Thiel College Athletics

Leland Berkman, or “Indian” as his teammates fondly called him, was noted for his fierce competitiveness and desire to succeed. These assets aided his four years in the Thiel uniform, where time and time again he was matched against linemen much larger in size but never in heart. A two-way player in every aspect, Berkman was a tackle on offense and patrolled the end position on defense.

During his four years in college, the foundation for a solid football program was laid. Under the tutelage of Tommy Holleran, the Blue and Gold gridders became known as “Tom’s Cats” emblematic of the spirit and determination with which they played. The nickname was coined by a sportswriter who was describing the play of the Thiel gridders. Berkman epitomized this fighting spirit of Tom’s Cats, who were often out-numbered but never out-fought. “Tom’s Cats” was eventually shortened to Tomcats, the current Thiel nickname.

During the four years of Berkman’s gridiron greatness, the Tomcats were 20-14-3. They never-say-die Cats posted a 5-3-1 mark in Berkman’s freshman year (1921). The 1922 and 1923 teams fashioned 6-4 and 6-2-1 report cards, respectively. Though the Tomcats finished on the short end of the score more often than not in Berkman’s senior year (3-5-1), they were never beaten in spirit. A lot of that had to do with Berkman, symbolized the never-say-die attitude of the Thiel athlete, being captain.

Berkman also lettered in track at Thiel. He transmitted his determination in athletics later in life when he spent time as athletic director and coach in his hometown of Monaca.