Inside the Jersey: Penn Quakers (1993)

 

A while back, I used to do an occasional feature where I'd unearth a jersey from my collection and explore the ins and outs of it. Well, this golden oldie somehow fell through the cracks in the AstroTurf. Let's dig in!

The Jersey: 1993 Penn Quakers throwback, worn for one game only (Nov. 20, 1993 against Cornell, the 100th meeting between the ancient rivals). I discussed the uniform a bit in this post. As far as I know, this was the first throwback uniform in college football history. It was worn with Penn's regular helmet and a set of blue pants slightly different from its usual pants, which had stripes on the sides. (Ironically, the original 1970s blue pants had stripes.)

Penn edged Cornell, 17-14, to wrap up a 10-0 season and the Ivy League championship.

How It Was Acquired: eBay, $35. A steal of a deal.

Who Made It: Rawlings, which also made this great Cornell jersey in the late 1970s. When I was young, Rawlings made all the Major League Baseball jerseys, but the company dabbled in football, too.

The mark of a pro ... or whatever college football players are these days.

Who Wore It: Two different players wore No. 64: Linebacker Tim Gage and offensive lineman Jamie Santiago. It's not uncommon for multiple players to simultaneously wear the same number; usually one player is on offense and the other is on defense. 

Size: The label reads extra large, but it's probably closer to 2XL or even 3XL. I can wear it comfortably with an undershirt underneath. Today's XL jerseys look like they're spray-painted on the players, they're so tight.

Jersey Constriction: Good old-fashioned made-in-the-USA mesh. No PrimeKnit-HeatGear-TechFit blarney going on here.

The Penn throwback jersey in all its glory. I forget where 
this photo came from, but thanks to whomever used it first.

Design: It's based on the excellent style Penn wore from 1971-80. The numbers and "PENNSYLVANIA" wordmark are taller than on the originals. The Quakers have used the alternating dark red-and-blue sleeve stripes off and on since the 19th century, making it one of football's most enduring uniform characteristics. 

Condition: A little yellowed on the top, with some small stains on the front — possibly from game action, more likely from its current owner eating wings while watching a game on TV.

Other Stuff: The dark red on the sleeves is much closer to maroon, but it seems to match what the Quakers were using on the helmets at the time.

Final Verdict: Let's see ... Historic significance, great design, still fits: Yeah, I'd say this shirt rules.