A Legacy of Rams: The History of Shepherd University Football
Shepherd University, located in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, boasts a rich history in intercollegiate athletics. The Shepherd Rams compete in Division II of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) as members of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) since the 2019-20 academic year, participating in 15 varsity sports. This article delves into the history of the Shepherd University football program, tracing its evolution, celebrating its achievements, and highlighting the individuals who have shaped its legacy.
Early Years and NAIA Postseason Appearances
The Shepherd Rams football program represents Shepherd University in college football. Before Monte Cater's arrival, Shepherd had made the postseason only a handful of times. In 1983, the Rams reached the playoffs for the first time in school history, losing to Carson-Newman 42-21 in the opening round of the NAIA playoffs. They returned to the postseason in 1986 and again fell to Carson-Newman, 30-10. In 1991, Shepherd advanced to the playoffs and lost to Central State 34-22.
The Monte Cater Era: A Period of Unprecedented Success
Monte Cater served as the head football coach at Shepherd University from 1987 to 2017, becoming the winningest coach in both Shepherd and West Virginia college football history. Under Cater's leadership, Shepherd became a dominant program in the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WVIAC), winning 12 conference titles. Cater led Shepherd to 13 post season trips, 2 NAIA and 11 NCAA DII. On January 24, 2018, Cater announced his retirement after 31 seasons at Shepherd. Cater had been the active wins leader in all levels of college football with 274 career victories. The current head coach is Ernie McCook, a 1992 graduate of Wesley College. McCook was elevated to head coach after the retirement of longtime coach Monte Cater. McCook previously served as offensive line coach at Shepherd from 1999 to 2008 and was also the offensive coordinator starting in 2000. McCook was elevated to assistant head coach in 2007.
Transition to the PSAC
On May 31, 2018, Shepherd University accepted an invitation to join the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) as a full-time member, with competition beginning in the 2019-20 academic year. “We are pleased to welcome the Shepherd Rams to the PSAC family of institutions,” said PSAC Commissioner Steve Murray. “Shepherd University brings with it an outstanding athletic and academic tradition, along with a perfect geographic fit for the conference. Shepherd's addition followed the departure of Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, which exited NCAA Division II competition after the 2017-18 season. With Shepherd's arrival, the PSAC maintained its 18-member structure heading into 2019.
Ram Stadium
Shepherd University's football team plays at Ram Stadium.
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Notable Players in Professional Football
Several Shepherd Rams football players have gone on to play in professional leagues, including the National Football League (NFL), Arena Football League (AFL), and Canadian Football League (CFL). These players include:
- John Shearer: QB John Shearer was taken with the 6th pick in the 28th round of the 1956 NFL draft by the Baltimore Colts.
- Bob Hogue: T Bob Hogue was taken with the 11th pick in the 20th round of the 1960 NFL draft, also by the Colts.
- Wayne Wilson: RB Wayne Wilson was taken with the 21st pick in the 12th round of the 1979 NFL draft by the Houston Oilers.
- James Rooths: DB/KR James Rooths played for the New York Jets, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He also played for NFL Europe's Scottish Claymores for 2 seasons. After his playing career, Rooths was an assistant defensive backs coach with the Frankfurt Galaxy.
- Joel Gordon: QB Joel Gordon played with Arena Football League 2's Richmond Speed and the Winterthur Warriors of the Swiss Nationalliga A. Gordon led the Warriors the Swiss Bowl in 2006. Gordon was the QB coach at Shepherd in 2003, 2005-07, and 2011-2015.
- Ramal Faunteroy: DE Ramal Faunteroy played for AFL2's Manchester Wolves. Faunteroy is currently the defensive line coach at Shepherd.
- Howard Jones: DE Howard Jones was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers after the 2014 NFL draft. He also played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Chicago Bears.
- Shaneil Jenkins: DE Shaneil Jenkins was signed by the Denver Broncos following the 2016 NFL draft.
- Connor Jessop: QB Connor Jessop signed with the Washington Football Team on August 26, 2018.
- DeJuan Neal: CB DeJuan Neal was selected by the New York Guardians of the revived XFL in Phase 5 of the 2020 XFL draft. Two years later, he was drafted 90th overall by the New Jersey Generals in the 2022 USFL draft. On July 14, 2022, he was signed by the Washington Commanders and was released on August 30 during final roster cuts.
- Joey Fisher: OG Joey Fisher was taken in the 3rd round of the 2023 USFL draft by the Houston Gamblers. He chose not to sign with the Gamblers and was instead signed by the San Francisco 49ers after the conclusion of the 2023 NFL draft. He was released on August 29, 2023.
- Tyson Bagent: QB Tyson Bagent was signed by the Chicago Bears after the conclusion of the 2023 NFL draft. Tyson Bagent wins 2021 Harlon Hill Trophy, becomes first Shepherd Ram to win award.
- Ronnie Brown: RB Ronnie Brown was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the conclusion of the 2023 NFL draft. He was released on August 29, 2023.
- Brian Walker: TE Brian Walker was signed by the Baltimore Ravens after the conclusion of the 2023 NFL draft.
Shepherd University Athletic Hall of Fame
The Shepherd University Athletic Hall of Fame (SUAHOF) was founded in 1985 by the director of athletics, Dr. Michael Jacobs. Dr. Jacobs was responsible for establishing the initial Selection Committee consisting of David Newlin (director of college relations), Joe Browning (sports information director), and Dr. A. D. Don L. William M. Donald E. Donald E. The Selection Committee developed the criteria used to determine eligibility, number to be selected annually, awards to be presented, and the format for the awards ceremony. Eventually, the Selection Committee would be increased to fourteen (14) members, as set forth by the SUAHOF by-laws. Presently, the SUAHOF has 155 members. Of the 155 members inducted, 19 members are former Shepherd coaches. On October 3, 1998, the SUAHOF Board of Directors honored the late Dr. A. In 1997, the SUAHOF by-laws were amended to allow members of the Board of Directors the privilege of electing a chairperson on an annual basis. In 2000, the SUAHOF by-laws were further amended to set three-year terms for members of the Board of Directors, with appointments/terminations occurring on alternating years. In June 2000, the Board of Directors adopted the official SUAHOF ring for members. In June 2001, the Board of Directors established two (2) scholarships for Shepherd University athletes (1 male/1 female). In November of 2002, the Board of Directors presented a portrait of the late Charles “Charlie” Kave to the Shepherd University Athletic Department. In the spring of 2004, Shepherd College became Shepherd University. In the spring of 2005, the SUAHOF by-laws were amended to extend the waiting period of former student-athletes from five years to ten years since the candidate last participated in athletics at Shepherd. The undefeated 1955 Shepherd football team was recognized in 2005 on their 50th anniversary.
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