Record Books _ Football as of 2015 | Page 59

CHAMPIONSHIP TEAMS (SR. COLLEGE ERA) In 1977, Tarleton State won its first conference championship since becoming a senior college in 1961. With a 7-4 record, including a perfect 4-0 mark in league play, Tarleton State claimed the title on the last game of the season by defeating McMurry College in Abilene by the final score of 27-14. The victory was also highlighted by senior quarterback Johnny Gann, who jumped on the Texan Rider horse and charged up and down the field in victory. Tarleton State Football: Te xan Football Record Book 1977 Tarleton Texan Football TIAA Champions | Head Coach: Buddy Fornes | Record: 7-4, TIAA 4-0 1978 Tarleton Texan Football TIAA Champions | Head Coach: Buddy Fornes | Record: 8-1-1, TIAA 7-0-1 Led by arguably the greatest defense in school history, the 1978 Texan Football team went undefeated through the regular season, won its second consecutive TIAA Championship, and became the first Tarleton team to advance to the NAIA playoffs in school history. They finished the season ranked No. 4 in the nation by the NAIA. In 2015, alongside the 1977 Texan football team, the 1978 team was inducted into the Tarleton Athletic Hall of Fame. @TarletonSports • www.TarletonSports.com 59