Northern Arizona University Football: A Storied History
The Northern Arizona University (NAU) Lumberjacks football program represents Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona. As a member of the Big Sky Conference, the Lumberjacks compete in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). Since its inception in 1915, the program has woven itself into the fabric of NAU’s identity, marked by periods of triumph, challenges, and enduring rivalries. The team's home games take place in the 10,500-seat Walkup Skydome.
Early Beginnings and Growth
Northern Arizona Normal School, the predecessor to NAU, opened its doors in 1899. It wasn't until 1915 that the institution fielded its inaugural football team, marking the official start of Lumberjack football. The team secured its first victory against Winslow High with a score of 12-7. The 1920s and 1930s proved to be a prosperous era for the team.
The 1930s: A Decade of Dominance
During the 1930s, while the school was known as Arizona State College at Flagstaff, the Lumberjacks achieved a series of remarkable feats. In 1932, they secured their first and only victory against the UofA Wildcats. Furthermore, the football team consistently outperformed the ASU Sun Devils, defeating them a total of eight times throughout the decade.
The Golden Year: 1958
The 1958 season stands as the pinnacle of Lumberjack football history. As a member of the NAIA league, the team achieved an impressive 11-1 record and finished as runner-up in the NAIA Championship Holiday Bowl. To commemorate the historic season, a banner hangs in the Skydome. This marked the first time an Arizona collegiate team had appeared on national television.
Transition and Conference Membership
In 1966, eight years after the memorable 1958 season, Northern Arizona University was officially established. This marked the beginning of the modern era for the football program. In 1970, the NAU Lumberjacks joined the NCAA Division I-AA league and became a founding member of the Big Sky Conference. This transition signified the Lumberjacks' commitment to competing at the highest level of college football.
Read also: Northern Kentucky Basketball
Walkup Skydome: A Home Fortress
In 1977, the iconic Walkup Skydome, located at 1705 S San Francisco St, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, became the new home for the NAU football program. The Skydome has since served as the backdrop for countless Lumberjack games and remains the team's home stadium to this day.
1978: A Big Sky Triumph
The 1978 season marked another significant achievement for the NAU football program. Under the leadership of Coach Joe Salem, the Lumberjacks secured their first of two Big Sky Conference championships. This successful season also marked Coach Salem's final year with the program.
Rivalries and Memorable Victories
The Lumberjacks have cultivated numerous rivalries with other teams. On September 18, 2021, Northern Arizona defeated Arizona for the first time since 1932, with a score of 21-19. It was their first win against a FBS team since beating UTEP in 2018 and their third overall win against an FBS team since 2012. It is also the first time they beat a member of the Pac-12 Conference.
Recent Years and the Chris Ball Era
Today, the NAU Football program is led by Coach Chris Ball. Since their last Big Sky Championship in 2003, the 'Jacks have had several average seasons. Many changes have occurred over the years, such as branding deals with Adidas and a brand new coaching staff that came with the 2019 season.
Notable Players
The NAU Lumberjacks football program has produced several notable players who have gone on to professional careers:
Read also: The Story of UNI Panthers Football
- Khalil Dorsey: An American professional football cornerback for the Detroit Lions of the NFL.
- Willard Reaves: Played professional football in the Canadian Football League and the National Football League. In the CFL, he played for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, where his team won the 1984 Grey Cup, and in the same season, Reaves won the Most Outstanding Player Award.
Read also: Northern Arizona University Tuition
tags: #northern #arizona #university #football #history
