Pittsburg State Gorillas football

Last updated
Pittsburg State Gorillas football
Pittsburg State Athletics wordmark.svg
First season1908;116 years ago (1908)
Athletic director Jim Johnson
Head coach Tom Anthony
1st season, 7–1 (.875)
Stadium Carnie Smith Stadium
(capacity: 8,343)
FieldBrandenburg Field
Year built1923
Field surfaceArtificial
Location Pittsburg, Kansas
NCAA division Division II
Conference The MIAA
All-time record753–365–47 (.667)
Bowl record3–0 (1.000)
Claimed national titles4
(NAIA): 1957, 1961
(Div. II): 1991, 2011
Conference titles33
Rivalries Missouri Southern
Northwest Missouri State
ColorsCrimson and gold [1]
   
Fight songPSU Fight Song
MascotGus the Gorilla
Marching bandPride of the Plains Marching Band
Outfitter Adidas
Website www.pittstategorillas.com

The Pittsburg State Gorillas football team represents Pittsburg State University in collegiate level football. The Pittsburg State football team was formed in 1908, competes in NCAA Division II and is affiliated with the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA). The Gorillas play their home games at Carnie Smith Stadium, more commonly referred to as "The Jungle", in Pittsburg, Kansas. Pittsburg State has won more games than any other program in NCAA Division II history. [2] It has won four national championships (1957, 1961, 1991 and 2011) and 27 conference championships, including 13 conference titles in 20 seasons under former head coach Chuck Broyles.

Contents

History

Pittsburg State University vs. the University of Central Oklahoma on October 30, 2021. The Gorillas beat the Bronchos 26-20. Pitt State vs UCO on the LOS!.jpg
Pittsburg State University vs. the University of Central Oklahoma on October 30, 2021. The Gorillas beat the Bronchos 26–20.

Early years

The Pittsburg State football program began in 1908 under head coach Albert McLeland. McLeland compiled a record of 2–2–2 in his only season as head coach. [3] John Fuhrer succeeded McLeland and served as Pitt State's football coach from 1909 to 1914 and 1918, compiling a record of 26–22–2. [3] [4]

The program enjoyed several years of success in the 1920s under head coach Garfield Weede. Weede coached the team to a 50–31–6 record from 1919 to 1928 including the school's first undefeated season in 1924. [4] [5] That year, his team was declared Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference champions. [6] Weede ended his tenure at Pittsburg on a downturn, losing every game of his final season of 1928. His squad only scored in two of seven games and allowed a total of 113 points. [7]

During the 1930s and 1940s, Pittsburg State compiled mediocre records under head coaches Blue Howell (35–30–6) and Charles Morgan (44–43–15). [8] [9]

Carnie Smith era (1949–1966)

Pittsburg State experienced a turn-around from 1949 to 1966 under head coach Carnie Smith. During Smith's 18-year tenure as head coach, the team compiled a record of 116–52–6 and won two NAIA national championships in 1957 and 1961. [10] [11] The team completed perfect seasons at 11–0 in 1957 and 1961 with victories over Hillsdale College in the Holiday Bowl and Linfield College in the Camellia Bowl. [10] [11] The football stadium was later named after Smith. [12]

Lester era (1967–1975)

Tom Lester took over as the Gorillas' head coach in 1967, the year Pittsburg State joined the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC). In nine years (1967–1975), Lester's teams compiled a record of 48–38–5 and won only one conference championship, the 1970 RMAC championship. [11] [13] In 1972, Pittsburg State joined the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC), then the Central States Intercollegiate Conference in 1976. [14]

Randleman era (1976–1981)

From 1976 to 1981, Ron Randleman was Pittsburg State's head football coach. Randelman was credited with turning the football program around, compiling a 36–25–2 record in six seasons. He directed the Gorillas to three Central States Conference championships and a trip to the NAIA national finals in 1981. [13] [15] He received coach of the year honors from his conference and his NAIA district three times. In 1981, he was named NAIA National Coach of the Year and NAIA District Six Coach of the Year. On February 5, 1982, Randleman left Pittsburg State to take over at Sam Houston State.

Franchione era (1985–1989)

Dennis Franchione, a Pittsburg State alumnus, served as head football coach for five years from 1985 to 1989. During his five seasons with the Gorillas, he led the team to a 53–6–0 record, 37–1–0 in conference, won five conference titles, and was named NAIA National Coach of the Year twice. [15] He tied the school record for victories in a single season three times before breaking it with the 12 victories of his 1989 team. [16] [17] During the 1989 season, the Gorillas moved from the NAIA to the NCAA's Division II and joined the MIAA. [14]

Broyles era (1990–2009)

In 1990, Chuck Broyles became the head football coach at Pittsburg State. In the programs first season in the NCAA, the Gorillas went 10–0 in the regular season and won two games in the Division II playoffs. In 1991, the team finished 13–1–1 and won the NCAA Division II Football Championship. His teams also played in the Division II championship games in 1992, 1995 and 2004. In 2004, the Gorillas finished 14–1, losing 36–31 to Valdosta State University in the Division II championship game. During his 20 years as Pittsburg State's head coach, Broyles compiled a record of 198–47–2. He retired at the end of the 2009 season. [18] [19] [20] A prominent player during this time was two-time All-American punter Brian Moorman, who played at PSU from 1995 to 1998 and went on to become a Pro Bowl punter for the Buffalo Bills.

Beck era (2010–2019)

Tim Beck took over as Pittsburg State's head football coach in 2010. In his second year as head coach, the Gorillas compiled a record of 13–1 and returned to the NCAA Division II Championship game for the first time since 2004. [21] The Gorillas defeated Wayne State 35–21 to win the title. He resigned after the 2019 season. [22] John Brown, a wide receiver during this time, became a stud receiver for the Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, and the Buffalo Bills.

Wright era (2020–2023)

On December 7, 2019, Brian Wright was named the 15th head coach of Pittsburg State. [23] [24]

Championships

National championship seasons

SeasonCoachSelectorsRecordBowl
1957 Carnie Smith NAIA Playoff11–0–0Won NAIA National Championship
1961 Won Camellia Bowl
1991 Chuck Broyles NCAA Division II Playoff13–1–1Won Division II Championship
2011 Tim Beck NCAA Division II Playoff13–1–0Won Division II Championship
National Championships4

Conference championship seasons

YearConferenceCoachOverall recordConference record
1919† Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference Garfield Weede 7–2–15–0–1
19247–0–1
1935† Central Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Blue Howell 6–33–1
1941 Charles Morgan 5–2–3
19427–15–0
1949† Carnie Smith 8–2–15–1
1951†7–34–1
19555–0
195711–0
1961
1966†7–23–1
1970 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Tom Lester 9–24–1
1979† Central States Intercollegiate Conference Ron Randleman 8–36–1
198110–17–0
1982† Bruce Polen 7–26–1
1985 Dennis Franchione 8–2
198611–17–0
1987
1988
1989 Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association 12–1
1990 Chuck Broyles 9–0
199113–1–18–0–1
199214–19–0
199410–1
199512–1–1
1996†8–38–1
200111–2
2003†9–37–2
200414–19–0
2011 Tim Beck 13–18–1
2014†11–210–1
2022 Brian Wright 12–111–0
2023†11–29–1
Total Conference championships:33
† Denotes co-champions

All-time record vs. current MIAA teams

Official record (including any NCAA imposed vacates and forfeits) against all current MIAA opponents as of the end of the 2015 season:

OpponentWonLostTiedPercentageStreakFirst meeting
Central Missouri 42112.782Won 31916
Central Oklahoma 1041.700Won 21915
Emporia State 60342.635Won 2
Fort Hays State 46209.673won 21925
Missouri Southern 40101.794Won 51968
Missouri Western 31122.711Won 51970
Nebraska–Kearney 1180.579Won 11974
Northeastern State 19122.606Won 81912
Northwest Missouri State 25260.490Won 11932
Washburn 63241.722Won 21920
Totals35016318.676

Carnie Smith Stadium

With the success of the football program in the 1990s, Pittsburg State undertook a $5.8 million renovation of Carnie Smith Stadium in 2000, a further $2.5 million renovation to the west end in 2006 (including the addition of eight luxury boxes), and the addition of a $1.7 million Jumbotron in 2008 (the biggest in Division II at the time). [12] [27]

Northwest Missouri rivalry

Pittsburg State's chief rivalry game is with MIAA rival Northwest Missouri State University. The games between the two schools, formerly known as the Fall Classic at Arrowhead, was played at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri from 2002 to 2013. The Gorillas went just 3–9 during the series, but four times the winner of the Classic went on to win the NCAA championship. After the 2013 game, Pittsburg State officials decided to move the game back to campus as a nod to the community with the city of Pittsburg contributing $5 million toward a $13 million indoor events center to be completed on the University's campus by spring 2015. [28] [29] [30] [31] The 2002 game had an attendance of 26,695 — the most of any Division II game. [32]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pittsburg State University</span> Public university in Pittsburg, Kansas, U.S.

Pittsburg State University is a public university in Pittsburg, Kansas, United States. It enrolls approximately 7,400 students and is a member of the Kansas Board of Regents.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carnie Smith Stadium</span> Football stadium in Pittsburg, Kansas, US

Carnie Smith Stadium is the football stadium for Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas. The stadium is nicknamed "The Jungle", or "The Pitt."

<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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lindenwood Lions</span> Athletic teams of Lindenwood University

The Lindenwood Lions and Lady Lions are the intercollegiate athletic teams that represent Lindenwood University, located in St. Charles, Missouri, in intercollegiate sports as a member of the NCAA Division I ranks, primarily competing in the Ohio Valley Conference for most of its sports since the 2022–23 academic year.

The Lindenwood Lions football team represents Lindenwood University in football. Lindenwood is a member of the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC). The Lions were provisional members of the NCAA Division I FCS for the 2022 season before becoming an active member during the 2023–2024 academic year.

Charles Leroy Broyles is a former American football coach and college athletics administrator. He served as the head football coach at Pittsburg State University from 1990 to 2009, compiling a record of 198–47–2 in 20 seasons. His Pittsburg State Gorillas football teams won the NCAA Division II Football Championship in 1991, appeared three other championship games, and captured nine Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association titles. Broyles retired from coaching at Pittsburg State effective December 2, 2009.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Central Oklahoma Bronchos</span> Athletic teams representing University of Central Oklahoma

The Central Oklahoma Bronchos, are the intercollegiate athletic teams representing University of Central Oklahoma, located in Edmond, Oklahoma. The five men's and nine women's varsity teams are called the "Bronchos". The school's identification as Bronchos dates back to 1922, when the wife of football coach Charles W. Wantland suggested it for the school's mascot. The official colors of the teams are bronze and blue, which the institution adopted in 1895. The Bronchos compete in the NCAA's Division II and in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association in all sports except women's rowing, which competes in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference. The Bronchos have won 22 national championships, with the most recent coming in 2024 as the wrestling program won the NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships. The university's current athletic director is Stan Wagnon, who has served in the position since 2020.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pittsburg State Gorillas</span> Athletic teams representing Pittsburg State University

The Pittsburg State Gorillas, commonly referred to as Pitt State, are the athletic teams that represent Pittsburg State University. They are in the NCAA Division II as a member of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA). The Gorillas previously competed in the Central States Intercollegiate Conference (CSIC) of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) from 1976–77 to 1988–89; in the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) from 1972–73 to 1975–76; in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) from 1968–69 to 1971–72; in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (CIC) from 1923–24 to 1967–68; and in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) from 1902–03 to 1922–23.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carnie Smith</span> American football player and coach (1911–1979)

Carnie Henry Smith was an American college football player and coach. Smith was the seventh head football coach at Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas. He held that position for 18 seasons, from 1949 until 1966, compiling a record of 116–52–6. His teams won NAIA football national championships in 1957 and 1961. The football stadium at Pittsburg State, Carnie Smith Stadium, is named in his honor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Central Oklahoma Bronchos football</span> College football team (University of Central Oklahoma)

The Central Oklahoma Bronchos football team represents the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) in college football. The team is a member of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA), which is in Division II of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The Bronchos football program began in 1902 and has since compiled over 600 wins, two national championships, and 28 conference championships. As of 2022, the Bronchos are ranked fifth in NCAA Division II for wins. In 1962, the Bronchos went 11–0 on the season and defeated Lenoir–Rhyne University (NC) 28–13 in the Camellia Bowl to claim its first NAIA national championship. Twenty years later, Central Oklahoma defended its home turf and defeated Colorado Mesa University 14–11 in the NAIA national championship game to take its second title and finish the season with a 10–2 record. Despite its rich history in football, Central Oklahoma has struggled beginning in the late 2000s. In 2024, the program broke on a 21 year playoff drought. The Bronchos play their home games at Chad Richison Stadium, a 12,000-seat football stadium built in 1965, and remodeled in 2022. The Bronchos have enjoyed nine undefeated home seasons and are 6–1 in playoff games at Chad Richison Stadium.

The 2004 NCAA Division II football season, part of college football in the United States organized by the National Collegiate Athletic Association at the Division II level, began on August 26, 2004, and concluded with the NCAA Division II Football Championship on December 11, 2004 at Braly Municipal Stadium in Florence, Alabama, hosted by the University of North Alabama. The Valdosta State Blazers defeated the Pittsburg State Gorillas, 36–31, to win their first Division II national title.

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

The Emporia State Lady Hornets basketball team represents Emporia State University and competes in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) of the NCAA Division II. On April 28, 2023, Brian Ostermann was announced as the eighth head coach.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2011 Pittsburg State Gorillas football team</span> American college football season

The 2011 Pittsburg State Gorillas football team represented Pittsburg State University during the 2011 NCAA Division II football season. The Gorillas played their home games at Carnie Smith Stadium in Pittsburg, Kansas, which has been the Gorillas' home stadium since 1924. The team was headed by coach Tim Beck. The team finished the regular season with a 9–1 record. This year they won their second NCAA Division II Football Championship, with a win over Wayne State 35–21.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2016 Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association football season</span> Sports season

The 2016 Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association football season is made up of 12 United States collegiate athletic programs that compete in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) under the NCAA Division II for the 2016 college football season. The season began on Thursday, September 1, 2016. Northwest Missouri State enters the season as the Conference and National Champions.

The 1957 Pittsburg State Gorillas football team was an American football team that represented Pittsburg State College as a member of the Central Intercollegiate Conference (CIC) during the 1957 college football season. In their ninth season under head coach Carnie Smith, the Gorillas compiled a perfect 11–0 record and outscored opponents by a total of 347 to 79. They won the CIC championship and defeated Hillsdale, 27–26, before a national television audience in the Holiday Bowl to win the NAIA championship.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1961 Pittsburg State Gorillas football team</span> American college football season

The 1961 Pittsburg State Gorillas football team was an American football team that represented Kansas State College of Pittsburg as a member of the Central Intercollegiate Conference (CIC) during the 1961 college football season. In their 13th season under head coach Carnie Smith, the Gorillas compiled an 11–0 record and were ranked No. 1 the final 1961 small college football rankings issued by both the Associated Press (AP) and United Press International (UPI). During the regular season, Pittsburg State shut out seven of nine opponents and outscored all opponents by a total of 299 to 25. The Gorillas then advanced to the NAIA playoffs, defeating Northern State (28–14) in a semifinal game and Linfield (12–7) in the NAIA national championship game known as the Camellia Bowl.

The 1991 Pittsburg State Gorillas football team was an American football team that won the 1991 NCAA Division II national championship.

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

The 2016 Pittsburg State Gorillas football team represented Pittsburg State University in the 2016 NCAA Division II football season. The Gorillas played their home games on Brandenburg Field in Carnie Smith Stadium in Pittsburg, Kansas, as they have done since 1923. 2016 was the 109th season in school history. The Gorillas were led by seventh-year head coach, Tim Beck. Pittsburg State has been a member of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association since 1989.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Roderique</span>

John Michael Roderique is an American former high school football coach and athletic director. He served as the head football coach at Webb City, Missouri, High School for 26 years. He announced his retirement on December 5, 2022, including retaining athletic director duties through the end of the 2022–2023 school year. He compiled a record of 315–35, took his team to state playoffs 23 times, made it to the semi-finals or finals in 20 seasons, won 13 state football titles, of which ten were undefeated seasons, and had two state runner-up finishes.

References

  1. ↑ Pittsburg State University Brand Identity Standards Manual (PDF). Retrieved April 18, 2016.
  2. ↑ "NCAA Division II Records" (PDF). National Collegiate Athletic Association. 2008. p. 43. Retrieved October 27, 2010. (The NCAA guide reflects win–loss records through the 2007 season. Information on 2008, 2009, and 2010 seasons has been retrieved from the web site of each college and university.)
  3. 1 2 "Pittsburg State University: All-Time Football Scores (1908–09)". Pittsburg State University. Archived from the original on July 15, 2011. Retrieved November 3, 2010.
  4. 1 2 "Pittsburg State University: All-Time Football Scores (1910–19)". Pittsburg State University. Archived from the original on July 15, 2011. Retrieved November 3, 2010.
  5. ↑ "Pittsburg State University: All-Time Football Scores (1920–29)". Pittsburg State University. Archived from the original on July 15, 2011. Retrieved November 3, 2010.
  6. ↑ College Football Data Warehouse Archived 2012-10-19 at the Wayback Machine Pittsburg State University 1924 results
  7. ↑ College Football Data Warehouse Archived 2012-10-19 at the Wayback Machine Pittsburg State University 1928 results
  8. ↑ "Pittsburg State University: All-Time Football Scores (1930–39)". Pittsburg State University. Archived from the original on July 15, 2011. Retrieved November 3, 2010.
  9. ↑ "Pittsburg State University: All-Time Football Scores (1940–49)". Pittsburg State University. Archived from the original on July 15, 2011. Retrieved November 3, 2010.
  10. 1 2 "Pittsburg State University: All-Time Football Scores (1950–59)". Pittsburg State University. Archived from the original on July 15, 2011. Retrieved November 3, 2010.
  11. 1 2 3 "Pittsburg State University: All-Time Football Scores (1960–69)". Pittsburg State University. Archived from the original on July 15, 2011. Retrieved November 3, 2010.
  12. 1 2 "Brandenburg Field/Carnie Smith Stadium: Stadium Biography". Pittsburg State University. Archived from the original on 2011-07-15.
  13. 1 2 "Pittsburg State University: All-Time Football Scores (1970–79)". Pittsburg State University. Archived from the original on July 15, 2011. Retrieved November 3, 2010.
  14. 1 2 PSU Football 2013 , p. 92.
  15. 1 2 "Pittsburg State University: All-Time Football Scores (1980–89)". Pittsburg State University. Archived from the original on July 15, 2011. Retrieved November 3, 2010.
  16. ↑ "Pitt State Football Records" (PDF). Pittsburg State Gorillas. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2007-09-29. Retrieved 2007-06-21.
  17. ↑ Campbell, Steve (2007-10-28). "There's no need to sugarcoat it anymore: Franchione must go". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved 2007-10-29.
  18. ↑ "Pittsburg State University: All-Time Football Scores (1990–99)". Pittsburg State University. Archived from the original on July 15, 2011. Retrieved November 3, 2010.
  19. ↑ "Pittsburg State University: All-Time Football Scores (2000–09)". Pittsburg State University. Archived from the original on July 15, 2011. Retrieved November 3, 2010.
  20. ↑ Anonymous (2009-12-02). "PSU's Broyles retiresw/ news conference audio » Local News » The Joplin Globe, Joplin, MO". Joplinglobe.com. Archived from the original on 2013-01-27. Retrieved 2010-10-20.
  21. ↑ Brock Sisney (December 11, 2011). "After beating Delta State, Gorillas are Alabama bound". The Morning Sun. Archived from the original on January 9, 2012.
  22. ↑ "Beck Announces Resignation from Pitt State Football Position".
  23. ↑ "Brian Wright named football coach at Pittsburg State". Joplin Globe. Retrieved 2019-12-22.
  24. ↑ "Toledo offensive coordinator Wright to lead Pittsburg State". Toledo Blade. Retrieved 2019-12-22.
  25. ↑ DeLassus, David (2012). "Pittsburg State Composite Championship Listing". College Football Data Warehouse. Archived from the original on 2015-03-31. Retrieved 2012-07-21.
  26. ↑ "2015 Pitt State Media Guide". PSU Gorillas. 2015. Retrieved June 25, 2016.
  27. ↑ "Carnie Smith Stadium". Pittsburg State University. Archived from the original on September 15, 2010. Retrieved November 3, 2010.
  28. ↑ "Rally in Kansas City to kick off Fall Classic weekend". Maryville Daily Forum. November 3, 2010. Archived from the original on July 14, 2011.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  29. ↑ "Gorillas End Hex, Capture MIAA – Pittsburg State Defeats Northwest Missouri State for the First Time in Eight Years to Improve to 11–0". Wichita Eagle. November 7, 2004. p. 1D.
  30. ↑ "Northwest Missouri, Washburn will resume Fall Classic football game at Arrowhead Stadium". Kansas City Star. July 2, 2014.
  31. ↑ "Work begins on indoor event center". The Morning Sun. January 16, 2014.
  32. ↑ "Fall Classic Is Saturday". Nevada Daily Mail. November 7, 2004.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.