Football Reunion Set for Saturday

October 24, 2006

WEATHERFORD -- A number of Southwestern Oklahoma State University football players and coaches will be returning to Weatherford Saturday for the 10-year reunion of the 1996 NAIA National Championship team. While it has been a few years since they last strapped on their shoulder pads and squeezed into helmets, the group is sure to talk and reminisce about some of the best days in football history.

Sponsored in part by the SWOSU Athletic Association, the festivities are scheduled  to begin Saturday at 11 a.m. with a Bar-B-Q Lunch in the newly remodeled Student Union Grill. At the event, the group will be presented special commemorative items and re-watch the game on a big screen projection television.

The group will then be one of the special guest participants into the Homecoming Parade downtown at 3 p.m.

"This will be a fun event for the former coaches and players; their families and friends. We expect everyone will enjoy it to the fullest," said Rouben Tourian, SWOSU assistant athletic director for external affairs.

The formal festivities will conclude with the group serving as honorary captains for the Bulldogs’ football game against archrival Central Oklahoma that evening at 6 p.m. They will participate in the pre-game coin toss ceremony.

"We had some talented players, including several All-Americans from that squad" said Tourian, who has been in contact with many since reunion plans were first hatched. “This group is an important part of Southwestern history. We’re excited about having them return as our guests.”