Philip J. "Woodchuck" Welmas, a name that resonates within the annals of early National Football League (NFL) history, represents a fascinating intersection of Native American heritage and the burgeoning world of professional sports. Born on February 26, 1891, and passing away on November 15, 1968, Welmas carved a unique niche for himself as a member of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and a player in the nascent years of professional football. This article delves into the life and times of Philip J. "Woodchuck" Welmas, exploring his upbringing, education, athletic career, and the historical context that shaped his journey.
A Cahuilla Heritage
Welmas’s roots were deeply embedded in the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, a tribe indigenous to Southern California. His father, Cyteno Welmas, was of mixed Agua Caliente heritage, while his mother, Chriselda, was a full-blooded member of the tribe. Philip J. "Woodchuck" Welmas’s birth in Los Angeles, California, marked the beginning of a life that would bridge two distinct worlds.
Early Education
Welmas’s formal education commenced at Pala Day School, where he studied from 1897 to 1898. He then transferred to a school in Riverside, California, attending for the 1898-1899 academic year and completing the 2nd grade. It’s noteworthy that schooling during this era typically lasted for only five months each year. After his brief period in school, Philip J. "Woodchuck" Welmas left to find work.
Carlisle Indian Industrial School
A significant chapter in Welmas’s life unfolded when he enrolled at the Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, on November 10, 1908, at the age of 17. This institution, founded in 1879 by Richard Henry Pratt, aimed to assimilate Native American children into mainstream American society through vocational training and academic instruction.
Welmas initially pursued training as a house painter, demonstrating "Good" skills according to the college’s assessment. Subsequently, he was apprenticed to a harness maker from January 1 to June 30, 1910, where his skills were rated as "Fair."
Driven by a desire for further education and vocational training, Welmas re-enrolled at the Carlisle Indian Industrial School on March 1, 1911, for an additional three years. During this period, he underwent apprenticeships with seven different tradesmen, gaining experience in various fields. He extended his stay for another two years on November 17, 1914, this time apprenticing with the Ford Motor Company in the Body Paint Division.
While at Carlisle, Philip J. "Woodchuck" Welmas also participated in college football, showcasing his athletic abilities. Despite his diverse training and experiences, Welmas’s formal education upon leaving the Carlisle Indian School was equivalent to a 4th-grade level.
At the age of 18, Philip stood at 5 feet 6 1/2 inches tall and weighed 176.2 pounds.
The Oorang Indians and the NFL
Welmas’s journey took an unexpected turn when he joined the Oorang Indians in 1923. This team, a unique entity in the NFL, was based in LaRue, Ohio, a small town near Marion. The franchise was the brainchild of Walter Lingo, who sought to promote his Oorang dog kennels by creating a novelty team composed entirely of Native American players.
The Oorang Indians were more than just a football team; they were a marketing tool designed to capitalize on the public’s fascination with Native American culture. Jim Thorpe, a legendary athlete of Native American descent, served as the team’s leading player and coach, adding to its allure.
The team participated in the National Football League for two seasons, 1922 and 1923. Notably, only one of their 20 games was played "at home" in nearby Marion. LaRue, with a population significantly under a thousand, remains the smallest town ever to host an NFL franchise, or likely any professional team in any major league in the United States.
Philip "Woodchuck" Welmas played in four NFL games for the Oorang Indians during the 1923 season, assuming the roles of quarterback and end. His professional football career concluded when the Oorang Indians disbanded after the 1923 season.
A Legacy of Resilience
Philip J. "Woodchuck" Welmas’s life story is a testament to resilience and adaptability. Born into the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, he navigated the complexities of early 20th-century America, experiencing both the challenges and opportunities presented to Native Americans during this transformative period.
His education at the Carlisle Indian Industrial School, while intended to assimilate him into mainstream society, also provided him with valuable vocational skills and athletic opportunities. His participation in the NFL with the Oorang Indians, though brief, placed him within the historical context of the league’s formative years.
While details about his life after his football career are scarce, Welmas’s story serves as a reminder of the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the individuals who shaped the early NFL. He represents a generation of Native American athletes who contributed to the sport’s growth while simultaneously grappling with issues of cultural identity and assimilation.
Philip J. "Woodchuck" Welmas’s legacy extends beyond his athletic achievements. He embodies the spirit of his ancestors, the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, and serves as an inspiration to those who seek to bridge cultural divides and pursue their dreams against the odds. His story is a valuable piece of the puzzle that makes up the rich tapestry of American sports history and Native American heritage.