The Southland Conference

Did you know? Four future NFL receivers, Roger Carr, Mike Barber, Pat Tilley, and Billy Ryckman were all on Louisiana Tech’s 1973 national championship team. The Independence Bowl was created as a postseason game for the Southland Conference champion. Jacksonville State kicker Ashley Martin kicked three extra points to become the first female to kick an extra point in a NCAA Division I football game in the Gamecocks’ 72-10 win over Cumberland in 2001. Future Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III of Baylor made his first-ever collegiate start as a freshman against Northwestern State in 2008. Future Walter Payton Award winner, quarterback Jeremy Moses of Stephen F. Austin, set a single-game NCAA record by completing 57 of 85 passes for 501 yards in a game against Sam Houston State in 2008. Future NFL defensive backs from Nicholls State, Lardarius Webb and Kareem Moore each returned two interceptions for touchdowns against Northwestern State in 2007. Although Southeastern Louisiana didn’t compete in football in the Southland until 2005, the Lions played a “designated” conference game against Louisiana Tech in 1971. Super Bowl quarterback Stan Humphries of the San Diego Chargers played at Northeast Louisiana. Louisiana Tech, which joined the Southland in 1971, didn’t allow a conference opponent to score a single point in the third quarter until the 1975 season. Diontae Spencer of McNeese State returned two kickoffs and one punt return for a touchdown to tie a FCS single-game record.

This story is of team members finally being recognized for their remarkable accomplishments. What I am about to share with you highlights the resilience and determination of both the coach and the athletes in the face of adversity. It also emphasizes the importance of strong leadership and coaching in the world of collegiate sports. With a team made up of speedsters and all-around athletes, Coach Babcock instilled hard work and dedication in them with the sole purpose of winning the Southland Conference Championship (SLC), which Lamar had never won in previous years. 50 years have passed since the initial victory by Lamar University at the Southland Conference Championship. However, the remaining few team members have not yet received their commendation for their landmark performance and sportsmanship during the 1971 track season.

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Each year, more than 575 awards and trophies are presented to college football players and coaches around the country. This comprehensive reference offers detailed descriptions of each of these awards followed by a full list of winners through 2010. All levels of competition are covered, including the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision, NCAA Football Championship Subdivision, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, NAIA, NCCAA and community and junior college championships. From major honors like the Heisman Trophy, to level-specific awards such as the NCAA Division I Lou Groza Award, to conference prizes like SEC Offensive Player of the Year, this work celebrates the highest accolades of college football and the talented men upon whom they have been bestowed.