Remembering the 1981 Austin College Football National Championship Team

December 12 marks the 35th anniversary of Austin College's NAIA National Championship, which finished the 1981 season with a record of 11-1-1 to earn the title.

"Today is a special day for Austin College, then and now," said athletics director David Norman, who was a member of that 1981 championship squad. "The National Championship game played 35 years ago on our campus serves as the highlight of our historic athletics program. We have had great teams that have participated at the national level beyond conference play. All of our sports have done that, so today we celebrate not only the National Championship, but all sports who have represented Austin College on the national stage.

"I want to personally thank alum Marc Parrish for his labor of love to capture the stories of that special season. I invite all 'Roos, past and present, to visit his Facebook page honoring Austin College athletics and the 1981 team."

Parrish has brought together fans, friends and alums to share their stories about Kangaroo athletics and, in particular, memories of the 1981 championship season on his Facebook page celebrating Austin College.

"As we take time to give thanks for all that is special to us, I give thanks to Austin College," continued Norman. "I give thanks to my friends and teammates of the National Championship team. I give thanks to all of our programs, along with football, that have brought recognition to Austin College with postseason appearances, and team and individual accolades. I also give thanks to the over 380 current student-athletes and coaches who represent our college on the courts, fields, pools, courses, and track."

The 'Roos were lifted to new heights 35 years ago today when, after trailing Concordia University of Minnesota 24-21, kicker Gene Branum blasted a 57-yard field goal with just 1:22 remaining to knot things up and give the Kangaroos a share of the NAIA title. The field goal broke the NAIA playoff record and remains the longest in Austin College football history.

The tie capped off a season in which the 'Roos reeled off 10 straight victories heading into the title game, and featured several All-Americans, including quarterback Larry Shillings, who was also the TIAA Offensive Player of the Year, defensive back Chris Luper, the TIAA Defensive Player of the Year, Rory Dukes, Larry Hickman, Clay Oliphint and Branum.

Video courtesy of Marc Parrish