Bearcats to Celebrate 20th Anniversary of 1997 NAIA Runner-up Football Team
By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications
SALEM, Ore. -- The Willamette University football team will celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Bearcats' 1997 season during special events on Friday, Nov. 3 and Saturday, Nov. 4. In 1997, the Bearcats earned a 13-1 record, won an undefeated Northwest Conference title and reached the NAIA Division II National Championship game.
On Friday, Nov. 3, members of the 1997 team will be guests at the 2017 football awards night. The event will start at 7 p.m. in Cat Cavern on the Willamette campus. Football alumni from 1997 will be admitted for free. Additional tickets can be purchased for $15 each.
Recognition of the 1997 season will continue on Saturday, Nov. 4, when team members will be admitted for free to the Bearcats' home game against Pacific University. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. (PDT). Members of the 1997 team also will receive food and non-alcoholic beverages in the Bearcat Club area. Additional Bearcat Club tickets can be purchased for $15 each.
Team members will also be recognized on the field at halftime.