A Legacy Forged in the Mountains: The History of Western Colorado University Football
The Western Colorado Mountaineers, representing Western Colorado University in Gunnison, Colorado, boast a rich athletic tradition, particularly in football. As members of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) within NCAA Division II, the Mountaineers have established a legacy of competitive spirit and achievement across various sports. This article delves into the history of the football program, its triumphs, iconic home stadium, and the broader athletic success of Western Colorado University.
A Foundation of Athletic Excellence
Western Colorado University's athletic prowess extends beyond the gridiron. The Mountaineers compete in 13 varsity sports, with women's wrestling as a recent addition sponsored by the RMAC. Since 1954, Western has accumulated 88 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference titles, marking a tradition of success.
The university has also celebrated numerous individual National Championships since 1986 across a variety of disciplines, including:
- Men's Indoor Track & Field
- Women's Indoor Track & Field
- Men's Outdoor Track & Field
- Women's Outdoor Track & Field
- Women's Cross Country
- Men's Cross Country
- Wrestling
- Men's Swimming & Diving
- Men's Skiing
- Women's Skiing
Prior to 1986, between the NCAA College Division, NCAA Division II, and NAIA classifications since 1963, Western accumulated 15 national championships in Wrestling, Women's Cross Country, and Men's Cross Country.
Gridiron Glory: The Football Legacy
Football holds a special place in the history of Western Colorado University. The Mountaineers have clinched 20 RMAC conference championships as of 2023, a testament to the program's enduring strength and competitive edge within the conference.
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The Mountaineer Football Alumni Association (MFAA)
The Mountaineer Football Alumni Association (MFAA) plays a crucial role in sustaining the program's legacy. Comprising approximately 70 members, this independent group of former players and friends provides vital time and financial support towards football scholarships. Their dedication helps ensure the continuation of the proud history of Mountaineer football.
According to an MFAA member, WCU Football is currently ranked nationally in the top 10 out of 162 DII programs: “Coach Bains and his staff have this program performing in the top 6% of all peers.”
The Glory Days: The 1970s
The 1970s stand out as a golden era for Western State College (WSC) football. Under the guidance of Coach Bill Noxon, the Mountaineers achieved remarkable success, securing 69 victories, eight conference championships, and four national playoff appearances in nine seasons.
The Mountaineer Bowl witnessed the brilliance of offensive stars such as Charlie Thompson, Mike Makings, Jim Arcieri, and Tyron James, who thrived behind exceptional offensive lines featuring Mike O’Rourke, Justin Cross, Carl Mikesell, and Al Borkowski. The defense was equally formidable, with players like Billy Campbell, Aubrey Tate, Gaar Potter, Joe Krutulis, Howard Fry, and Jay Chapman leaving their mark on the program.
Mountaineer Bowl: Home of the Mountaineers
For 75 years, Mountaineer Bowl has been Western's largest venue and the Gunnison Country's meeting place. The Western State College community celebrated the grand opening of the Mountaineer Bowl during Homecoming 1948. The stadium, sitting at an elevation of 7,723 feet, was the brainchild of President Mickelson and was shaped to the contours of Smelter Hill north of the Western campus.
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As the world’s highest collegiate football stadium, the Bowl has been home to 20 Mountaineer teams that won the RMAC Championship and three national playoff games. It was also the site of two stunning Mountaineer upsets of #1 ranked opponents in 1966 and 1996 (both by the score of 14-13). The brilliant Western coaches who led Mountaineer gridders to championships were Pete Pederson, Kay Dalton, Ollie Woods, Bill Noxon, Duke Iverson, and Jas Bains.
Beyond Football: A Multi-Purpose Venue
The Mountaineer Bowl's significance extends beyond football. For over 50 years, it served as the home field for the Gunnison Cowboys football team. Additionally, the stadium has hosted numerous RMAC Track and Field Championship meets, showcasing the talents of Mountaineer athletes who achieved All-RMAC, NCAA Division II All-American, and National Champion status.
In the 197Os, Western history professor Duane Vandenbusche started coaching both the Mountaineers’ Track and Field and Cross-Country teams, turning moribund programs into national powerhouses. In the early 2000s, Mountaineer All-American and Steeplechase National Champion Jen Michel took the controls of the Big Red Machine, and it rolled on without missing a beat.
The Bowl has also been a gathering place for the community, hosting events such as the Gunnison Rotary Club’s annual Fourth of July fireworks show for decades. Furthermore, it serves as the backdrop for Western Colorado University's Commencement ceremonies.
A New Era: The Rady Family Sports Complex
Recognizing the need to modernize the iconic stadium, Interim President Nancy Chisholm and Athletics Director Miles Van Hee initiated a renovation project in 2021. Thanks to significant contributions from benefactors Paul and Katie Rady, along with donations from Jeff and Karen Holway, Don and Michelle Jackson, Michael O., and others, the Mountaineer Bowl underwent a transformation, becoming part of the Rady Family Sports Complex.
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The project addressed the original Bowl’s shortcomings with improvements to the press box, ticket booth, and concession stand. It also included the installation of an artificial turf playing surface, a new all-weather track, and stadium lights, allowing Western to host its first-ever night game. The project even added a much-needed renovation of the football squad’s locker room in Paul Wright Gymnasium.
The new Mountaineer Bowl at the Rady Family Sports Complex emerges as one of the finest facilities of its kind in the nation.
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