Central Michigan University Athletics
CMU TO HONOR 1974 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
2/7/2000 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 12, 1999
Mount Pleasant, Mich. - Central Michigan University's 1974 NCAA Division II national championship football team will have its 25-year reunion this weekend with festivities surrounding the Chippewa home football game with Northern Illinois University.
The Chippewas were 12-1 for the season, defeating Boise State (20-6) in the quarter-finals, Louisiana Tech (35-14) in the Pioneer Bowl and whipping Delaware (54-14) in the Camellia Bowl to win the national crown.
A total of 47 representatives of the team, including head coach Roy Kramer, will be at a gathering Friday night at The Embers and then will be introduced before Saturday's game. Kickoff in Kelly/Shorts Stadium is set for 1 p.m.
Two members of the team earned All-American recognition -- quarterback Mike Franckowiak was second team by the Associated Press and nose guard Rick Newsome was an AFCA-Kodak selection. Defensive tackle John Wunderlich and Franckowiak were first team Academic All-Americans and defensive back Tom Ray was a second team pick.
Coaches returning are Chris Allen, current CMU athletics director Herb Deromedi, Jesse James and Don Peddie.
Those scheduled to return include: Byron Belt, Mark Bennett, Bob Blair, Steve Bograkos, Tim Cashen, Curtis Clemens, Bob Crooks, Bob Crowell, Dick Dunham, Lonnie Ford, Franckowiak, Wes Gamble, Mike Gray, Larry Hall, Gene Harris, Walt Hodges, Fred Jacobson, Jesse James, Mike Johnson, Jim Jones, Tom Kangas, Fred Kenny, Jr., John Kloc, Fred Kreger, Jim McColgan (manager), Don McNeal, Matt Means, Rick Militello, Alex Moslimani, John Neuman, Newsome, Tom Ray, Ron Reardon, Ron Rummel, Bill Schmidt, Wayne Schwalbach, Joe Sierzenga, Jr. (representing his father, the late Joe Sierzenga, Sr.), Denny Starnes, Jim Szilagyi, Jeff Visner, Lyle Voelz and Wunderlich.
