The preliminary scrap was won by the sophomores and little negative information was reported other than the standard injuries due to the wind being knockout of some of the participants. The 1913 Scrap was one of the shortest and tamest in the history of the event. It lasted only fourteen minutes and the 300 man sophomore charge was more of walk. Only when they were a few feet from the 500 man freshmen defenses did the latter respond. Despite all the precautions, which included the sophomores wearing heavy leather collar for both identification and protection. What everyone secretly feared occurred. A sophomore by the name of Francis W. Obenchain of South Whitley, Indiana lay unresponsive on the field. The initial story stated that he was found by one of marshals, and still breathing, immediately carried to an aid station. Soon after, he was moved to his room in the Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity house. The doctors on site claimed heart failure and despite all their efforts he was pronounced dead. His death was announced to the procession heading for Stuart Field and the students immediately dispersed.
Francis Walter Obenchain
Source: 1914 Debris (Lafayette: The Senior Class of Purdue University, 1914): 57.
