Delta State Statesmen Football: A Century of Pride and Excellence
The Delta State Statesmen football team represents Delta State University, located in Cleveland, Mississippi, in NCAA Division II college football. The Statesmen, who began playing football in 1926, currently compete as members of the Gulf South Conference (GSC). As Delta State University celebrates 100 years of excellence in education, athletics, and community impact, it's fitting to spotlight the legacy of the Delta State football program.
Early Years and Foundation
The Delta State Statesmen football program began its journey in 1926. Longtime head coaches E.B. Chadwick and Horace McCool laid the foundation for the program, instilling a sense of pride and unity that still resonates today. Their dedication helped establish the program as a symbol of pride for both the university and the Cleveland community.
The Championship Season
The program's crowning achievement came in 2000, when Head Coach Steve Campbell led the Statesmen to the NCAA Division II National Championship, finishing with a 14-1 record. This victory marked a significant milestone in the history of Delta State football and remains a cherished memory for the university and its supporters. They were runners-up in the NCAA Division II football championship in 2010.
Gulf South Conference Dominance
Over the years, DSU has amassed a total of nine Gulf South Conference Championships. The Statesmen won their first title in 1998, followed by their second during the national championship season in 2000. The team's consistent performance in the GSC underscores its competitive spirit and commitment to excellence.
Recent Success Under Todd Cooley
In recent years, Head Coach Todd Cooley, who took over in 2013, has carried the torch forward. Under his leadership, the Statesmen have returned to national prominence, capturing three GSC Championships (2014, 2022, 2023) and four NCAA Playoff berths (2014, 2017, 2022, 2023). Cooley's tenure has been marked by a renewed sense of competitiveness and a commitment to developing talented players. His current record is 42-34 (.553).
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McCool Stadium: Home of the Statesmen
The Statesmen play their home games at McCool Stadium, a venue with a capacity of 8,000. The field is named Travis E. Parker Field. This stadium serves as a focal point for the university and the community, bringing together fans to support their team.
Individual Achievements and Recognition
The Statesmen boast over 30 All-American selections, and every year, multiple players earn All-GSC honors and conference awards. These accolades reflect the high caliber of athletes who have donned the green and white, contributing to the program's storied legacy.
Delta State University: A Commitment to Excellence
Acknowledging its beginnings as a teacher’s college, the University sustains excellence in teacher education while also continuing to expand offerings in traditional as well as new areas of study. From the core disciplines such as arts, humanities, and sciences to unique programs such as commercial aviation and community development, the University is committed to meeting the ever-changing and evolving needs of the students it serves.
Delta State provides programs that cultivate intellectual curiosity and promote scholarship among its students. Through a state-of-the-art library supplemented by a campus network of computer labs, students have access to a full range of information resources in support of learning. The University also acknowledges the importance of student engagement as central to successful learning. Toward that end the University has dedicated its quality enhancement plan as required for regional accreditation to increased student engagement.
Delta State recognizes the need for a vibrant creative and performing arts program for its students and the region. The renovation of Jobe Hall provides a state-of-the-art theatre facility for student productions. Delta State endorses the principles of innovation and experimentation, and makes them a part of its institutional culture.
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Delta State promotes mutual respect, teamwork, fairness, and integrity. The University is diligent in working to create a climate where students, employees, and constituents are valued and nurtured. Delta State promotes a campus culture that fosters student development.
Delta State acknowledges its role as a public institution funded largely by the citizens of Mississippi. Delta State, in partnership with various organizations, will advance community and economic development in the Delta region to improve the quality of life and raise the educational level of its citizens. Special attention is given to collaboration with our educational partners: Mississippi Valley State University, Coahoma Community College, Mississippi Delta Community College, the Mississippi Department of Education, and the K-12 schools of the Delta.
Delta State acknowledges the importance of physical health for its students and the region and extends its resources in support of that goal. Through undergraduate and graduate programs in nursing and preprofessional programs in the sciences, the University provides health care practitioners to serve the State. The quality of Delta State’s academic programs is central to its educational mission. That quality is affirmed through a dedicated faculty with credentials appropriate to their discipline. Delta State is actively involved in providing programs that train leaders for the twenty-first century.
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