Central Oklahoma Bronchos football

Central Oklahoma Bronchos football
2015 Central Oklahoma Bronchos football team
First season 1902 (1902)
Athletic director Joe Muller
Head coach Nick Bobeck
4th year, 19–25 (.432)
Stadium Wantland Stadium
Year built 1964
Seating capacity 10,000
Field surface FieldTurf
Location Edmond, Oklahoma
NCAA division NCAA Division II
Conference MIAA
Past conferences Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference
Lone Star Conference
All-time record 614–384–46 (.610)
Bowl record 3–2–0 (.600)
Claimed nat'l titles 2 (1962, 1982)
Conference titles 27
Colors Blue and Bronze[1]
         
Fight song UCO Fight Song
Mascot Buddy Broncho
Marching band UCO Stampede of Sound
Outfitter Nike
Rivals

Northeastern State

Pittsburg State Gorillas
Website www.bronchosports.com

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, which is in Division II of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The UCO Bronchos football began in 1902 and has since compiled 600 wins, two national championships, and 26 conference championships.[2][3][4] As of 2011, the Bronchos were ranked third in NCAA Division II for total wins and ranked 12th in winning percentage (0.621). 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.[5] Twenty years later, Central Oklahoma defended its home turf and defeated Colorado Mesa University (then Mesa State College) 14–11 in the NAIA national championship game to take its second title and finish the season with a 10–2 record.[6][7]

Despite its rich history in football, Central Oklahoma has struggled in recent years, posting a 19–35 record and attaining only one winning season in the last five years. The decline in performance coincided with the NCAA's decision to place the Bronchos on three years probation for "lack of institutional control," starting in 2008.[8] Chuck Langston, the Bronchos' head coach during the period when the rules violations occurred, was fired and replaced by Tracy Holland.[8] As a result of penalties, UCO's roster was reduced from 100 players to 90 players each season during the probation, and Holland's win-loss record declined each year. In December 2011, Tracy Holland was fired as head coach after compiling a 15–29 record during his four seasons at the helm.[9] The following month, Nick Bobeck, a UCO alumnus and former fullback for the Bronchos, was hired to take the reins as head football coach at UCO.[10][11]

The Bronchos play their home games at Wantland Stadium, a 10,000-seat football coliseum built in 1965. The Bronchos have enjoyed nine undefeated home seasons and are 5–1 in playoff games at Wantland Stadium.

History

Pre-Wantland era (1902–1911)

UCO made its football debut in 1902, five years before Oklahoma statehood, during which the Bronchos were shutout in their only game of the season. In the match, the Oklahoma State Cowboys (formerly, Oklahoma A&M Aggies) defeated coach-less Central by a score of 40–0.[12] The Bronchos did not field a team in 1903, but they resumed play the following year in 1904 after securing their first head coach, Lt. Boyd Hill. Hill stepped down after posting a 2–3 record his first season, and he later went on to coach at Oklahoma State during the 1906 season.[13] In 1905, Coach Fenis Bently took the reigns of the young football program and compiled a record of 18–33–4 over the span of seven seasons, with over a third of those losses coming against Oklahoma and Oklahoma State.[14]

Wantland era (1912–1930)

After ten years of inconsistent play, the Bronchos landed a coach whose name now adorns their stadium in Edmond. Charles W. Wantland took over as the Bronchos head coach in 1912 and guided Central to 106 victories, six conference championships, and UCO's first undefeated season in 1915, during his 18 years at the helm. UCO's first conference championship came in 1914, when the Bronchos posted a 7–1–1 record. The third conference championship came in 1923, the Bronchos were impressive that season, beating its opponents by a combined score of 184–25, including a 14–6 victory over the Oklahoma A&M Cowboys in Stillwater, Oklahoma.[15] The Bronchos continued their success by winning their fifth conference championship the following season in which Central defeated the likes of Oklahoma, Baylor (then Southwest Conference Champions), and Tulsa, all on the road.[16][17] Interestingly, 1924 was the year that witnessed UCO's sole victory over the Oklahoma Sooners. This fact is notable because the coaches for both schools, Charles W. Wantland (UCO) and Bennie Owen (OU), were later immortalized for their accomplishments in a nearly identical fashion: UCO named its stadium after Wantland, and OU named its playing field after Owen.[7][18] In addition to the stadium, UCO memorialized Coach Wantland by naming the physical education building in his honor.[19] Wantland guided UCO to one more conference championship in 1929 and finished the following year with a final record of 106–43–15 (.692).[20]

Reeds era (1931–1940)

Claude Reeds took over the UCO program in 1931 and picked up right where his predecessor left off by winning eight conference championships in his ten years in charge.[4][21] In 1940, Reeds ended his tenure at UCO with an impressive record of 57–28–8 (.656).

Hamilton era (1941–1957)

After Reeds' departure, UCO hired Dale E. Hamilton to lead the Bronchos to victory. Hamilton did not disappoint, posting a 73–25–3 (.738) and winning eight conference championships in his 12-year post.[4] After coaching, Hamilton served as UCO's athletic director. The university's Hamilton Field House is named in his honor.[22]

Blevins era (1958–1963)

Following Hamilton's tough act, Coach Al Blevins managed to take UCO to new heights by winning the programs first national championship in 1962. The season prior to their national crown, the Bronchos finished 9–1–0 and won its 20th conference championship. In 1962, UCO went a perfect 11–0–0 on the season and defeated Lenoir–Rhyne (NC) 28–13 in the Camellia Bowl to take its first of two national championships.

Howard era (1977–2002)

Coach Gary Howard led UCO to its second national championship with a 14–11 win over Colorado Mesa University (then Mesa State College) in 1982. Howard stepped down in 2002 as UCO's longest-tenured and winningest coach, with a record of 161–106–6 (.601) in 26 seasons.

Bobeck era (2012–present)

With the Bronchos off probation from the NCAA, former UCO-fullback Nick Bobeck, took over as head coach in 2012. After his fourth season in charge, the Bronchos are 19–25. In the first game of the 2014 season, the Bronchos won their 600th game. At the time this placed UCO as the fourth highest win total in Division II history.[23][24] The Bronchos continued their success under coach Bobeck in 2015, with a win in the Live United Texarkana Bowl over long time in-state rival Southwestern Oklahoma State University.

Current coaching staff

Name Position Season at
Central Oklahoma
Nick Bobeck Head coach 4th
Chris Martin Offensive Coordinator, Quarterbacks 4th
Russ Pickett Defensive Coordinator, Assistant Head Coach 4th
David Johnson Running Backs 2nd
Tyler Holland Defensive Backs 4th
Jason Smelser Linebackers Special Teams Coordinator 2nd
Walter Moreham Defensive Line 4th
Jacob Black Strength and Conditioning –
Reference: 2014 UCO Media Guide[25]

Coaching history

The team has had 13 head coaches since organized football began in 1902. The Bronchos have played in more than 1,000 games in its 110 seasons. In those seasons, three coaches have led the Bronchos to postseason playoff appearances: Al Blevins, Gary Howard and, Chuck Langston. Bobeck has led the Bronchos to the Mineral Water Bowl. Seven coaches have won conference championships with the Bronchos: Charles W. Wantland, Claude Reeds, Dale E. Hamilton, Gene Smith, Blevins, Phil Ball, and Howard. Blevins, and Howard have also won national championships with the Bronchos. Howard is the all-time leader in games coached and years coached, while Blevins is the all-time leader in wins and winning percentage. Tracy Holland is by December 2014, in terms of winning percentage, the least successful coach the Bronchos have had as head coach.

Of the 13 Bronchos coaches, Reeds has been inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, albeit from his time as a player for the Oklahoma Sooners. The current coach is Nick Bobeck, who was hired in December 2011.[26]

Conferences

From its inaugural season in 1902 until 1913, Central Oklahoma played as an independent program. In 1914, it joined the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Conference (later renamed the Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference) in which the school won 22 conference championships before leaving to play as an NAIA independent in 1976. In 1988, it transferred to the Lone Star Conference in which it won two conference championships. Central Oklahoma later joined the MIAA in 2012, after playing as an independent for one season.

Championships

National championship seasons

Season Coach Selectors Record Bowl
1962 Al Blevins NAIA Playoffs 11–0 Won Camellia Bowl
1982 Gary Howard NAIA Playoffs 10–2 Won NAIA Championship
National Championships 2

Conference championship seasons

Year Conference Coach Overall Record Conference Record
1914 Oklahoma Intercollegiate Conference Charles W. Wantland 5–1 –
1915 Oklahoma Intercollegiate Conference Charles W. Wantland 9–0 –
1921 Oklahoma Intercollegiate Conference Charles W. Wantland 8–1 –
1923 Oklahoma Intercollegiate Conference Charles W. Wantland 7–1–1 –
1924 Oklahoma Intercollegiate Conference Charles W. Wantland 9–2 –
1929 Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference Charles W. Wantland 6–1–2 6–0
1931 Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference Claude Reeds 6–2–1 4–0–1
1932† Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference Claude Reeds 6–3–1 5–1
1934 Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference Claude Reeds 7–2 5–0
1935† Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference Claude Reeds 7–2–1 4–1
1936 Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference Claude Reeds 8–1 5–0
1937 Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference Claude Reeds 6–2–2 4–0–1
1938 Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference Claude Reeds 6–3 5–0
1939 Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference Claude Reeds 5–3 5–0–1
1941 Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference Dale E. Hamilton 6–2 6–0
1942 Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference Dale E. Hamilton 7–0 2–0
1948† Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference Dale E. Hamilton 6–2 4–1
1949 Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference Dale E. Hamilton 7–2 5–0
1950† Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference Gene Smith 7–3 4–1
1954† Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference Dale E. Hamilton 6–2–1 4–1
1955† Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference Dale E. Hamilton 8–1 4–1
1956† Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference Dale E. Hamilton 7–2 4–1
1961 Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference Al Blevins 9–1 6–0
1962 Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference Al Blevins 11–0 6–0
1972 Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference Phil Ball 9–2 7–1
1998 Lone Star Conference Gary Howard 12–1 9–0
1999† Lone Star Conference Gary Howard 8–3 6–2
Total Conference Championships: 24 (2 OIC, 20 OCAC, 2 LSC)
† Denotes co-champions

Divisional championships

The Lone Star Conference was split into two divisions from the 1997 to the 2010 season with Central Oklahoma competing in the LSC North. Central Oklahoma has won or shared 5 divisional titles. Their last division title was in the 2008 season. The conference and division championships were separate rankings.

Season Division LSC Champion Division Wins Division Losses
1997† LSC North No 5 1
1998 LSC North Yes 7 0
2004† LSC North No 4 1
2007† LSC North No 3 2
2008 LSC North No 5 0
Division Championships 5
† Denotes co-champions

Stadium

Main article: Wantland Stadium

The Bronchos have played their home football games at Wantland Stadium, located on the north side of the UCO campus, since 1965.

The Bronchos play their home games at Wantland Stadium. The current capacity is 10,000. As of 2015, their current record at home stands at 163–94–5, a 62.2 winning percentage.[29]

Rivalries

Northeastern State

Central Oklahoma and Northeastern State first played each other in 1912 and have since played in 75 contests with Central Oklahoma holding a 46–27–2 advantage. The two teams have combined for four NAIA national championships, and have played in two NCAA Division II conferences since 1997.[30] Beginning in 1998 the two programs have competed for the President's Cup. Northeastern State and Central Oklahoma are tied 9–9 in the trophy series.

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:

Opponent Won Lost Tied Percentage Streak First Meeting
Central Missouri 0 3 0 .000 Lost 3 2012
Emporia State 10 6 1 .618 Lost 1 1928
Fort Hays State 7 2 0 .778 Lost 1 1955
Lindenwood 2 1 0 .667 Won 2 2011
Missouri Southern 2 2 0 .500 Won 2 2012
Missouri Western 1 5 0 .167 Lost 1 2005
Nebraska–Kearney 4 1 0 .800 Won 2 1979
Northeastern State 47 27 2 .627 Won 2 1912
Northwest Missouri State 2 6 0 .250 Lost 4 1984
Pittsburg State 4 8 1 .346 Won 1 1915
Washburn 3 2 0 .600 Won 2 2011
Totals 82 56 4 .592

Postseason history

Central Oklahoma football teams have been invited to participate in 6 NAIA playoffs 4 NCAA Division II playoffs and 2 bowl games and have garnered a record of 23–15–2. Most recently, Central Oklahoma defeated the Southwestern Oklahoma State Bulldogs in the Live United Texarkana Bowl, 38–21, on December 5, 2015. Central Oklahoma's most recent playoff appearance was a 2003 Second round game against Texas A&M–Kingsville on November 29, 2003. They lost by a score of 49–6.

W/L Date PF Opponent PA Game
W 12-01-1962 20 C. of Emporia 0 NAIA Semifinals
W 12-08-1962 28 Lenoir–Rhyne 13 Camellia Bowl
L 11-25-1972 0 East Texas State 54 NAIA Semifinals
W 12-01-1979 42 Kearney State 22 NAIA First Round
W 12-08-1979 28 Presbyterian 6 NAIA Semifinals
L 12-15-1979 14 Texas A&I 20 NAIA Championship
W 12-04-1982 61 Southern Colorado 20 NAIA First Round
W 12-11-1982 28 Northeastern State 17 NAIA Semifinals
W 12-18-1982 14 Mesa State 11 NAIA Championship
L 12-03-1983 13 Saginaw Valley State 14 NAIA First Round
L 12-07-1985 15 Henderson State 18 NAIA First Round
W 11-23-1996 23 Chadron State 21 NCAA Division II First Round
L 11-30-1996 7 UC Davis 26 NCAA Division II Second Round
W 11-21-1998 21 Chadron State 19 NCAA Division II First Round
L 11-28-1998 21 Texas A&M–Kingsville 24 NCAA Division II Second Round
L 11-20-1999 17 UC Davis 33 NCAA Division II First Round
W 11-22-2003 20 Mesa State 15 NCAA Division II First Round
L 11-29-2003 6 Texas A&M–Kingsville 49 NCAA Division II Second Round
L 12-06-2014 10 Sioux Falls 42 Mineral Water Bowl
W 12-05-2015 38 Southwestern Oklahoma St. 21 Live United Texarkana Bowl

[31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39]

See also

References

  1. ↑ UCO Branding Graphic Standard (PDF). 2015-01-01. Retrieved 2016-03-23.
  2. ↑ DeLassus, David (2013). "Central Oklahoma Home". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved 2013-10-14.
  3. ↑ DeLassus, David (2013). "Central Oklahoma Total National Championships". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved 2013-10-14.
  4. 1 2 3 DeLassus, David (2013). "Central Oklahoma Conference Championships". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved 2013-10-14.
  5. 1 2 DeLassus, David (2012). "Central Oklahoma – 1962". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved 2012-07-21.
  6. 1 2 DeLassus, David (2012). "Central Oklahoma – 1982". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved 2012-07-21.
  7. 1 2 "Wantland Stadium". University of Central Oklahoma. 2012. Retrieved 2012-07-21.
  8. 1 2 "NCAA gives Central Oklahoma three years probation". USA Today. 2008-02-20. Retrieved 2012-08-22.
  9. ↑ "Central Oklahoma fires football coach Tracy Holland". The Oklahoman. 2011-12-01. Retrieved 2012-07-25.
  10. ↑ Munn, Scott (2012-01-04). "UCO football: Nick Bobeck ready to bring back success to Bronchos". The Oklahoman. Retrieved 2012-07-25.
  11. ↑ Harmon, Drew (2012-01-04). "UCO grad, former player to head Broncho football team:". Edmond Sun. Retrieved 2012-07-25.
  12. ↑ DeLassus, David (2013). "Central Oklahoma Yearly Results". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved 2013-10-14.
  13. ↑ DeLassus, David (2013). "Lt. Boyd A. Hill Records by Year". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved 2013-10-14.
  14. ↑ DeLassus, David (2013). "Fenis Bently Records by Year". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved 2013-10-14.
  15. ↑ DeLassus, David (2013). "Central Oklahoma 1923". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved 2013-10-14.
  16. ↑ DeLassus, David (2013). "Baylor 1924". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved 2013-10-14.
  17. ↑ DeLassus, David (2013). "Central Oklahoma 1924". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved 2013-10-14.
  18. ↑ "Oklahoma Memorial Stadium – Owen Field". University of Oklahoma. 2013. Retrieved 2013-10-14.
  19. ↑ "Wantland Hall". University of Central Oklahoma. 2013. Retrieved 2013-10-14.
  20. ↑ DeLassus, David (2013). "Central Oklahoma 1929". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved 2013-10-14.
  21. ↑ DeLassus, David (2013). "Central Oklahoma – Claude E. Reeds". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved 2013-10-14.
  22. ↑ "Hamilton Field House". University of Central Oklahoma. 2013. Retrieved 2013-10-14.
  23. ↑ "Central Oklahoma looking for win No. 600". Edmond Sun. September 2, 2014. Retrieved September 4, 2014.
  24. ↑ "Central Oklahoma football: Quarterback Chas Stallard leads UCO to season-opening win over Fort Hays State". Newsok.com. 2014. Retrieved 2014-09-04.
  25. ↑ . University of Central Oklahoma Athletics, Accessed: February 10, 2015.
  26. ↑ Special to the Sun (December 1, 2011). "Holland out as UCO football coach". Edmond, OK: Edmond Sun. Retrieved November 4, 2013.
  27. ↑ DeLassus, David (2012). "Central Oklahoma Records by Year". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved 2012-07-21.
  28. ↑ "2014 UCO Media Guide" (PDF). Mike Kirk. 2014. Retrieved March 5, 2015.
  29. ↑ "Wantland Stadium". University of Central Oklahoma. 2012. Retrieved 2012-10-18.
  30. ↑ "Presidents Bet a Dozen Golf Balls on Game". Retrieved August 5, 2015.
  31. ↑ "2014 UCO Media Guide" (PDF). Mike Kirk. 2014. Retrieved January 22, 2015.
  32. ↑ DeLassus, David (2015). "Central Oklahoma Yearly Results". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved January 22, 2015.
  33. ↑ DeLassus, David (2015). "Central Oklahoma Yearly Results". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved January 22, 2015.
  34. ↑ DeLassus, David (2015). "Central Oklahoma Yearly Results". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved January 22, 2015.
  35. ↑ DeLassus, David (2015). "Central Oklahoma Yearly Results". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved January 22, 2015.
  36. ↑ DeLassus, David (2015). "Central Oklahoma Yearly Results". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved January 22, 2015.
  37. ↑ DeLassus, David (2015). "Central Oklahoma Yearly Results". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved January 22, 2015.
  38. ↑ DeLassus, David (2015). "Central Oklahoma Yearly Results". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved January 22, 2015.
  39. ↑ "Bronchos Take Live United Bowl". Bronchosports.com. 2015-12-05. Retrieved 2015-12-05.

External links

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