran the ball through and around the Geneva defense and Simpson finally scored on a double pass from the fifteen yard line.

Reed followed with a fifteen yard jaunt and McClain raced around the end on a delayed pass for the second WUP touchdown.

On November 16, the Thiel College eleven from Greenville, Pennsylvania arrived at Schenley Park for the final free game of the season.

Cummings proceeded to gain fifty-five yards in two carries and Secrist again plunged into the end zone for the third and final WUP touchdown.

Manager Wallace made a notable comment to the Pittsburg Post: "The Schenley Park games have done wonders in establishing an interest in amateur athletics, and the fight against professional teams will be continued next year.

[10] On Wednesday, November 20, with three days rest the WUP eleven took on the Westminster Titans team at Recreation Park.

After alternating possessions the Allegheny offense ran through the porous WUP defense and McCarthy plowed into the end zone from the one foot line.

The WUP offense gained small chunks of yardage and as time ran down they attempted a field goal that was unsuccessful.