[3] He was one of the country's leading college discus throwers, and also competed in the shot put, javelin and broad jump.

[6] Welch played left halfback in the single-wing offense run by coach Jock Sutherland in 1926 and 1927.

"[7] In 1926, Welch broke the single-season yardage record set by Red Grange, gaining 1,964 yards in just nine games.

[1] Welch earned the princely sum of $300 per game with the Yankees — near the top of the wage scale for the era — although team finances were shaky.

A newspaper story announcing his signing by the Steam Roller noted:"'Gibby', who was once known to have been addressed as Gilbert, functions effectively as a punter, pass dispatcher or receiver, line perforator and broken field runner.

It is understood that the Roller management was forced to quote the highest figures ever whispered into a pro football player's ears before Welch affixed his signature to a contract.

In 1956, the Charleston Daily Mail called Welch "one of the most fabulous characters ever produced in West Virginia athletics.