Southwestern College Football: A Storied History

Southwestern College boasts a rich football history, marked by periods of dominance, dedicated coaches, and memorable moments. From its humble beginnings to its national championship appearances, the program has left an indelible mark on the landscape of collegiate athletics. This article explores the captivating journey of Southwestern College football, highlighting key milestones, influential figures, and the traditions that have shaped its identity. Southwestern University also has a rich football history.

Early Years and Foundation (Southwestern College)

The Southwestern College football program commenced in 1903, led by coach J. J. Thiel. The team achieved a record of 9 wins, 5 losses, and 1 tie in its inaugural season, laying the foundation for a program with a bright future. The early years of Southwestern football saw the establishment of traditions and the development of a passionate fan base.

In 1908, the first motorized street car arrived in Winfield on June 14, marking a time of change and development in the surrounding community. The Southwestern Moundbuilder yearbook was launched, becoming the written legacy of Southwestern’s history.

Undefeated Seasons and Coaching Milestones (Southwestern College)

Throughout its history, Southwestern College has celebrated three undefeated seasons: 1913, 1918, and 1967. These seasons stand as testaments to the dedication and talent of the players and coaches who donned the Moundbuilder uniform.

The 1913 Moundbuilders football team was recognized on September 10, 2013, highlighting the lasting impact of their undefeated season. On November 11, 1912, the Fairmount Wheatshockers were beaten 41-3 by the Moundbuilders. A Southwestern student prepared a tombstone with the figure of a black cat at the top and the score underneath. The black cat came to be called the "Jinx," and SC continued to beat Fairmount for the next 14 consecutive years.

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Brad Griffin currently holds the position of head football coach, having assumed leadership of the program in 2015. Prior to his arrival at Southwestern College, Griffin served as the defensive coordinator for eleven seasons with William Penn University.

In 1982, head coach Dennis Franchione guided the Moundbuilders to a remarkable season, achieving 9 wins and 2 losses, capturing a conference championship, and securing a victory in the Sunflower Bowl.

Bowl Game Appearances and National Championship Bids (Southwestern College)

Southwestern College has made four appearances in bowl games, compiling an overall record of 2 wins and 2 losses. These bowl game appearances showcase the program's ability to compete at a high level and represent the college with pride.

The team has also advanced to the NAIA Football National Championship five times, with a record of 2 wins and 5 losses. In 1984, Southwestern qualified for the NAIA Football National Championship for the first time. In 1998, Southwestern advanced to the quarterfinals of the NAIA Football National Championship.

Traditions and Landmarks (Southwestern College)

Southwestern College is steeped in tradition, with several landmarks and customs that contribute to its unique identity.

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Stewart Field House, built in 1924, stands as the oldest field house still in use for its original purpose. The Richard L. Jantz Stadium was dedicated on October 2, 2010.

Dean Leroy Allen proposed a new custom, unique among colleges of the world - "The Building of the Mound Ceremony." At the beginning of every school year, each of the Southwestern students, faculty, and friends places on this mound a rock bearing his name, thus signifying his desire to be a Builder. The Southwestern Alma Mater first appears in a college yearbook. Written by Florence M. Buckton.

Key Moments and Achievements (Southwestern College)

Several key moments and achievements have defined Southwestern College football throughout its history.

In its early days, on April 16, 1950, Richardson Hall, built in 1910, burned. At this time, the college had only three main buildings, Richardson Hall, Stewart Field House, and North Hall- and North Hall had been condemned and was in the process of being torn down. The college’s future was very much in doubt.

The season of 1967 provided nine triumphs and a tie, giving SC its first undefeated season since 1918.

Southwestern University Football: A Revival

Southwestern University's football program has a history marked by periods of success and dormancy. After a hiatus, the program was reinstated, ushering in a new era for Pirates football.

Reinstatement and New Beginnings (Southwestern University)

On October 28, 2011, the Southwestern University board of trustees voted to reinstate the university's football program. The reinstatement was made possible by $6 million in gifts. $5 million was pledged by Joe Seeber, a 1963 Southwestern graduate, though Seeber later withdrew his pledge. The other $1 million was donated by Red McCombs, who attended Southwestern and played football.

“As the oldest university in Texas, we realize the importance many people place on football,” said university president Jake B. Schrum. “There are many bright young men who want to play football in college who find NCAA Division III appealing.

On February 27, 2012, Joe Austin was hired as the new head football coach at Southwestern. Austin came to Southwestern from Hanover College where he was the head coach for the 2008 through 2011 seasons. During that time Austin rebuilt a program that had suffered four consecutive losing seasons prior to his arrival. In just Austin's third season Hanover posted a 7-3 (6-2 Heartland Collegiate Conference) record while finishing second in the league. Austin's team finished second again in his fourth and final season of 2011.

Conference Championships and Affiliations (Southwestern University)

In 2016, the final year that the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference sponsored football, the Pirates posted a perfect 6-0 record in becoming undefeated conference champions. In just their fourth season of play the Pirates posted a 6-0 record in claiming the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference championship.

The football program competed in the American Southwest Conference as an affiliate member from 2017 to 2023. Southwestern University joined the Southern Athletic Association.

Early History and Southwest Conference (Southwestern University)

Records show that football was played at Southwestern University as early as 1895, but the school's first officially recognized team was not formed until 1908. They were charter members of the Texas Intercollegiate Athletic Association along with Austin College and Trinity in 1908, and of the Southwest Conference in 1914. They then left the Southwest Conference prior to the 1918, but continued to compete within the TIAA until 1925, when the departure of Rice caused the TIAA to split.

Wartime Success and Sun Bowl Victories (Southwestern University)

Prior to the 1940s, Southwestern was considered a "small time" football program, and only received national media attention about once yearly, whenever it faced a major college team. During the Second World War, however, Southwestern became a formidable football power because of its sponsorship of a V-12 Navy College Training Program, which was gained through the actions of then Texas Congressman Lyndon B.

During the 1943 season, Southwestern climbed as high as the eleventh-ranked team in the nation in the Associated Press Poll. Southwestern lost only one game during the season, and won the Sun Bowl against New Mexico, 7-0. After the 1944 season, the Sun Bowl invited Southwestern to return to face the National University of Mexico.

Texas Conference Years and Disbanding of the Program (Southwestern University)

SU had success in the conference, winning two conference championships, one in baseball (1918) and one in football (1925). In 1926-27 Southwestern left the TIAA to join the Texas Conference, starting that first year off on a high note with a 1927 conference championship in football and track & field. While in the Texas Conference, Southwestern had the first football team to win back-to-back Sun Bowl Championships. SU defeated the University of New Mexico 7-0 in 1944 and the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) (National Autonomous University of Mexico) from Mexico City 35-0 in 1945. It was also during the Texas Conference years that Southwestern disbanded the football program.

Transition to NCAA Division III (Southwestern University)

Following the completion of World War II, Southwestern transitioned to a small liberal arts institution by dropping post-graduate degrees. The Pirates became a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III school for the 1992-1993 academic year, going from six sports to 12 by adding men’s and women’s soccer, women’s golf and track & field and reviving the women’s tennis and men’s track & field teams. SU joined the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference in 1993 and competed within the conference beginning in the fall of 1994. Southwestern’s athletic department continued to grow by adding men’s and women’s swimming & diving in 1998 and softball in 2008 with their first year of competition being in the spring of 2009.

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