Mount Union Purple Raiders football

Last updated
Mount Union Purple Raiders football
First season1893
Athletic directorMike Parnell
Head coach Geoff Dartt
4th season, 42–3 (.933)
StadiumKehres Stadium
(capacity: 5,600)
Location Alliance, Ohio
NCAA division Division III
Conference Ohio Athletic Conference
All-time record851–391–38 (.680)
Playoff appearances34 (NCAA D-III)
Playoff record104–18 (NCAA D-III)
Claimed national titles13 (1993, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2012, 2015, 2017)
Conference titles34
Rivalries John Carroll Blue Streaks
Wisconsin–Whitewater Warhawks
Consensus All-Americans123
ColorsPurple and white [1]
   
Fight songOn, Mount to victory!
MascotMUcaw
Marching bandPurple Raider Marching Band
Website athletics.mountunion.com

The Mount Union Purple Raiders football program represents the University of Mount Union in college football at the NCAA Division III level as members of the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC). Mount Union have played their home games at Mount Union Stadium in Alliance, Ohio since 1913, which makes it the oldest college football stadium in Ohio. The Purple Raiders have claimed 13 NCAA Division III Football Championship and 34 OAC titles and have 12 undefeated seasons. [2]

Contents

Mount Union's first game was an 18–0 loss at home to Kenyon College, from Gambier, Ohio, on November 7, 1893. The first program victory came 11 days later in a 20–0 win over Salem University in Salem, West Virginia. The team competed as an independent from 1893 until 1913, and joined the OAC in 1914. [2]

The Purple Raiders played in the OAC for 71 years before winning their first conference title, which came in 1985 under coach Ken Wable. Since then, the program has won 30 titles in 35 years, including a 24-year streak from 1992 to 2015. During this run, the Purple Raiders went 214–2 versus OAC opponents. The title-streak spanned two coaches, Larry Kehres and Vince Kehres. John Carroll University ended the streak by winning the OAC title in 2016 where they defeated Mount Union 31–28 on November 12, 2016. [3] [4]

History

Beginnings (1893–1913)

The first football game played by Mount Union was on the school's baseball field on November 7, 1893 against Kenyon College. [5] In their first year they went 1–2, with their lone win coming against Salem University. The following season, the team had their first coach, Coach Davis, who led them to a 4–5 record. In 1895 and 1898 the team failed to field a team, but was able to have their first winning season, under Coach Battles in 1899, with a 5–1–1 record.

It wasn't until 1903 and 1904 that the program maintained a head coach for two consecutive years, which was Pearl Sommerville, who went 4–11–1 in his two seasons. The program built stability when Robert Dawson took over as coach in 1909 and oversaw the program as it joined the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) in 1914.

A growing program (1914–1961)

In addition to Dawson's eight-year tenure and a transition to the OAC, Mount Union Stadium was built which gave the program a permanent home and even more stability. Over the course of Dawson's career, he went 49–24–4 (10–7, OAC).

From 1920 to 1921, Mount Union was coached by Eddie Casey, who went on to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1968. Following his time at Mount Union, he coached Harvard, the National Football League's Washington Redskins, and the American Football League's Boston Bears.

John M. Thorpe coached the Purple Raiders from 1922 to 1931, compiling a 55–32–7 (42–22–4, OAC) record. During his tenure, he served as both head coach and athletic director for the school. He was followed by Harry Geltz (1932–1941), who was unable to match his long-term success and left the program in 1941, when he went 1–15–1 (0–11, OAC) in his final two years.

Pete Pederson was hired in 1942, but after one season the program was suspended due to World War II. The program remained suspended for three seasons and returned under Pederson in 1946. Pederson left after the 1949 season to take over as head coach at Marshall.

Ken Wable era (1962–1985)

Ken Wable was hired as the head coach for the Purple Raiders in 1962. He had previously served as an assistant coach at Wake Forest, Muskingum, and Cornell. Wable coached at Mount Union for 24 seasons, where he went 123–95–2. Beginning in 1979, Wable coached the team to a winning record of 7–2, and every season since, the program has maintained a winning record. Wable was named OAC Coach of the Year in 1982 and 1985. In 1985, he led the Purple Raiders to their first conference title and first berth in the NCAA Division III Football Playoffs.

Larry Kehres era (1986–2012)

Larry Kehres became the athletic director at Mount Union. In 1986, he took over as head football coach. His teams have won 11 NCAA Division III Football Championships (1993, 1996–1998, 2000–2002, 2005–2006, 2008, 2012).

Kehres' teams hold several NCAA records. In addition to owning the two longest winning streaks in NCAA history, 54 wins from 1996–1999 and 55 wins from 2000–2003, the Mount Union Purple Raiders won a conference title in 23 of his 27 seasons; at Kehres' retirement, Mount Union had an ongoing streak of 21 conference titles. During his tenure, Kehres only lost eight games and tied three times in conference play. From 1994 to 2005, his squads won 100 consecutive games against Ohio Athletic Conference opponents. The 1994 season was the last under his tenure in which the Purple Raiders lost more than one game. Finally, his record of 72–3 (.960) in his final five seasons is the best in college football history, surpassing Tom Osborne's 60–3 (.952) in his final five seasons at Nebraska.

Kehres is 3–1 against college football's all-time winningest coach, John Gagliardi, having beaten Gagliardi's St. John's squads twice in playoff match-ups and traded wins in the national title game in 2000 and 2003.

In 2009, Kehres was named first vice president of the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA). He was elected President of the AFCA in January 2010. In 2013, Kehres retired after 27 years as head coach to become the Athletic Director of Mount Union.

Vince Kehres era (2013–2019)

Vince Kehres, who had previously served as defensive coordinator, was hired as the next head coach of Mount Union on May 8, 2013, replacing his father. During his time as coach Vince went 95–6 winning six OAC titles and two national titles in his seven years. He was named OAC Coach of the year three times. On January 13, 2020, it was announced that Vince was leaving the program to take a position with the Toledo Rockets. All together, Vince spent 13 years with Mount Union, eight of which were as defensive coordinator. [6] He would leave the university with the highest winning percentage in program history.

Head coaching history

NameSeasonsYearsGamesRecordWinning pctConf. titlesNat'l titles
Geoff Dartt 2020–202344542–3.93340
Vince Kehres 2013–2019710195–6.94162
Larry Kehres 1986–201227359332–24–3.9292311
Ken Wable 1962–198524220123–95–2.56410
Duke Barret 1956–196165215–37.28800
Nelson Jones 1950–195565018–29–3.39000
Pete Pederson 1942, 1946–194984322–20–1.52300
Harry Geltz 1932–1941108734–45–8.43700
John M. Thorpe 1922–1931109455–32–7.62200
Eddie Casey 1920–19212177–9–1.44100
George O'Brien 1917–19193239–14.39100
Robert Dawson 1909–191687749–24–4.66200
H. B. Emerson 19081105–4–1.55000
E. J. Stewart 19071119–2–0.81800
Harry Pierce 1906182–5–1.31300
Roy Beechler 1905182–6.25000
Pearl Sommerville 1903–19042164–11–1.28100
Frank Halliday 1902196–3.66700
Campbell19011115–5–1.50000
Wendell H. Phelps 1900161–4–1.25000
Melvin L. Battles 1899175–1–1.78600
Joe L. Stamp 1897172–4–1.35700
Albert J. Norton 1896183–4–1.43800
Herbert C. Davis 1894194–5.44400
Jerome Dodson 1893131–2.33300
TOTAL1893–present1291281850–394–37.6783413

Championships

Through the 2023 season, the Purple Raiders have won 34 Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) titles. They won their first OAC title in 1985 and repeated in 1986, followed by a third title in 1990. Beginning with their 1992 OAC championship, the team won 24 consecutive OAC titles, with their 2015 championship being the final in the streak. [3] [4]

Ohio Athletic Conference championships
YearCoachConf. record
1985 Ken Wable 8–0
1986 Larry Kehres 8–0
1990Larry Kehres9–0
1992Larry Kehres9–0
1993Larry Kehres9–0
1994Larry Kehres8–1
1995Larry Kehres9–0
1996Larry Kehres9–0
1997Larry Kehres9–0
1998Larry Kehres9–0
1999Larry Kehres9–0
2000Larry Kehres9–0
2001Larry Kehres9–0
2002Larry Kehres9–0
2003Larry Kehres9–0
2004Larry Kehres9–0
2005Larry Kehres8–1
2006Larry Kehres9–0
2007Larry Kehres9–0
2008Larry Kehres9–0
2009Larry Kehres9–0
2010Larry Kehres9–0
2011Larry Kehres9–0
2012Larry Kehres9–0
2013 Vince Kehres 9–0
2014Vince Kehres9–0
2015Vince Kehres9–0
2017Vince Kehres9–0
2018Vince Kehres9–0
2019Vince Kehres9–0
2020 Geoff Dartt 4–0
2021Geoff Dartt9–0
2022Geoff Dartt9–0
2023Geoff Dartt9–0

Through the 2022 season, Mount Union has won 13 Division III National Championships and has 22 total appearances in the Stagg Bowl, including 11 consecutively, along with 33 playoff appearances. [2]

Stagg Bowl appearances
YearOpponentOutcome
1993 Rowan W 34–24
1996RowanW 56–24
1997 Lycoming W 61–12
1998RowanW 44–12
2000 St. John's (MN) W 10–7
2001 Bridgewater W 30–27
2002 Trinity W 48–7
2003St. John's (MN)L 6–24
2005 Wisconsin–Whitewater W 35–28
2006Wisconsin–WhitewaterW 35–16
2007Wisconsin–WhitewaterL 21–31
2008Wisconsin–WhitewaterW 31–26
2009Wisconsin–WhitewaterL 28–38
2010Wisconsin–WhitewaterL 21–31
2011Wisconsin–WhitewaterL 10–13
2012 St. Thomas (MN) W 28–10
2013Wisconsin–WhitewaterL 14–52
2014Wisconsin–WhitewaterL 34–43
2015St. Thomas (MN)W 49–35
2017 Mary Hardin–Baylor W 12–0
2018Mary Hardin–BaylorL 16–24
2022 North Central (IL) L 21–28

Individual awards and achievements

NCAA Division III Player of the Year

Mike Gregory/Bob Packard Award

Awarded to the OAC's Most Valuable offensive back and offensive lineman. The award was renamed in 2008.

  • 1975: Gary Frost
  • 1982: Dave McLaughlin
  • 1983: Steve Harter & Tony Colao
  • 1985: Scott Woolf
  • 1986: Mike Groff & Scott Gindlesberger
  • 1987: Russ King
  • 1989: Mike Garn
  • 1990: Brad Petro & John Bouloubasis
  • 1992: Jim Ballard & Mike Elder
  • 1993: Jim Ballard
  • 1994: Matt Johnson
  • 1996: Bill Borchert
  • 1997: Bill Borchert
  • 1998: J. W. Wearley
  • 1999: Tom Bauer
  • 2000: Gary Smeck & Jason Gerber
  • 2001: Ed Malone & Chuck Moore
  • 2002: Dan Pugh
  • 2003: Larry Kinnard
  • 2004: Zac Bruney
  • 2005: Jason Lewis
  • 2006: Jason Lewis
  • 2007: Greg Micheli
  • 2007: Derek Blanchard
  • 2008: Nate Kmic
  • 2012: Kevin Burke
  • 2014: Kevin Burke
  • 2017: D’Angelo Fulford
  • 2018: D’Angelo Fulford
  • 2019: D’Angelo Fulford
  • 2021: Braxton Plunk

OAC Defensive Player of the Year

Paul Hoernemann Award

Awarded to the OAC's most valuable defensive lineman

Ed Sherman Award

Awarded to the OAC's Most Valuable Receiver

Bill Edwards/Gene Slaughter Award

Awarded to the OAC's most valuable or top linebacker. The award was renamed.

Lee J. Tressel Award

Awarded to the OAC's most valuable defensive back.

Ken Wable Award

Awarded to the OAC's top offensive lineman.

Clyde A. Lamb Award

The Clyde A. Lamb Award is presented annually to the top male and female senior scholar-athlete at each Ohio Athletic Conference institution.

First Team All-Americans

Notable alumni

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The 2008 Mount Union Purple Raiders football team was an American football team that represented the University of Mount Union in the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) during the 2008 NCAA Division III football season. In their 23rd year under head coach Larry Kehres, the Purple Raiders compiled a perfect 15–0 record, won the OAC championship, advanced to the NCAA Division III playoffs, and defeated Wisconsin–Whitewater, 31–26, in the national championship game.

The 2006 Mount Union Purple Raiders football team was an American football team that represented the University of Mount Union in the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) during the 2006 NCAA Division III football season. In their 21st year under head coach Larry Kehres, the Purple Raiders compiled a perfect 15–0 record, won the OAC championship, advanced to the NCAA Division III playoffs, and defeated Wisconsin–Whitewater, 35–16, in the national championship game.

The 1998 Mount Union Purple Raiders football team was an American football team that represented the University of Mount Union in the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) during the 1998 NCAA Division III football season. In their 13th year under head coach Larry Kehres, the Purple Raiders compiled a perfect 14–0 record, won the OAC championship, and outscored opponents by a total of 523 to 227. They qualified for the NCAA Division III playoffs and advanced to the national championship team, defeating Rowan, 44–24.

The 1997 Mount Union Purple Raiders football team was an American football team that represented the University of Mount Union in the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) during the 1997 NCAA Division III football season. In their 12th year under head coach Larry Kehres, the Purple Raiders compiled a perfect 14–0 record, won the OAC championship, and outscored opponents by a total of 752 to 112. They qualified for the NCAA Division III playoffs and advanced to the national championship game, defeating Lycoming.

The 1996 Mount Union Purple Raiders football team was an American football team that represented the University of Mount Union in the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) during the 1996 NCAA Division III football season. In their 11th year under head coach Larry Kehres, the Purple Raiders compiled a perfect 14–0 record, won the OAC championship, and outscored opponents by a total of 669 to 184. They qualified for the NCAA Division III playoffs and advanced to the national championship team where they defeated Rowan, 56–24.

The 2000 Mount Union Purple Raiders football team was an American football team that represented the University of Mount Union in the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) during the 2000 NCAA Division III football season. In their 15th year under head coach Larry Kehres, the Purple Raiders compiled a perfect 14–0 record, won the OAC championship, and outscored opponents by a total of 662 to 222. They qualified for the NCAA Division III playoffs and advanced to the national championship team, defeating the St. John's (MN) Johnnies, 10–7.

The 2001 Mount Union Purple Raiders football team was an American football team that represented the University of Mount Union in the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) during the 2001 NCAA Division III football season. In their 16th year under head coach Larry Kehres, the Purple Raiders compiled a perfect 14–0 record, won the OAC championship, and outscored opponents by a total of 582 to 155. They qualified for the NCAA Division III playoffs and advanced to the national championship team, defeating the Bridgewater Eagles, 30–27.

The 2002 Mount Union Purple Raiders football team was an American football team that represented the University of Mount Union in the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) during the 2002 NCAA Division III football season. In their 17th year under head coach Larry Kehres, the Purple Raiders compiled a perfect 14–0 record, won the OAC championship, and outscored opponents by a total of 654 to 180. They qualified for the NCAA Division III playoffs and advanced to the national championship team, defeating Trinity (TX), 48–7.

The 2005 Mount Union Purple Raiders football team was an American football team that represented the University of Mount Union in the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) during the 2005 NCAA Division III football season. In their 20th year under head coach Larry Kehres, the Purple Raiders compiled a 14–1 record, won the OAC championship, advanced to the NCAA Division III playoffs, and defeated Wisconsin–Whitewater, 35–28, in the Stagg Bowl to win the Division III national championship.

References

  1. ↑ University of Mount Union Identity Program (PDF). Retrieved September 11, 2016.
  2. 1 2 3 "Year-by-Year Results". Mount Union Athletics website. University of Mount Union. 2021. Retrieved December 28, 2021.
  3. 1 2 Des Bieler (November 12, 2016). "Mount Union's 112-game winning streak snapped by jubilant John Carroll". The Washington Post . Retrieved December 21, 2022.
  4. 1 2 "John Carroll ends Mount Union's 112-game regular-season win streak". ESPN.com. ESPN. November 12, 2016. Retrieved December 21, 2022.
  5. ↑ "1893 Football Schedule - University of Mount Union". Mount Union Athletics website. University of Mount Union . Retrieved December 22, 2022.
  6. ↑ "Mount Union Head Coach Vince Kehres leaving Purple Raiders for Toledo". WKBN.com. WKBN. January 13, 2020. Retrieved January 14, 2020.
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