Northeastern State University Football

Northeastern State University, located in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, is a public university that offers a wide range of academic programs and extracurricular activities, including football. The Northeastern State University football team, also known as the RiverHawks, competes in the NCAA Division II and is a member of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA).

History of Northeastern State University Football

The Northeastern State University football team was established in 1909 and has a rich history of competition in the NCAA. The team has won several conference championships, including the Lone Star Conference championship in 1984 and the MIAA championship in 2012. The RiverHawks have also made several appearances in the NCAA Division II playoffs, including a trip to the quarterfinals in 2010.

Conference Affiliations

Northeastern State University has been a member of several conferences throughout its history, including the Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference, the Lone Star Conference, and the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA). The MIAA is a collegiate athletic conference that consists of 12 member schools in the states of Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Oklahoma.

Stadium and Facilities

The Northeastern State University football team plays its home games at Doc Wadley Stadium, which is located on the university’s campus in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. The stadium has a seating capacity of 8,300 and features a natural grass playing surface. The RiverHawks also have access to a state-of-the-art athletic training facility, which includes a weight room, locker rooms, and athletic training rooms.

Coaching Staff

The Northeastern State University football team is led by a experienced coaching staff, including head coach J.J. Eckert. Coach Eckert has been at the helm of the RiverHawks program since 2019 and has a strong background in NCAA Division II football. The coaching staff also includes several assistant coaches, who are responsible for developing the team’s players and implementing the team’s game strategy.

Notable Players and Alumni

Northeastern State University has produced several notable football players and alumni, including Chris Terrell, who played in the NFL for the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints. Other notable alumni include Derek Hart, who played for the RiverHawks from 2005-2008 and was a two-time All-MIAA selection, and Jermaine Sherman, who played for the RiverHawks from 2002-2005 and was a three-time All-MIAA selection.

Awards and Accolades

The Northeastern State University football team has received several awards and accolades, including the NCAA Division II Presidents’ Award for Academic Excellence in 2013. The team has also been recognized for its community service efforts, including its participation in the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the United Way.

Future Outlook

The Northeastern State University football team is poised for success in the future, with a strong coaching staff and a talented group of players. The team is expected to compete for the MIAA championship in the upcoming season and make a deep run in the NCAA Division II playoffs. With the support of the university’s administration and athletic department, the RiverHawks are well-positioned to achieve their goals and become a top-tier program in the NCAA.