By: Madie Brink
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The University of Sioux Falls Athletics Department and Cougar Football will celebrate two of the most iconic teams in program history when members of the 1996 and 2006 National Championship teams return to campus for a special reunion when the Cougars host Minnesota State on September 26th, at Bob Young Field during Cougar Days.
The reunion will honor the anniversaries of USF's first and second NAIA Football National Championships, two teams that helped establish one of the most successful traditions in small college football.
"These championship teams provided an unforgettable era of Cougar Football and established a standard of excellence that continues to inspire our student-athletes today. We look forward to recognizing their accomplishments during Cougar Days and providing an opportunity for teammates to reunite, reflect on those unforgettable seasons, and celebrate the lifelong bonds that were built."
-Athletic Director, Jon Hart
A Weekend to Remember
The celebration begins Friday, September 25, with a Welcome Reception from 6-8 p.m. at Great Shots in Sioux Falls, giving former players, coaches, staff, and their families an opportunity to reconnect and relive the memories that helped shape Cougar Football.
On Saturday, championship alumni will gather for pregame tailgating before being recognized on the field during halftime of the Cougars' matchup with the Mavericks.
Fans are encouraged to arrive early, welcome these championship teams back to campus, and help celebrate the student-athletes and coaches who forever changed the course of USF Football history.
Honoring a Championship Legacy
The 1996 team delivered the first football national championship in University of Sioux Falls history and became the first South Dakota college football program to capture a national title. Under legendary head coach Bob Young, the Cougars completed a perfect 14-0 season while averaging more than 45 points per game before defeating Western Washington, 47-25, in the NAIA National Championship.
Led by NAIA National Player of the Year Kurtiss Riggs, All-Americans Kalen DeBoer, Jeremy Gardner, Andy Harrold, and Phil Porter, the Cougars established a championship standard that continues to define the program nearly three decades later. The 1996 squad finished the season with school records for victories (14), passing touchdowns (55), total offense (6,863 yards), and a remarkable +27 turnover margin.
The Next Championship Chapter
Ten years later, another remarkable group brought the national championship trophy back to Sioux Falls.
The 2006 team, led by first-year head coach Kalen DeBoer, completed an undefeated 13-0 season by defeating previously unbeaten St. Francis (Ind.), 23-19, in the NAIA National Championship game in Savannah, Tennessee.
Quarterback Chad Cavender directed one of the nation's most explosive offenses, while standouts Dusty Hovorka, Mike Dvoracek, Trey Erickson, and a dominant Cougar defense helped USF outscore its opponents 541-102 throughout the season. The championship marked the beginning of an unprecedented run that would see the Cougars capture three NAIA national titles in four seasons and eventually make the successful transition to NCAA Division II.
A Tradition That Continues
The achievements of the 1996 and 2006 championship teams laid the foundation for one of the premier football traditions in the nation.
Combined, the two teams helped launch a period of sustained excellence that included four NAIA National Championships, numerous conference titles, multiple undefeated regular seasons, and a winning culture that continues to define Cougar Football today. Many members of those championship squads have remained closely connected to the program, serving as coaches, mentors, and ambassadors for generations of student-athletes that followed.
Join the Celebration
USF invites Cougar fans, alumni, and the Sioux Falls community to be part of this special weekend as the University celebrates two championship teams whose impact extends far beyond the football field. Team members can RSVP at the link above while fans and donors can reach out to USF Athletics at Athletics@USiouxFalls.edu.
Kickoff between the Cougars and Minnesota State is scheduled for 1pm Saturday, September 26, at Bob Young Field. Championship team members will be recognized during halftime as part of the weekend festivities.
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