The program began in 1901. The school then called itself St. Xavier College; the team the Saints. In their first season they played a mix of colleges and high schools, but gradually improved their schedule. In 1907 they began a rivalry against the University of Dayton, then named St. Mary's Institute.[1]
The team name became the Musketeers in 1929, the same year St. Xavier became Xavier University and built Corcoran Stadium. The high point came under coach Edward Kluska, who posted a 35-12-2 record between 1947 and 1951. The 1949 team went 10-1 and received an invitation to the 1950 Salad Bowl, in which they defeated Arizona State University 33-21. Seven players from the 1950 and 1951 teams would later play in the National Football League.[1] Xavier declined an invitation to the 1952 Salad Bowl.[2]
Xavier's Board of Trustees ended the football program in 1973 following a determination that it lost $200,000 every year.[1]
The Musketeers played their games in Corcoran Stadium, which opened in 1929 after a $300,000 fundraising drive led by future Governor of OhioMyers Y. Cooper. The stadium could seat 15,000 spectators. Xavier demolished the stadium in 1988.[1]
