by Athletic Communications
Twenty years ago, Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s football team brought home the school’s only team national championship.
They completed an undefeated season and won the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics crown.
Northwestern will celebrate the 20th anniversary of that championship season by welcoming home team members for a reunion and recognition at Saturday’s football game.
“The 1999 championship season remains one of the great historical moments in Northwestern’s history, and brings back fond memories for Ranger fans,” Dr. Janet Cunningham, university president, said.
“We are thrilled to be able to recognize members of the team and bring them back home to celebrate that historical season.”
Following a special pregame tailgate party, team members will be recognized at halftime of Saturday’s football game at Ranger Field. Kickoff is at 3 p.m. NWOSU will be playing rivals Southwestern Oklahoma State University for the last game of the season.
Several players and coaches have indicated they will return for the event.
This Northwestern football team completed a 13-0 season with a come from behind 34-26 victory over top ranked Georgetown College, located in Kentucky, at Jim Carroll Stadium in Savannah, Tenn.
The Rangers stormed back from a 20-0 halftime deficit, wowing a national television crowd and Ranger fans across the nation.
The team produced six NAIA All-Americans – Dustin Loveless, Daryl Richardson, Lynn Scott, Brandon Christenson, Al Hunt and Danny Polmounter.
Loveless finished second in the voting for National Player of the Year, and Scott was named an Academic All-American.
Head coach Tim Albin was also named NAIA Coach of the Year.
Seventeen Rangers earned All-Central States Football League honors, including Loveless as Defensive Player of the Year and Hunt as Offensive Player of the Year.
The Rangers offensive “Machine” led the NAIA in rushing with 4,233 yards (325.6 yards per game) and 52 rushing touchdowns.
Defensively, the “Black Cloud” defense was ranked second nationally in total defense, with 163 tackles for loss, 64 sacks and 26 interceptions.
