NSU Celebrates 50th Anniversary Of Undefeated ’66 Team

Northwestern State University will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of one of the most heralded teams in school history with a special ceremony during homecoming weekend in October, according to organizer and assistant athletic director Haley Blount.

The golden anniversary of NSU's unbeaten, top-ranked 1966 football team is slated for October 21-22 in Natchitoches. All team members and their families are invited to take part in the weekend's festivities.

Among the events scheduled for homecoming weekend include a banquet on Friday night and the N-Club Hall of Fame ceremony Saturday morning. Saturday night's homecoming game kicks off at 6 p.m. against the Demons' fiercest rivals, the McNeese State Cowboys, and the 1966 team will be recognized at halftime.

The 1966 Demons, led by legendary coach Jack Clayton, rumbled through the season with a 9-0 record, garnering the top-ranking in the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) poll in the process. The highlight of that dream season came in the final game as NSU stormed from behind to beat Southeastern Louisiana 27-24 and clinch the Gulf States Conference championship. Five players from that squad are included in the Top 100 Demon Players of All Time, selected at the school's centennial football celebration in 2007, led by All-American defensive back Al Dodd. Also on that team were quarterback Don Guidry, offensive lineman Ross Gwinn, receiver Al Phillips and end Dick Reding.

If you plan to attend or need additional information about the reunion, email Blount at blounth@nsula.edu or call her at 318-357-4278.

Also, a tentative itinerary for the weekend is posted online, with more details to follow by CLICKING HERE.