"[1] Their name reflected both the town's deep roots in the iron industry and the desire of returning soldiers from World War I to run over their opponents.
The combined team strength from the Tank infusion and the addition of rookie Dutch Clark, a future Hall of Famer, turned the Spartans into a power to be reckoned with.
The Tanks played a game the day after Thanksgiving with the Lombards, a crosstown rival on Friday Nov 26, 1920 winning 26-0 when many people were off due to the holiday.
Several Tank players (including Glenn Presnell) continued their football careers by joining the nearby Portsmouth Spartans.
Not only did he play both sides of the ball, Glenn Presnell held the NFL longest field goal record for 19 years, with a 54 yarder that beat the Green Bay Packers 3–0.
[10] Glenn was inducted into the Nebraska High School Hall of Fame, citing his three Letters as a Cornhusker, leading the nation in total yards as a senior, All-Missouri Valley two times, and twice being NFL All-pro.
[13] Interesting trivia is that his wife helped choose the famous powder blue uniforms for the Detroit Lions when the team moved from Portsmouth, Ohio.
[14] Many feel his NFL career itself deserved entry into the Pro Football Hall of Fame,[16] while others have said he was unfairly discriminated against because of his years with the Tanks.
An online petition to support his entry to the Football Hall of Fame, in nearby Canton, Ohio, has also attracted attention,[17] Note: Glen has been referenced in several publications as being named an All-American while at Nebraska.
Indeed, Glenns contributions and performance as a starting halfback and safety in his years with the Detroit Lions were key in their becoming 1935 World Champions.
Glenn Presnell was honored by the Lions in 1995 at halftime against the Packers as a member of the 60th anniversary of the 1935 championship by being driven to the 50 yard line in a Ford Model T. The Tanks uniform was also noteworthy, a distinctive blend of khaki pants and red jerseys, reminiscent of the 49ers today.
The town of Ironton has maintained the legend of these proud footballers by designating the stadium with historical status and creating a fund for its maintenance[21] in addition to a Tribute website[22] with their complete schedule and results.