Emporia State Hornets football

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Emporia State Hornets football
Emporia State Hornets logo.svg
First season 1893; 131 years ago
Athletic director Kent Weiser
Head coach Garin Higgins
16th season, 106–80 (.570)
Stadium Francis G. Welch Stadium
(capacity: 10,000)
FieldJones Field
Year built1937
Location Emporia, Kansas
NCAA division Division II
Conference The MIAA
All-time record548–550–43 (.499)
Bowl record7–8 (.467)
Conference titles15
Rivalries Washburn
Current uniform
Emporia State Football uniform.png
ColorsBlack and gold [1]
   
Fight songFight On, Emporia!
Mascot Corky the Hornet
Marching bandMarching Hornets
Outfitter Adidas
Website www.esuhornets.com

The Emporia State Hornets football program is a college football team that represents Emporia State University. The team competes as a member of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA), which is a conference in the NCAA Division II. The program began in 1897 and has fifteen conference titles. On December 15, 2006, former Hornets quarterback Garin Higgins became the team's 24th head coach, following the resignation of Dave Wiemers. [2] Home games are played on Jones Field at Welch Stadium, located on the Emporia State University campus in Emporia, Kansas. In August 2017, Hero Sports named Emporia State the "best football team in Kansas, regardless of division". [3]

Contents

History

The most successful era for ESU football was from 1928 to 1954, when the program was coached by Fran Welch and posted an overall .578 winning percentage. From 1955 to 1982, the Hornets struggled to find success on the football field, as the team's overall winning percentage during that era slipped to .295 (74–182–8).

From 1983 through the 2013 season, ESU's winning percentage increased to .537 (182–157–0), and all five coaches at ESU during this era have either a winning record or a tied record. During the 2012 season, the Hornets competed in a postseason game for the first time since 2003 and placed second in the conference. [4]

Until the 1930s, the Kansas State Normal/Kansas State Teachers College (now Emporia State University) didn't have an athletics nickname. In the early 1930s, the athletic teams were then known as the "Yaps". However, many people disliked the name, most notably legendary coach, Vic Trusler. [5] Trusler suggested to a local writer, Cecil Carle of the Emporia Gazette, that the university's athletic teams should be called the "Yellow Jackets" but instead, the name was changed to "Hornets" due to the lack of newspaper space. [5]

Early history (1893–1927)

Homer Woodson Hargiss is the only football coach in ESU history to produce a perfect season, which happened in 1923 and 1926. H. W. Hargiss.jpg
Homer Woodson Hargiss is the only football coach in ESU history to produce a perfect season, which happened in 1923 and 1926.

The Kansas State Normal School (KSN), now known as Emporia State University, fielded its first football team in 1893, which had no coach. In 1893, KSN played the College of Emporia, which KSN won 14–0 and lost 0–24 against the Ottawa Braves. [6] After playing six abbreviated game seasons, KSN played its first full schedule in 1899 and had a 2–3–0 record under no head coach. The 1899 football season was the first of the "Turnpike Tussle" series, which is played between the Hornets and the Washburn Ichabods.

In 1900, John Lamb served one season as KSN's football coach, posting the first winning season in school history (5–3–1). After Lamb's season, Northern Iowa's coach Fred Williams, who later was an attorney, [7] came to KSN from to serve as head coach, but struggled to a 2–6–1 record in his only season in 1901. The 1902 season featured the program's second–only game of its rivalry against Washburn, a 0–6 Hornet loss.

The program had eight head coaches from 1900 to 1913, but in 1914, Bill Hargiss took the position in 1914. He held it for the next three highly successful seasons, through 1917, and then again from 1920 to 1927. Hargiss' overall coaching record at KSN/KSTC was 61–23–11. Hargiss is the only head coach in school history to have an undefeated season and puts him third at the school in terms of winning percentage (.700). [8] Hargiss' best seasons were the 1921 and 1926 seasons, when the Normals/Teachers posted an undefeated season and outscored their opponents 144 to 3. The closest game of the season was a 6–0 battle against Hargiss's former team, the College of Emporia. [9] [10] ESU has not had another undefeated season since 1926.

In the 1918 and 1919 seasons, KSN had two unsuccessful coaches, H. D. McChesney with a 2–2–0 (.500) record, and George McLaren with a 1–6–2 .222 record. [11]

Early years (1893–1927) — Year-by-Year Record
YearCoachOverallConferenceStandingBowl/playoffs Coaches#AP°
No Coach(Kansas Conference)(1893–1896)
1893No coach1–1–0
1894No coach0–2–0
1895No coach0–2–0
1896No coach0–2–0
No team(Discontinued)(1897–1898)
No Coach(Kansas Conference)(1899)
1899No coach2–3–0
John Lamb(Kansas Conference)(1900)
1900John Lamb5–3–1
Fred Williams(Kansas Conference)(1901)
1901Fred Williams3–4–1
Horace Botsford(Kansas Conference)(1902)
1902Botsford3–8–0
Paul Samson(Kansas Conference)(1903–1906)
1903Paul Samson3–4–3
1904Paul Samson6–5–0
1905Paul Samson4–5–0
1906Paul Samson4–4–0
Owen Samuels(Kansas Conference)(1907)
1907Owen Samuels1–6–0
Paul Samson(Kansas Conference)(1908)
1908Paul Samson3–5–0
Fred Honhart(Kansas Conference)(1909–1911)
1909Fred Honhart2–4–2
1910Fred Honhart5–2–0
1911Fred Honhart6–2–0
George Crispin(Kansas Conference)(1912–1913)
1912George Crispin5–3–0
1913George Crispin4–6–0
Homer Woodson Hargiss(Kansas Conference)(1914–1917)
1914Homer Woodson Hargiss5–1–1
1915Homer Woodson Hargiss5–2–2
1916Homer Woodson Hargiss6–3–1
1917Homer Woodson Hargiss5–3–1
H.D. McChesney(Kansas Conference)(1918)
1918H. D. McChesney2–2–0
George McLaren(Kansas Conference)(1919)
1919George McLaren1–6–2
Homer Woodson Hargiss(Kansas Conference)(1920–1927)
1920Homer Woodson Hargiss0–6–2
1921Homer Woodson Hargiss7–0–0
1922Homer Woodson Hargiss6–2–0
1923Homer Woodson Hargiss5–1–1
1924Homer Woodson Hargiss4–4–1
1925Homer Woodson Hargiss4–3–1
1926Homer Woodson Hargiss7–0–0
1927Homer Woodson Hargiss7–0–1
Total:121–105–30
      National championship        Conference title        Conference division title or championship game berth

Fran Welch era (1928–1942, 1946–1954)

Fran Welch, who coached the football team from 1928 to 1954 FrancisGWelch.jpg
Fran Welch, who coached the football team from 1928 to 1954

KSN alum Fran Welch was hired by his alma mater as the 13th head football coach in 1928, taking over after Bill Hargiss left for the University of Kansas. Welch led the Teachers to a 7–0–1 record during his first season.

In the 1932 and 33 seasons were a low season for the Yaps, as they went to 5–11–2. From 1934 until 1942, the Hornets had some winning seasons, and losing seasons. Because of WWII, the Hornets did not field a team from 1942 to 1945. In the return season of 1946, the Hornets went 4–5; however, in 1947, the Hornets turned things around, leading the 1948 team to a 34–20 win over Southwest Missouri State University at the Missouri-Kansas Bowl. [12] In the next five out of six seasons, the Hornets won five conference championships. [13]

Not only did Welch finish his career as the most successful coach in ESU History, but he finished with 7 conference championships and one bowl game, leading to an overall record of 115–82–15 (.578) during his 26 years as head coach. [14]

Fran Welch (1927–1954) — Year-by-Year Record
YearCoachOverallConferenceStandingBowl/playoffs Coaches#AP°
Fran Welch(Central Intercollegiate Athletic Conference)(1928–1954)
1928Fran Welch6–1–1
1929Fran Welch6–2–0
1930Fran Welch4–2–3
1931Fran Welch4–4–0
1932Fran Welch2–6–1
1933Fran Welch3–5–1
1934Fran Welch7–2–0
1935Fran Welch5–4–0
1936Fran Welch6–4–0
1937Fran Welch5–2–2
1938Fran Welch3–6–0
1939Fran Welch6–3–0
1940Fran Welch6–2–0
1941Fran Welch4–3–2
1942Fran Welch3–4–1
No team(WWII)(1943–1945)
1946Fran Welch4–5–0
1947Fran Welch7–1–1
1948Fran Welch8–2–0W Missouri-Kansas Bowl
1949Fran Welch6–4–0
1950Fran Welch6–2–1
1951Fran Welch5–3–1
1952Fran Welch7–3–0
1953Fran Welch2–5–1
1954Fran Welch2–7–0
Total:115–82–15
      National championship        Conference title        Conference division title or championship game berth

The declining era (1955–1982)

Caywood era (1955–1966)

In 1955, KSTC hired Keith Caywood as the 14th head football coach of KSTC. [8] In his 12 years as head coach at KSTC, he only had one winning season; in 1958, the Hornets went 5–4–1, which included a 0–21 loss to Lincoln (MO) at the Mineral Water Bowl. [15] In 1966, Caywood resigned as head coach posting an overall record of 25–79–5 (.252). [16]

Blaylock, Lance, and Elliott eras (1967–1974)

From 1967 until 1970, the Hornets continued to struggle. In 1967, Ron Blaylock became the 15th head coach for the Hornets, going 1–9–0 in his first season. [17] Blaylock resigned after two seasons in 1968, ending with an overall record of 6–11–2 (.368). [18] In 1969, Jim Lance was hired as the 16th head coach and much like Blaylock, was unsuccessful. In 1970, he resigned with a record of 6–12–0 (.353). [19]

After nearly two decades of being unsuccessful, KSTC hired Harold Elliott as the 17th head coach in hopes that he could rebuild the program. In 1971, his first season, he led the Hornets to a 3–6–1 record, but turned things around in the 1973 season, he went on to a 7–4–0 record, winning the conference championship and a 14–17 loss to William Penn at the Boot Hill Bowl. [20] He repeated the conference championship in 1974 with a 7–2–0 record. [13] Elliott left KSTC to become the head coach at the University of Texas at Arlington, leaving KSTC with a 17–11–1 (.603) record. [21]

Hoover and Seaman eras (1975–1982)

For the next nine seasons, Emporia State continued to decline. Dave Hoover became the 18th head coach at ESU, with an overall record of 9–40–0 (.184). [22] After Hoover was let go, Bob Seaman became the 19th head football coach for Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas and he held that position for four seasons, from 1979 until 1982. His overall coaching record at Emporia State was 10–30. [23]

Decline era (1955–1982) — Year-by-Year Record
YearCoachOverallConferenceStandingBowl/playoffs Coaches#AP°
Keith Caywood(CIAC)(1955–1966)
1955Keith Caywood0–10–0
1956Keith Caywood2–6–1
1957Keith Caywood2–7–0
1958Keith Caywood5–4–1L Mineral Water Bowl
1959Keith Caywood2–7–0
1960Keith Caywood3–5–0
1961Keith Caywood2–7–0
1962Keith Caywood3–5–1
1963Keith Caywood2–5–2
1964Keith Caywood0–9–0
1965Keith Caywood1–8–0
1966Keith Caywood3–6–0
Ron Blaylock(Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference)(1967–1968)
1967Ron Blaylock1–9–0
1968Ron Blaylock5–2–2
Jim Lance(RMAC)(1969–1970)
1969Jim Lance5–4–0
1970Jim Lance1–8–0L Boot Hill Bowl
Harold Elliott(RMAC)(1971–1974)
1971Harold Elliott3–6–1
Great Plains Athletic Conference
1972Harold Elliott7–4–0
1973Harold Elliott7–2–0
Dave Hoover(GPAC)(1974–1978)
1974Dave Hoover2–7–0
1975Dave Hoover1–9–0
Central States Intercollegiate Conference
1976Dave Hoover0–10–0
1977Dave Hoover3–7–0
1978Dave Hoover2–8–0
Bob Seaman(Central States Intercollegiate Conference)(1979–1982)
1979Bob Seamen4–6–0
1980Bob Seamen2–8–0
1981Bob Seamen1–9–0
1982Bob Seamen3–7–0
Total:77–163–8
      National championship        Conference title        Conference division title or championship game berth

Larry Kramer era (1983–1994)

After nearly three decades of being unsuccessful, Larry Kramer became the 20th head coach of Emporia State. [24] In his first two season at ESU, he posted a record of 5–15, but in 1985, he turned the team around and posted a record of 6–4. [25] In 1987 and 1988, Kramer led the Hornets to the NAIA post-season playoffs, which included two losses. In 1989, Kramer led the team to a conference championship and two NAIA playoff games, which led to the NAIA Division I National Championship game, in which they lost 20–34 to Carson-Newman University of Jefferson City, Tennessee. [26] From 1990 until his resignation in 1994, the Hornets posted a record of 26–24–0. Kramer resigned after the 1994 season to become an assistant coach for the Kansas State Wildcats, leaving ESU with an overall record of 71–54–0 (.568). [27]

Larry Kramer (1983–1994) — Year-by-Year Record
YearCoachOverallConferenceStandingBowl/playoffs Coaches#AP°
Larry Kramer(CSIC)(1983–1994)
1983Larry Kramer2–8–0
1984Larry Kramer3–7–0
1985Larry Kramer6–4–0
1986Larry Kramer8–2–0
1987Larry Kramer7–4–0L NAIA playoffs
1988Larry Kramer8–3–0
Independent
1989Larry Kramer11–2–0L NAIA Championship Game
1990Larry Kramer6–4–0
Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association
1991Larry Kramer5–5–04–5
1992Larry Kramer7–3–06–3
1993Larry Kramer3–7–03–6
1994Larry Kramer5–5–04–5
Total:71–54–0
      National championship        Conference title        Conference division title or championship game berth

Manny Matsakis era (1995–1998)

The 21st head football coach for the Hornets was Manny Matsakis. During Matsakis' four years, the Hornets went 27–17–0 (.614). [28] After the 1998 season, Matsakis left Emporia State to be an assistant for the University of Wyoming. [29]

Manny Matsakis (1995–1998) — Year-by-Year Record
YearCoachOverallConferenceStandingBowl/playoffs Coaches#AP°
Manny Matsakis(MIAA)(1995–1998)
1995Manny Matsakis5–64–5
1996Manny Matsakis5–65–4
1997Manny Matsakis8–35–4
1998Manny Matsakis9–27–2
Total:27–17
      National championship        Conference title        Conference division title or championship game berth

Jerry Kill era (1999–2000)

Jerry Kill became the 22nd head football coach for Emporia State in 1999. [30] In his first season, the Hornets went 5–6–0, but in his last season in 2000, the Hornets went 6–5–0. [31] [32] After the 2000 season, he left with a tied record of 11–11–0 (.500) to be the head coach at the Southern Illinois Salukis. Kill is the current interim head coach for the TCU Horned Frogs.[ citation needed ]

Jerry Kill (1999–2000) — Year-by-Year Record
YearCoachOverallConferenceStandingBowl/playoffs Coaches#AP°
Jerry Kill(MIAA)(1999–2000)
1999Jerry Kill5–64–5
2000Jerry Kill6–55–4
Total:11–11
      National championship        Conference title        Conference division title or championship game berth

Dave Wiemers era (2001–2006)

Dave Wiemers took the helm as the 23rd Hornet football coach in 2001, replacing Jerry Kill. Although the Hornets were unsuccessful in his first season going 5–6, Wiemers led the Hornets to a 9–2 season in 2002 and a trip to the Mineral Water Bowl, which they won in overtime 34–27 against Winona State. [33] In 2003, the Hornets won a co-conference championship and made their first–ever trip to the NCAA Division II playoffs, losing to Winona State 3–10. [34] Following those two successful seasons, the Hornets declined and failed to have a winning season. Between 2004 and 2006, the Hornets posted a combined record of 12–20–0. [32] [35] Wiemers resigned on November 16, 2006, leaving Emporia State with a record of 35–32–0 (.522). [36]

Dave Wiemers (2001–2006) — Year-by-Year Record
YearCoachOverallConferenceStandingBowl/playoffs Coaches#AP°
Dave Wiemers(MIAA)(2001–2006)
2001Dave Wiemers5–62–6
2002Dave Wiemers9–36–3W Mineral Water Bowl
2003Dave Wiemers9–37–3T–1stL NCAA Div. II Playoffs
2004Dave Wiemers5–64–5
2005Dave Wiemers4–63–5
2006Dave Wiemers3–82–6
Total:35–32
      National championship        Conference title        Conference division title or championship game berth

Garin Higgins era (2007–present)

Garin Higgins (2007–present)
SeasonOverall recordMIAA recordConf. stand.Postseason
20073–81–89th
20084–72–78th
20092–91–89th
20105–63–67th
20115–63–66th
201210–29–22nd Kanza Bowl (W: 45–38)
20139–29–12ndNCAA Playoffs (L: 13–55)
2014 4–74–77th
2015 11–39–22ndNCAA Regionals Final (L: 17–38)
2016 11–210–12ndNCAA Playoffs 2nd (L: 13–44)
2017 6–56–5T-6th
2018 8–47–4T-4th Corsicana Bowl (W: 30–22)
2019 4–74–79th
2020 2020 Season suspended due to COVID-19
2021 6–66–5T–5th Live United Texarkana Bowl (L: 34–37)
2022 9–38–3T–3rdLive United Texarkana Bowl (W: 48–27)
2023 0–00–02nd
Overall record: 97–77 (.557)Conference record: 81–72 (.529)Record: 3–4 (.429)

The first five seasons: 2007–2011

On December 14, 2006, Higgins was introduced as the 24th head football coach of Emporia State University, [37] replacing Dave Wiemers who resigned after three consecutive losing seasons. [38] On September 1, 2007, the Hornets opened the season with a 7–3 win over the Western State Colorado Mountaineers, securing his' first win as a coach at his alma mater. [39] Higgins led the Hornets to their first 3–0 season since 2003, but that quickly ended once they began conference play losing their final eight games. [40] The Hornets finished 3–8 overall, 1–8 in conference play. [41] The following season in 2008, Higgins led the Hornets to a 4–7 overall, 2–7 in conference play season with their only two conference wins against Fort Hays State and Truman. [42]

During his third year as head coach of the Hornets, Higgins led his team to the program's lowest overall winning record since 1980 – 2–8. [43] The next season, however, Higgins turned the program around and finished the next two seasons 5–6 overall, and 3–6 in conference play. [44]

2012 and 2013 seasons

During his sixth season at Emporia State, the university had undergone a leadership change. [45] With the new leadership change, came a new atmosphere on campus and Higgins led the Hornets to their first winning season since 2003. [46] The Hornets started the season off strong winning their first eight games – the program's first since 1988 [47] – earning them national rankings as well for the first time since 2003. In the first five games, the Hornets scored 30+ points per game. [48] Finishing 10–2 overall, 9–2 in conference play led Higgins to secure a second-place finish in the MIAA and a bid to the Kanza Bowl where they defeated the Texas A&M–Kingsville Javelinas 45–38. [49] Quarterback Tyler Eckenrode finished his career at Emporia State with school records and as a finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy. [50]

After a successful season and losing a record-breaking quarterback, [51] the Hornets were chosen to finish in seventh place in the MIAA preseason polls. [52] The Hornets also were starting to receive votes for national rankings, as well. [53] Higgins led the Hornets to another 8–0 start, scoring 35+ points a game. [54] The No. 10 Hornets' winning streak was again snapped to the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats. [55] The Hornets won their next game after against Washburn. Finishing regular season play, Higgins led the Hornets to a 9–1 overall, 9–1 in conference play, advancing to the NCAA Playoffs for the first time since 2003. [56] The Hornets lost to the Minnesota–Duluth Bulldogs 55–13. [57]

2014 and 2015 seasons

Higgins talking to the team after a win against the Missouri Western Griffons in 2015 Garin Higgins in 2015.png
Higgins talking to the team after a win against the Missouri Western Griffons in 2015

Starting his eighth season, the Hornets began the year ranked No. 22 in the preseason AFCA poll. [58] Facing injuries from last season, the Hornets started off with a win against Missouri Southern. [59] Following the first win of the season, the Hornets moved to No. 19 in the polls, but would quickly decline after losing the next two games. The Hornets would go on to win the next two games, but would then lose the next two. The Hornets won one more before losing the last two games, finishing the season 4–7 both overall and in conference play. [60]

After having their first losing season since 2011, Higgins was quickly able to get the program winning again during his ninth season. The Hornets started the season 6–0, scoring 38+ points in the first five games, and quickly regained their national rankings after being unranked for a year. [61] The second game of the season against Central Missouri was suspended at halftime due to severe weather. [62] At the time the game was suspended, the Hornets were tied with the Mules at 24. [63] The Hornets defeated the Mules two days later 45–34. [64] In the last four games of the season, the Hornets went 3–1, losing to Northwest Missouri State again. [65] Finishing the regular season play, Higgins led the Hornets to a 9–2 overall and in conference play. The Hornets once again returned to the NCAA playoffs winning the first two games, and falling to Northwest Missouri State in the third round. [66] Quarterback Brent Wilson was a finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy, making him the second Hornet in three years to be named a finalist. [67]

2016 season

Starting in his tenth season with the Hornets, Higgins began the season with Northwest Missouri State – the first time two nationally ranked teams kicked off the football season inside Francis G. Welch Stadium since it opened in 1937. [68] After Wilson graduated, the quarterback position was open. Higgins selected a redshirt sophomore who had played in during his freshman year when both Wilson and the back-up quarterback were injured. [69] Emporia State opened the season ranked No. 24 nationally and lost its first game against No. 1 and eventual National Champion Northwest Missouri State. [70] From there, the Hornets won the rest of the regular season play finishing the regular season ranked No. 9 and a 10–1 overall and in conference play record. [71] The Hornets also hosted an NCAA Division II playoff game for the first time in school history (the last playoff game was in 1989 for the NAIA where Higgins was a player). [72] In the first game, the Hornets defeated Minnesota–Duluth 59–26, [73] and ended the season in the second round to Northwest Missouri State 44–13. [74]

Conference championships

Source: [75]

YearConferenceCoachOverall recordConference record
1915† Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference Homer Woodson Hargiss 5–2–24–0–1
19166–3–15–1–1
1917†5–3–15–0–1
1921†7–06–0
19267–0
1927†7–0–16–0–1
1929 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Fran Welch 6–25–1
19477–1–14–0–1
19488–25–0
19506–2–1
1951†5–3–1
19527–3
1972 Great Plains Athletic Conference Harold Elliott 7–45–1
1973†7–24–1
1989Independent Larry Kramer 10–3–
2003† Mid-America Intercollegiate
Athletics Association 		Dave Wiemers 9–37–2
15 Conference Championships5 coaches109–30–1278–6–5
† Denotes co-champions

Record vs. MIAA opponents

Emporia State vs. MIAA members
Current MIAA members
Emporia State
vs.		First gameOverall recordat Emporiaat Opponent's
venue		Last 5 meetingsLast 10 meetingsCurrent streakSince joining
the MIAA
Central Missouri 1901UCM, 20–40–4UCM, 5–9UCM, 4–9UCM, 2–3UCM, 2–8W 1UCM, 8–17
Central Oklahoma 1928UCO, 8–11–1ESU, 3–2ESU, 4–1ESU, 4–1UCO, 4–6W 1ESU, 5–2
Fort Hays State 1923ESU, 53–37–2ESU, 14–7FHSU, 9–12ESU, 3–2ESU, 6–5W 1ESU, 7–6
Lindenwood 2012ESU, 6–1ESU, 3–1ESU, 3–0ESU, 4–1ESU, 6–1L 1ESU, 6–1
Missouri Southern 1970Tied, 22–22ESU, 14–9MSSU, 8–13ESU, 5–0ESU, 7–3W 7ESU, 16–9
Missouri Western 1976MWSU, 15–26MWSU, 6–13MWSU, 9–10ESU, 3–2MWSU, 1–9L 1Tied, 14–14
Nebraska–Kearney 1975UNK, 11–12ESU, 6–3ESU, 5–4ESU, 5–0ESU, 10–0W 4ESU, 6–1
Northeastern State 1954ESU, 8–5ESU, 3–1ESU, 5–0ESU, 5–0ESU, 8–2W 7ESU, 6–1
Northwest Missouri State 1930NWMSU, 2–33NWMSU, 1–15NWMSU, 1–18NWMSU, 0–5NWMSU, 0–10L 26NWMSU, 1–29
Pittsburg State 1915PSU, 34–61–2PSU, 17–32–1PSU, 17–29–1PSU, 1–4PSU, 1–9L 2PSU, 6–20
Washburn 1899ESU, 57–52–6ESU, 29–22–2WU, 28–30–4ESU, 5–0Tied, 5–5W 5ESU, 18–9
Sources: [76] [77] [78] [79] — As of November 27, 2024.

Venue, tradition and culture

Aerial view of Welch Stadium Welch Stadium, 2016.png
Aerial view of Welch Stadium

Stadium

Francis G. Welch Stadium serves as home to the Hornets football team. [80] The stadium, which is named for long–time Emporia State football coach and athletic director Fran Welch, opened in 1947 and since then has gone under a few renovations. In 1994, the east and west side concession areas, restroom facilities, and entrances were renovated, a new scoreboard was hoisted into place at the south end of the stadium and a new landscaped fence was erected. [80] In 1997, the Hutchinson Family Pavilion, a three–tiered facility which has enclosed theatre seating on the first floor, a president's box and four sky–boxes on the second floor, and a game–day management and media center on the third floor was built. The current seating capacity is 7,000. [80]

Silent Joe

The "Silent Joe" Bell Tower "Victory Joe".JPG
The "Silent Joe" Bell Tower

The bell tower adjacent to the football stadium is known as "Silent Joe." [81] The bell, which weighs approximately 1,400 pounds, was first used in 1855 and hung in the original KSN administration building until 1880.

In 1880 when the former administration building was razed, the bell was kept in storage until the present bell tower was completed in August 1939. [81] The plan was for the bell to be rung only after a school victory. The 1939 Hornet football squad was expected to be a “superteam.” Some optimists speculated the bell would be worn out halfway through the season, but after the first two games that season, the contrary became apparent. After that, the bell was known as “Silent Joe.” The name “Joe” was chosen because it was a common label for male students then. [81]

School colors

  
BlackGold

Emporia State's official school colors are black and gold. [82] They have been the colors since the school was founded in 1863, and until recently, the gold was Old gold. [83]

Mascot

Corky the Hornet at an Emporia State football game. Corky the Hornet.jpg
Corky the Hornet at an Emporia State football game.

Corky the Hornet is Emporia State University's mascot. [84] In 1923 when the Emporia State was named to the Kansas State Teachers College, the athletic teams were known as the "Yaps". Many people not like the name, most notably Emporia State coach Vic Trusler. [5] Trusler suggested to Cecil Carle of the Emporia Gazette that the university's athletic teams should be called the "Yellow Jackets". However, the name changed to "Hornets" due to the lack of newspaper space. [5]

In 1933, the Teachers College had a student contest where students and staff could design a mascot for the college. Sophomore Paul Edwards, who graduated in 1937, designed Corky. Although hundreds of drawings were submitted, Edwards' Corky, a "human-like" hornet was selected. Corky was published in The Bulletin, the student newspaper for Emporia State University. [5]

Notable players

Related Research Articles

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Emporia State University is a public university in Emporia, Kansas, United States. Established in March 1863 as the Kansas State Normal School, Emporia State is the third-oldest public university in the state of Kansas. Emporia State is one of six public universities governed by the Kansas Board of Regents.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Garin Higgins</span> American football player and coach (born 1968)

Garin Higgins is an American college football coach and former player. He is the head football coach for Emporia State University, a position he has held since 2007. Higgins previously served as the head football coach at Northwestern Oklahoma State University from 2000 to 2004. His Northwestern Oklahoma State Rangers finished as runners-up in the NAIA Football National Championship in 2000 and 2003. Higgins worked as co-offensive coordinator at Minnesota State University, Mankato and offensive coordinator at Northeastern State University in 2006.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Emporia State Hornets</span> Athletic teams that represent Emporia State University

The Emporia State Hornets are the athletic teams that represent Emporia State University (ESU). The women's basketball and softball teams use the name Lady Hornets. The university's athletic program fields 15 varsity teams in 11 sports all of whom have combined to win 50 conference championships as well as three national championships. Corky the Hornet serves as the mascot representing the teams, and the school colors are black and gold. Emporia State participates in the NCAA Division II and has been a member of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) since 1991.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">2014 Emporia State Hornets football team</span> American college football season

The 2014 Emporia State Hornets football team represented Emporia State University in the 2014 NCAA Division II football season. The Hornets played their home games on Jones Field at Francis G. Welch Stadium, in Emporia, Kansas as they have done since 1937. 2014 was the 121st season in school history. The Hornets were led by head coach Garin Higgins, who finished his 14th overall season, and eighth overall at Emporia State. Emporia State is a member of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brandon Schneider</span> American basketball player and coach

Brandon Schneider is an American college women's basketball coach at the University of Kansas. Schneider was previously the head coach, from 2010 to 2015, for Stephen F. Austin State University, and from 1998 to 2010 at Emporia State University, an NCAA Division II school located in Emporia, Kansas, where he led the team to the 2010 National Championship.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Emporia State Hornets basketball</span> College basketball team

The Emporia State Hornets basketball team represents Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas, in the NCAA Division II men's basketball competition. The team is coached by Tom Billeter, who is in his first season as head coach. The Hornets compete in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2015 Emporia State Hornets football team</span> American college football season

The 2015 Emporia State Hornets football team represented Emporia State University in the 2015 NCAA Division II football season. The Hornets played their home games on Jones Field at Francis G. Welch Stadium in Emporia, Kansas, as they have done since 1937. 2015 was the 122nd season in school history. The Hornets were led by head coach Garin Higgins, who finished his fifteenth overall season, and ninth at Emporia State. Emporia State is a member of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Emporia State Hornets baseball</span> American college baseball team

The Emporia State Hornets baseball team represented Emporia State University in NCAA Division II college baseball. The team participated in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association. The teams played its home games on Glennen Field at Trusler Sports Complex, located just north of the Emporia State campus, and are coached by Brad Hill.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2016 Emporia State Hornets football team</span> American college football season

The 2016 Emporia State Hornets football team represented Emporia State University in the 2016 NCAA Division II football season. The Hornets played their home games on the newly-renovated Jones Field at Francis G. Welch Stadium in Emporia, Kansas, as they have done since 1937. 2016 was the 119th season in school history. The Hornets were led by head coach Garin Higgins, finished his 15th overall season, and 10th overall at Emporia State. Emporia State has a member of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association since 1991.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bob Fornelli</span>

Robert William Fornelli is an American college baseball coach and current head baseball coach at Pittsburg State University. Previously, Fornelli coached at his alma mater Emporia State University from 2004 to 2018 where he guided the Hornets to five Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association regular season championships and two conference tournament championships, 13 trips to the NCAA Tournament, two World Series appearances and a national runner-up finish. Fornelli was the coach at Fort Hays State from 1996 to 2003.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2017 Emporia State Hornets football team</span> American college football season

The 2017 Emporia State Hornets football team represented Emporia State University in the 2017 NCAA Division II football season. The Hornets played their home games on Jones Field at Francis G. Welch Stadium in Emporia, Kansas, as they have done since 1937. 2017 was the 120th season in school history. The Hornets were led by head coach Garin Higgins, who finished his 16th season overall, and 10th season at Emporia State. Emporia State has been a member of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) since 1991.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2018–19 Emporia State Lady Hornets basketball team</span> Intercollegiate basketball season

The 2018–19 Emporia State Lady Hornets basketball team represented Emporia State University in the 2018–19 NCAA Division II women's basketball season, which was the 45th Lady Hornets basketball season. The Lady Hornets were led by first-year head coach Toby Wynn. The team played their home games on Slaymaker Court William L. White Auditorium in Emporia, Kansas, the home court since 1974. Emporia State is a member of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2018 Emporia State Hornets football team</span> American college football season

The 2018 Emporia State Hornets football team represented Emporia State University in the 2018 NCAA Division II football season. The Hornets played their home games on Jones Field at Francis G. Welch Stadium in Emporia, Kansas, as they have done since 1937. 2018 was the 121st season in school history. The Hornets are led by head coach Garin Higgins, who is in his 17th season overall, and 12th season at Emporia State as head coach. Emporia State has been a member of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) since 1991.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Emporia State–Washburn football rivalry</span> American college football rivalry

The Emporia State–Washburn football rivalry, commonly referred to as the Turnpike Tussle, is an American college football rivalry game played annually between the Emporia State Hornets football team of Emporia State University from Emporia, Kansas, and the Washburn Ichabods football team of Washburn University from Topeka, Kansas. Both schools currently compete in the NCAA Division II level, and are members of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA). Emporia State currently leads the series 61–53–2. The Turnpike Tussle is the second-oldest active NCAA Division II rivalry.

References

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  2. ↑ "Football coach Jeff Jamrog plans to stay at MSU – Minnesota State University, Mankato (MSU)". January 5, 2005. Retrieved October 13, 2014.
  3. ↑ Kesselring, Colt (August 22, 2017). "The Best College Football Teams by State, Regardless of Division (2017)" . Retrieved August 22, 2017.
  4. ↑ "First play-off berth since 2003". Emporia Gazette. Retrieved October 14, 2014.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 "The Legend of Corky the Hornet". September 18, 2010. Retrieved June 6, 2016.
  6. ↑ "1893 games". Archived from the original on August 9, 2014. Retrieved October 14, 2014.
  7. ↑ Carey, Charles Henry (1922). "Fred Williams, attorney" . Retrieved October 14, 2014.
  8. 1 2 "ESU Coaching Records". Archived from the original on August 10, 2014. Retrieved October 14, 2014.
  9. ↑ "1st undefeated season". Archived from the original on August 9, 2014. Retrieved October 14, 2014.
  10. ↑ "2nd, and last, undefeated season". Archived from the original on August 9, 2014. Retrieved October 14, 2014.
  11. ↑ "1915–18 records". Archived from the original on August 9, 2014. Retrieved October 14, 2014.
  12. ↑ "1945–49 seasons". Archived from the original on August 10, 2014. Retrieved October 15, 2014.
  13. 1 2 "Conference Championships". Archived from the original on September 27, 2015. Retrieved October 15, 2014.
  14. ↑ "Welch". Archived from the original on May 16, 2015. Retrieved October 14, 2014.
  15. ↑ "Keith Caywood 1958 winning season". Archived from the original on September 11, 2015. Retrieved October 15, 2014.
  16. ↑ "Caywood resigned" . Retrieved October 15, 2014.
  17. ↑ "KSTC hires Blaylock" . Retrieved October 15, 2014.
  18. ↑ "Blaylock resigns as coach" . Retrieved October 15, 2014.
  19. ↑ "Jim Lance". Archived from the original on June 22, 2015. Retrieved October 15, 2014.
  20. ↑ "Elliott's career" . Retrieved October 15, 2014.
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  22. ↑ "Dave Hoover". Archived from the original on June 22, 2015. Retrieved October 15, 2014.
  23. ↑ "Former Wichita State coach hired as ESU's coach" . Retrieved October 15, 2014.
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  25. ↑ "1985–89 seasons". Archived from the original on August 9, 2014. Retrieved October 15, 2014.
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  28. ↑ "Manny Matsakis, CFBDW". Archived from the original on November 13, 2013. Retrieved October 15, 2014.
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  31. ↑ "1995–99 seasons". Archived from the original on November 13, 2013. Retrieved October 15, 2014.
  32. 1 2 "2000–04 seasons". Archived from the original on November 13, 2013. Retrieved October 15, 2014.
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  35. ↑ "2005–09 seasons". Archived from the original on November 13, 2013. Retrieved October 15, 2014.
  36. ↑ "Dave Wiemers Resigns as head coach". Emporia Gazette. Retrieved October 15, 2014.
  37. ↑ "Emporia State University Athletics - Staff Directory". ESU Athletics. December 15, 2006. Retrieved May 23, 2017.
  38. ↑ "Wiemers resigns | ESU". The Emporia Gazette. November 17, 2006. Retrieved May 23, 2017.
  39. ↑ Corbitt, Ken (September 7, 2007). "E-State eyes season-opening, two-game win streak". The Topeka Capital-Journal. Retrieved May 23, 2017.
  40. ↑ "Something to Prove | News". The Emporia Gazette. September 7, 2007. Retrieved May 23, 2017.
  41. ↑ 2007 Emporia State Hornet football media guide (PDF). ESU Athletics. December 16, 2011. Retrieved May 23, 2017.
  42. ↑ "Fort Hays State vs. Emporia State - Game Summary - September 20, 2008". ESPN. September 20, 2008. Retrieved May 23, 2017.
  43. ↑ 2012 Emporia State Hornet football media guide (PDF). ESU Athletics. September 20, 2012. Retrieved May 23, 2017.
  44. ↑ 2011 Emporia State Hornet football media guide (PDF). ESU Athletics. January 11, 2012. Retrieved May 23, 2017.
  45. ↑ "Dr. Michael Shonrock Named ESU's 16th President". WIBW-TV. December 9, 2011. Retrieved May 23, 2017.
  46. ↑ "Emporia State University Athletics - Emporia State Football Accepts Kanza Bowl Bid". ESU Athletics. November 12, 2012. Retrieved May 23, 2017.
  47. ↑ "Emporia State University Athletics" (PDF). ESU Athletics. October 17, 2012. Retrieved May 23, 2017.
  48. ↑ "Emporia State University Athletics - 2012 ESU Football Schedule". ESU Athletics. Retrieved May 23, 2017.
  49. ↑ Maycock, Brent (November 25, 2012). "ESU overcomes slow start, Javelinas to win Kanza Bowl 45-38". The Topeka Capital-Journal. Retrieved May 23, 2017.
  50. ↑ "Emporia State University Athletics - Emporia State QB Eckenrode Named Regional Harlon Hill Trophy Finalist". ESU Athletics. November 9, 2012. Retrieved May 23, 2017.
  51. ↑ "Emporia State University Athletics - Emporia State Quarterback/Receiver Preview". ESU Athletics. August 14, 2013. Retrieved May 23, 2017.
  52. ↑ "Emporia State University Athletics - Emporia State Football Ranked 7th in MIAA Preseason Polls". ESU Athletics. August 4, 2013. Retrieved May 23, 2017.
  53. ↑ "Emporia State University Athletics - Emporia State Football Receives Votes in AFCA Preseason Poll". ESU Athletics. August 19, 2013. Retrieved May 23, 2017.
  54. ↑ "Emporia State University Athletics - 2013 Football Schedule". ESU Athletics. Retrieved May 23, 2017.
  55. ↑ "Emporia State University Athletics - #10 Hornet Football Loses to #2 Northwest Missouri". ESU Athletics. November 9, 2013. Retrieved May 23, 2017.
  56. ↑ "Emporia State University Athletics - Emporia State Football Makes Second NCAA Playoff Experience". ESU Athletics. November 20, 2013. Retrieved May 23, 2017.
  57. ↑ "Hornets fall to Bulldogs 55-13 in D-II playoffs". The Topeka Capital-Journal. November 23, 2013. Retrieved May 23, 2017.
  58. ↑ "Emporia State University Athletics - Emporia State Football Ranked #22 in AFCE Preseason Poll". ESU Athletics. August 18, 2014. Retrieved May 23, 2017.
  59. ↑ "Emporia State University Athletics - #22 Emporia State Football Opens Season with 53-28 win". ESU Athletics. September 4, 2014. Retrieved May 23, 2017.
  60. ↑ "Emporia State University Athletics - 2014 Football Schedule". ESU Athletics. Retrieved May 23, 2017.
  61. ↑ "Emporia State University Athletics - #23 Emporia State Football Travels to Lindenwood for MIAA-TV game". ESU Athletics. September 30, 2015. Retrieved May 23, 2017.
  62. ↑ "Emporia State University Athletics - Emporia State Football Game Suspended until Saturday". ESU Athletics. September 10, 2015. Retrieved May 23, 2017.
  63. ↑ "Hornets Hold Off Mules". WIBW News Now!. September 12, 2015. Retrieved May 23, 2017.
  64. ↑ "Emporia State University Athletics - Emporia State Rolls Up 605 Yards in 45-34 win over Central Missouri". ESU Athletics. September 12, 2015. Retrieved May 23, 2017.
  65. ↑ "Emporia State University Athletics - 2015 Football Schedule". ESU Athletics. Retrieved May 23, 2017.
  66. ↑ McDowellsmcdowell, Sam (December 5, 2015). "Northwest Missouri State defeats Emporia State 38-17 in NCAA Division II football quarterfinals | The Kansas City Star". Kansas City Star. Retrieved May 23, 2017.
  67. ↑ "Ponca City's Brent Wilson named Division II All-American". News OK. December 17, 2015. Retrieved May 23, 2017.
  68. ↑ "Emporia State University Athletics - Pregame Primer for Emporia State Football". ESU Athletics. August 31, 2016. Retrieved May 23, 2017.
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  74. ↑ "NW Missouri ousts Emporia State | The Wichita Eagle". The Wichita Eagle. November 26, 2016. Retrieved May 23, 2017.
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  76. ↑ 2013 Football Media Guide
  77. ↑ 2012 Football Media Guide
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  79. ↑ "Emporia State University Athletics – 2014 Football Schedule". esuhornets.com. Retrieved April 29, 2015.
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  83. ↑ "2013 ESU Football Media Guide" (PDF). September 19, 2013. Retrieved November 14, 2015.
  84. ↑ "Corky the Hornet" . Retrieved October 13, 2014.
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