A History of Eastern Washington University Football
The Eastern Washington Eagles football team has a long and storied history, representing Eastern Washington University in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). From its humble beginnings in 1901, the program has evolved through various stages, marked by changes in name, mascot, conference affiliation, and on-field success.
Early Years and Transition
Eastern Washington University began fielding a football team in 1901, when the school was known at the time as the 'State Normal School' and the team mascot was the 'Savages'. During this time period, the school underwent numerous changes to its identity. The school name changed in 1937 to the 'Eastern Washington College of Education', then again in 1962 to 'Eastern Washington State College'. Eastern competed in the NAIA until 1977, along the way advancing to the NAIA Football National Championship finals in 1967, losing to Fairmont State 28-21.
In 1973, the student body voted to make Eastern's mascot the 'Eagles'. Shortly before that, the Eastern Board of Trustees declared 'Savages', its mascot through its first 92 years, no longer acceptable.
Move to Division I FCS
Eastern Washington moved up to Division I-AA (now FCS) in 1984. The team has fifteen appearances in the I-AA/FCS playoffs since moving up to the division in 1984, with an overall record of 20-14 (.588). Their first appearance occurred the next year, when they advanced to the quarterfinals as an independent.
The 2010 Championship Season and Beyond
The 2010 season marked a number of firsts for Eastern Washington's football program. The offseason saw a highly publicized move to install a red turf playing surface, the first of its kind in the country. The 2010 season concluded with Eastern Washington's first appearance in the FCS Championship Game.
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Roos Field and "The Inferno"
The EWU football team plays at Roos Field, opened in 1967 and recently expanded and renovated in 2004 and 2010 to seat 11,702. The stadium was originally named Woodward Field in honor of former Eagles head football and basketball coach Arthur C. Woodward. On February 26, 2010, ESPN reported that Eastern Washington planned to remove the natural grass surface at Woodward Field and replace it with red SprinTurf, the first of its kind, at any level of American football.
Eastern Washington's red playing surface is known as The Inferno. Voting began on August 4, 2010 and allowed fans to choose from seven proposed names: red sea, red zone, inferno, big red, red carpet, ring of fire and lava pit.
Rivalries
The EWU-UM Governors Cup is the game against conference rival Montana, usually played in mid-season in October, alternating between Roos Field in Cheney and Washington-Grizzly Stadium in Missoula. The Eagles currently trail in the overall series with 18 wins, 30 losses, and a tie; it became the Governors Cup in 1998 for the 25th meeting and Montana also leads that series at 13-8 (.619), through 2017.
The Eagles also have a new rivalry with the Portland State Vikings in all sports, starting in 2010 called The Dam Cup. Eastern football won the first rivalry match between the two schools in 2010 with a score of 55-17. The purpose of the Dam Cup is to create a rivalry between Portland State University and Eastern Washington University and provide a sense of pride between alumni in the Portland and Spokane areas.
Key Figures
The current head coach is Aaron Best, who is in his 8th season in 2025, with a record of 52-40 (.565).
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Notable former players include: J. C. Sherritt, T. J. Conley and Michael Roos, whose No. 4 jersey has been retired.
A Look at the Program's Evolution Through Game Programs
A review of Eastern Washington University football game programs over the years reveals the evolution of the program and the institution itself. These programs, preserved in university archives, offer a glimpse into the changing landscape of college football and the cultural context of the times.
Early Game Programs: Showcasing Local Rivalries
Programs from the mid-20th century highlight the importance of regional rivalries. Games against teams like Central Washington State College (now Central Washington University), Western Washington State College (now Western Washington University), Whitworth College, and Eastern Oregon State College were prominent events. These programs, often produced by the Associated Students of Eastern Washington State College, provided information about the teams, players, and the college itself.
The 1960s: A Time of Change
The 1960s were a period of significant change for Eastern Washington State College, as reflected in the football programs of the era. The college was actively recruiting football players, as evidenced by a 1962 recruiting pamphlet that outlined a "major rebuilding program in football." Programs from this decade also showcase games played at Woodward Stadium (later Roos Field) and Joe Albi Stadium in Spokane, Washington.
A highlight of this era was the 1967 season, which culminated in an appearance in the NAIA Champion Bowl. The program from that game against Fairmont State provides a snapshot of the team's journey to the national championship.
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Transition to University Status and Division I
As Eastern Washington transitioned to university status, the football program continued to evolve. Programs from the 1970s and 1980s document the team's move to Division I and its growing competitiveness. Games against Montana State University, University of Delaware and North Dakota State University signify the program's growing stature.
All-Time Record
The Eastern Washington Eagles football team has an all-time record of 580-437-23 (.569).
National Titles
Eastern Washington has one claimed national title in Div. I FCS (2010).
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