American college football season
The Michigan Tech Huskies football program, 1960–1969 represented Michigan Technological University , known prior to 1965 as the Michigan College of Mines and Technology, as a member of the Northern Intercollegiate Conference (NIC), known as the Northern State College Conference (NSCC) prior to 1963.[ 1]
Michigan Tech won three NIC championships during the 1960s:
The 1963 Michigan Tech Huskies football team compiled a 6–2 record (4–1 in conference games) and won the NIC championship.
The 1965 team compiled a 6–2 record (4–1 in conference games) and won the program's second NIC championship of the decade.
The 1969 team compiled a 5–4 record (4–1 in conference games) and won the program's third NIC championship of the decade. Michigan Tech also registered two winless season in the 1960s as the 1962 and 1967 teams failed to win a game. These were the only winless seasons for the Michigan Tech football program in the post-World War II modern era from 1946 through 2024.
Omer LaJeunesse was the team's head coach from 1957 to 1962. Bill Lucier took over from 1963 to 1968, and Ted Kearly held the post from 1969 to 1972.
The 1960 Michigan Tech Huskies football team represented the Michigan College of Mines and Technology (now known as Michigan Technological University ) as a member of the Northern State College Conference (NSCC) during the 1960 college football season . In their fourth season under head coach Omer LaJeunesse , the Huskies compiled a 5–3–1 record (4–0–1 in conference games) and finished in second place in the NSCC.[ 2]
Date Opponent Site Result Attendance Source September 17 Superior State * Houghton, MI W 21–02,750
September 24 at Bemidji State Bemidji, MN W 33–82,000
October 1 at Moorhead State Moorhead, MN W 21–62,750
October 8 Winona State Houghton, MI W 7–03,500
October 15 at St. Cloud State St. Cloud, MN W 13–62,000
October 22 Mankato State Houghton, MI L 0–16500
October 29 Northern Michigan * Houghton, MI L 0–463,447
November 12 at St. Norbert * De Pere, WI L 7–262,000
[ 3] [ 4]
The 1961 Michigan Tech Huskies football team represented Michigan Technological University of Houghton, Michigan , as a member of the Northern State College Conference (NSCC) during the 1961 college football season . In their fifth season under head coach Omer LaJeunesse , the Huskies compiled a 1–6–1 record (1–4 in conference games) and finished in fifth place out of six teams in the NSCC.[ 5] [ 6] [ 7]
The season ended with a 61–6 defeat against Northern Michigan . It was the most points ever scored by a Northern Michigan team and the most one-sided loss Tech had suffered in the long Michigan Tech-Northern Michigan football rivalry .[ 8]
The team averaged 188.7 yards of total offense per game. On defense, they gave up an average of 221.5 yards per game.[ 7] [ 7]
Tackle Roger Hettinga was a standout on defense.[ 9]
Date Opponent Site Result Attendance Source September 16 at Superior State * Superior, WI T 0–01,500 [ 10] September 23 St. Norbert * Houghton, MI L 6–71,929 [ 11] September 30 St. Cloud State Houghton, MI W 20–6716 [ 12] [ 13] October 7 at Mankato State Mankato, MN L 0–193,000 [ 14] October 14 Bemidji State Houghton, MI L 2–161,345
October 21 Moorhead State Houghton, MI L 16–191,766 [ 15] October 28 at Winona State L 2–163,000 [ 16] November 4 No. 4 Northern Michigan * L 6–615,000 [ 8] *Non-conference game Rankings from AP Poll released prior to the game
[ 7] [ 17]
The 1962 Michigan Tech Huskies football team represented the Michigan College of Mines and Technology (now known as Michigan Technological University ) as a member of the Northern State College Conference (NSCC) during the 1962 NCAA College Division football season . In their sixth season under head coach Omer LaJeunesse , the Huskies compiled a 0–6–1 record (0–4–1 in conference games) and finished in sixth and last place in the NSCC.[ 18]
[ 19]
The 1963 Michigan Tech Huskies football team represented the Michigan College of Mines and Technology (now known as Michigan Technological University ) as a member of the Northern Intercollegiate Conference (NIC) during the 1963 NCAA College Division football season . In their first year under head coach Bill Lucier , the team compiled a 6–2 record (4–1 in conference games) and won the NIC championship.[ 20]
The team tallied 1,261 rushing yards (157.6 yards per game) and 482 passing yards (60.2 yards per game). On defense, they gave up 1,164 rushing yards (145.5 yards per game) and 741 passing yards (92.6 yards per game).[ 21]
Quarterback Ralph Abata led the team in passing (451 yards), total offense (665 yards), and punting (52 punts, 34.6-yard average).[ 21]
Halfback Doug King led the team in rushing with 296 yards on 83 carries.[ 21]
Halfback Dave Thompson led the team in receiving (15 receptions, 183 yards).[ 21]
Fullback Paul Butkovich led the team in scoring with 38 points on six touchdowns and a two-point conversion.[ 21] Date Opponent Site Result Attendance Source September 14 at Superior State * Superior, WI W 21–02,750
September 21 Ferris State Houghton, MI W 8–7
September 28 at Winona State W 16–13
October 5 St. Cloud State St. Cloud, MI L 6–72,550
October 12 at Mankato State Mankato, MN W 21–19
October 19 Bemidji State Houghton, MI W 14–132,150
October 26 Moorhead State Houghton, MI W 23–143,110
November 2 Milwaukee * Houghton, MI W 20–01,250
[ 21]
The 1964 Michigan Tech Huskies football team represented the Michigan College of Mines and Technology (now known as Michigan Technological University ) as a member of the Northern Intercollegiate Conference (NIC) during the 1964 NCAA College Division football season . In their second year under head coach Bill Lucier , the Huskies compiled a 4–4–1 record (2–3 in conference games) and finished in fourth place.
The 1964 Huskies tallied 1,372 rushing yards (152.4 per game) and 708 passing yards (78.7 per game). On defense, they gave up 994 rushing yards (110.4 per game) and 540 passing yards (60.0 per game). Sophomore halfback Tom Csmarich led the team in rushing (436 yards), total offense (444 yards), and scoring (20 points on three touchdowns and a two-point conversion). Quarterbacks Jay Dishnow and Bob Luhmann tallied 357 and 343 passing yards, respectively. End Dan Van Able was the leading receiver with 20 receptions for 294 yards.[ 22]
Date Opponent Site Result Attendance Source September 12 Superior State * Houghton, MI W 7–01,116
September 19 at Ferris State * Big Rapids, MI T 14–144,500
September 25 at Moorhead State L 2–3471
October 3 Winona State Houghton, MI L 12–142,543
October 10 at St. Cloud State W 16–62,347
October 17 Mankato State Houghton, MI W 20–03,204
October 24 at Bemidji State Bemidji, MN L 7–351,110
October 31 Edinboro State* Houghton, MI W 8–72,100
November 7 at Wisconsin-Milwaukee* Milwaukee, WI L 8–214,000
*Non-conference game
[ 22]
The 1965 Michigan Tech Huskies football team represented Michigan Technological University as a member of the Northern Intercollegiate Conference (NIC) during the 1965 NCAA College Division football season . In their third year under head coach Bill Lucier , the Huskies compiled a 6–2 record (4–1 in conference games) and won the NIC championship.
The team's statistical leaders included quarterback Jay Dishnow with 1,039 passing yards, halfback Tom Csmarich with 499 rushing yards and 54 points scored, and end Dan Van Abel with 34 receptions for 533 yards.[ 23]
[ 23]
The 1966 Michigan Tech Huskies football team represented Michigan Technological University as a member of the Northern Intercollegiate Conference (NIC) during the 1966 NCAA College Division football season . In their fourth year under head coach Bill Lucier , the Huskies compiled a 4–3 record (2–3 in conference games) and tied for fourth place in the NIC.
The team's statistical leaders included Jay Dishnow with 945 passing yards, Tom Csmarich with 479 rushing yards, Dan Van Abel with 22 receptions for 365 yards, and Hall with 57 points on nine touchdowns, one two-point conversion, and one extra-point kick.[ 24] [ 25]
[ 24]
The 1967 Michigan Tech Huskies football team represented Michigan Technological University as a member of the Northern Intercollegiate Conference (NIC) during the 1967 NCAA College Division football season . In their fifth year under head coach Bill Lucier , the Huskies compiled a 0–7–1 record (0–5 in conference games) and finished in last place in the NIC.[ 27]
Date Opponent Site Result Attendance Source September 16 Alma Houghton, MI L 7–331,500
September 23 at Wayne State (MI) L 7–481,500 [ 28] September 30 Bemidji State Houghton, MI L 0–102,755
October 7 at Mankato State Mankato, MN L 7–284,000
October 14 Bemidji State Houghton, MI L 14–212,500
October 21 Moorhead State Houghton, MI L 13–342,000
October 28 at Winona State Winona, MN L 6–101,800
November 4 at Ferris State * Big Rapids, MI T 0–01,200
[ 29]
The 1968 Michigan Tech Huskies football team represented Michigan Technological University as a member of the Northern Intercollegiate Conference (NIC) during the 1968 NCAA College Division football season . In their sixth and final year under head coach Bill Lucier , the Huskies compiled a 1–7 record (0–5 in conference games) and finished in sixth place in the NIC.[ 30]
Date Opponent Site Result Attendance Source September 21 Wayne State (MI) * Houghton, MI L 13–233,250 [ 31] September 28 Mankato State Houghton, MI L 7–562,400
October 5 at Bemidji State Bemidji, MN L 7–142,000
October 12 at Moorhead State Moorhead, MN L 19–482,000
October 19 Winona State Houghton,MI L 8–121,500
October 26 at St. Cloud State St. Cloud, MN L 13–352,000
November 2 Ferris State * Houghton, MI L 3–61,000
November 9 at Northland (WI) W 7–0500
[ 32]
The 1969 Michigan Tech Huskies football team represented Michigan Technological University as a member of the Northern Intercollegiate Conference (NIC) during the 1969 NCAA College Division football season . In their first year under head coach Ted Kearly , the Huskies compiled a 5–4 record (4–1 in conference games), won the NIC championship, and outscored opponent by a total of 129 to 83.[ 33]
The team's statistical leaders included: halfback Larry Ras with 1,010 rushing yards and 24 points scored; Mike Scally with 459 passing yards; and tight end Al Hartman with 17 receptions for 296 yards.[ 34]
[ 34]
^ "Football Year-By-Year Results" . Michigan Technological University . Retrieved March 25, 2025 .^ "NSCC (Final)" . The St. Cloud Daily Times St. Cloud, Minnesota . November 3, 1960. p. 15. Retrieved June 6, 2023 – via Newspapers.com ^ "Brief Summary Of Cumulative Football Statistics (Michigan Tech 1960)" . National Collegiate Athletic Association . Retrieved April 4, 2025 .^ "1960-61 Football Schedule" . Michigan Technological University . Retrieved April 4, 2025 .^ "Football Standings; NSCC" . The St. Cloud Daily Times St. Cloud, Minnesota . November 1, 1961. p. 29. Retrieved June 6, 2023 – via Newspapers.com ^ "Football Media Guide & Yearbook" (PDF) . Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference . p. 108. Retrieved June 6, 2023 .^ a b c d "Brief Summary Of Cumulative Football Statistics (Michigan Tech 1961)" . National Collegiate Athletic Association . Retrieved July 21, 2024 .^ a b "It's Northern, 61-6!" . Detroit Free Press . November 5, 1961. p. D7 – via Newspapers.com .^ Bill Robersen (September 29, 1961). "Roger Hettinga Is Defensive Standout" . Wausau Daily Record-Herald . p. 19. ^ "Game summary" . Leader-Telegram . September 17, 1961. p. 10 – via Newspapers.com .^ "St. Norbert Nips Michigan Tech, 7-6" . Green Bay Press-Gazette . September 24, 1961. p. 1D – via Newspapers.com .^ "State Opens NSCC Play at Mich. Tech" . St. Cloud Times . September 30, 1961. p. 8 – via Newspapers.com .^ "Much-Improved State Looks to Winona Game" . St. Cloud Times . October 2, 1961. p. 16 – via Newspapers.com .^ "Mankato Halts Huskies 19-0" . Ironwood Daily Globe . October 9, 1961. p. 6 – via Newspapers.com .^ "Tech to Have Homecoming" . Ironwood Daily Globe . October 17, 1961. p. 5 – via Newspapers.com .^ Gray Evans (October 30, 1961). "Warriors Rout Michigan Tech in Rain, 16-2" . The Winona Daily News . p. 14 – via Newspapers.com . ^ "1961-62 Football Schedule" . Michigan Technological University . Retrieved July 21, 2024 .^ "Area Grid Standings" . The St. Cloud Daily Times St. Cloud, Minnesota . October 31, 1962. p. 27. Retrieved June 6, 2023 – via Newspapers.com ^ "Brief Summary of Cumulative Football Statistics (Michigan Tech, 1962)" . NCAA. Retrieved March 28, 2025 .^ "Northern Intercollegiate Final Standings" . La Crosse Tribune La Crosse, Wisconsin . November 13, 1963. p. 29. Retrieved June 6, 2023 – via Newspapers.com ^ a b c d e f "Brief Summary of Cumulative Football Statistics (Michigan Tech 1963)" . NCAA. Retrieved March 26, 2025 .^ a b "Brief Summary of Cumulative Football Statistics (Michigan Tech 1964)" . NCAA. Retrieved March 26, 2025 .^ a b "Final Huskie [sic] Stat Chart" . Michigan technological University. November 8, 1965. Retrieved March 26, 2025 .^ a b "Final Huskie [sic] Stat Chart" . Michigan Technological University. October 30, 1966. Retrieved March 26, 2025 .^ a b "Tech Routs Northwood" . The Saginaw News . October 30, 1966. p. 1D – via Newspapers.com .^ "Michigan Tech powers Past Alma College, 13-0" . The Saginaw News . September 18, 1966. p. D4 – via Newspapers.com .^ The Official National Collegiate Athletic Association Football Guide 1968 Phoenix, Arizona : College Athletics Publishing Service. 1968. p. 39. Retrieved January 8, 2025 – via Internet Archive .^ "Tartars Bomb Huskies, 48-7" . Detroit Free Press . September 24, 1967. p. 5C – via Newspapers.com .^ "Cumulative Football Statistics Report (Michigan Tech 1967)" . NCAA. Retrieved March 27, 2025 .^ "NIC Final" . The Minneapolis Star Minneapolis, Minnesota . November 11, 1968. p. 11B. Retrieved June 5, 2023 – via Newspapers.com ^ "Tartars Pressed To Conquer Tech" . Detroit Free Press . September 22, 1968. p. 5C – via Newspapers.com .^ "Cumulative Football Statistics Report (Michigan Tech 1968)" . NCAA. Retrieved March 26, 2025 .^ "Michigan Tech NIC Champion" . The St. Cloud Daily Times St. Cloud, Minnesota . November 17, 1969. p. 24. Retrieved June 5, 2023 – via Newspapers.com ^ a b "Cumulative Football Statistics Report" . NCAA. Retrieved March 26, 2025 .^ "Winona State Drives Fizzle, Tech Wins 21-0" . The Winona Daily News . September 28, 1969. p. 21 – via Newspapers.com .^ "Mankato State Wins Homecoming" . The Minneapolis Tribune . October 12, 1969. p. 8S – via Newspapers.com .^ "Tech Ends Beavers Hopes With Last Minute Victory" . Bemidji Daily Pioneer . October 20, 1969. p. 4 – via Newspapers.com .^ "Tech Tops Moorhead to Near NIC Title" . The Minneapolis Tribune . October 26, 1969. p. 10S – via Newspapers.com .^ "Late Fumble Foils Huskies, Lose, 9 to 6" . Green Bay Press-Gazette . November 2, 1969. p. D6 – via Newspapers.com .^ "Tech Routs Northland" . The Grand Rapids Press . November 9, 1969. p. 2C – via Newspapers.com .
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