Northern Michigan University will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its 1975 NCAA Division II champion football team with several events for alumni and campus/community members Thursday, Oct. 9, through Saturday, Oct. 11. The Wildcats achieved the most remarkable turnaround in the history of NCAA or professional sports by following a winless season with a championship. They compiled a 13-1 record, including a 16-14 victory over Western Kentucky in the DII national title game.
“The game was played in Sacramento [Calif.], but they bused us to San Francisco for the night,” recalled Paul Laurencelle, a 1978 grad and former player who serves on the planning committee for the 50th anniversary event. “So you had 50 guys from a college team get dropped off near Fisherman's Wharf, divide up into smaller groups and go dancing and singing in the streets after a big win. It was surreal and fun. Then when we landed in Marquette during a snowstorm the next night, it was crazy how many people showed up at the airport to welcome us back and cheer us on. Definitely a memorable experience all around.”
“It's really special that the university is putting together this 50th anniversary celebration and that it's getting so much interest; I think we'll have a great turnout,” said Kurt Albrecht, a 1977 grad from Marquette, who played running back behind NFL draft pick and NMU Sports Hall of Fame member Stuart Betts.
“I feel incredibly blessed to have played for Northern," Albrecht added. "It surprised me that we lost every game the year before because of the talent we had, but things really came together that championship season, in large part because Coach Gil Krueger brought in Buck Nystrom as an assistant for the offensive line. I think teamwork played a big role as well. It was a great group of guys who shared that fantastic national title experience, and we've remained friends and continue to get together occasionally. That says a lot about who we were and why we won.”
The following 50th anniversary activities are open to the public, with advance ticket information, if applicable:
Thursday, Oct. 9:
Welcome Party for 1975 team members and NMU alumni and friends from 5-7 p.m. at Blackrocks Brewery. Free admission with a cash bar, food trucks available for individual meal purchases and live music.
Friday, October 10:
Former Wildcat players from across the decades will share stories, insights and memories from their time on the field during a free panel discussion moderated by Steve Mariucci from 1:30-3 p.m. in Vandament Arena. Herb Grenke, the winningest coach in NMU football history, will reflect on the legacy of that era and how it helped to shape his coaching career. Featured panelists include: Fred Smith '78, Keith Ponder '80, Jerry Rosburg '83, Rick Popp '88, Matt Hoard '97 and Jake Witt '21. An RSVP through the NMU ticketing link is encouraged, but not required.
Former players and football fans are invited to check out the current Wildcat football team as it takes the field for practice from 3:45-4:45 p.m. in the Superior Dome.
A 1975 Football Celebratory Dinner will be held from 6-9:30 p.m. in the Northern Center. Tickets are $75 per person at nmu.universitytickets.com (1975 players simply need to RSVP). The evening will feature a cocktail hour with hors d'oeuvres, a plated dinner, cash bar and a heartfelt program recognizing the team's legacy. Highlights will include team memories and accomplishments, and guest speakers. Bobby Tuma, a 1977 alumnus, will serve as Master of Ceremonies.
Saturday, October 11:
Relive the excitement of the 1975 season by viewing a portion or all of a free double feature in Vandament Arena. Footage of the NCAA DII Championship Game—now available in full color—will be shown at 11 a.m. Following a 15-minute intermission, Put Your Hand on the Line, a powerful documentary that highlights the enduring legacy of the team, will begin at 1:50 p.m. Concessions will be available. This is a relaxed event; attendees are welcome to come and go as they please. An RSVP through the NMU ticketing link is encouraged, but not required.
A free Tailgate Gathering will take place from 4:30-6:30 p.m. behind the Superior Dome. Guests can bring their own food and beverages. Tents, tables and chairs will be provided. The NMU football game against Grand Valley State will follow at 7 p.m., with halftime recognition of 1975 players on the field. Tickets are $15 per person at nmu.universitytickets.com.
Learn more about the celebration at nmu.edu/alumni.