Harry Von Kersberg

Harry Edwin von Kersburg (October 14, 1884 – July 23, 1951) was an American college football player, coach, and official who was an All-American guard for the Harvard Crimson. During his athletic career, he went by the name Harry Kersburg.

Football von Kersburg was born on October 14, 1884, in Medina, New York to James Nelson and Rosemond (von Zalinski) Von Kersburg. After graduating from Medina High School, von Kersburg enrolled at Lehigh University with the intention of eventually transferring to Harvard College. He played for Lehigh in 1903 and at Harvard from 1904 to 1906. In 1906, he injured his leg in the penultimate game against Dartmouth, but recovered enough to play in the season finale against Yale. The injury would require surgery the following February.

Track and field While at Harvard, von Kersburg was introduced to the hammer throw. He finished in second place at the 1906 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships at Travers Island. In 1908, he won 16-pound hammer throw at the same competition.

Coaching von Kersburg was an assistant football coach at Harvard in 1908, 1909, and 1911. From 1931 to 1937, von Kersburg was an unpaid athletic advisor and football coach at Sing Sing. One of Sing Sing's football players, Alabama Pitts, went on to play in the National Football League after his release.

Business In 1910, von Kersburg worked as a mining engineer in Alaska. In 1914, he became the employment manager of the Hotel McAlpin in New York City. They had two children, John and Mary.

Officiating After leaving coaching, von Kersburg remained involved in football as an official. He retired in 1939, but served as a supervisor of officials for the Eastern College Athletic Conference until his death on July 23, 1951, in New York City.

Head coaching record