If you’ve been watching Stetson University Football over the past five seasons since the reboot of the program, it has been difficult to watch at times. But, it looks like the program has finally turned a corner with its first winning season. On November 17, the Hats closed out the season in style with a record-setting 45-31 victory over visiting Valparaiso at Spec Martin Stadium to close out an 8-2 campaign.
The eight victories tie for the most in a season in program history. Only the 1950 and 1951 Stetson teams had ever posted eight wins in a season before.
Stetson finished 6-2 in Pioneer Football League play to tie for second in the final league standings. It is just the third time in the history of the program that Stetson has posted eight victories in a season.
The amazing winning season has led to nominations for several individual awards on the team.
Head coach Roger Hughes has been selected as one of 15 finalists for the 2018 Eddie Robinson Award. This is awarded annually to college football’s top head coach in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division I-AA). This year’s finalists include at least one from all 13 FCS conferences. A national panel of over 150 sports information and media relations directors, broadcasters, writers and other dignitaries will select the winner.
Stetson senior tight end Donald Parham, who finished the season as the Division I (FCS &FBS) leader in both receptions per game (9.4) and receiving yards per game (146.6) is one of 25 finalists for the Walter Payton Award. It is awarded annually to the most outstanding offensive player in the Division I Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division I-AA) of college football.
Freshman running back Jareem Westcott, who ranks eighth among all freshmen in FCS in rushing yards with 774 and is tied for the FCS lead among freshmen with 13 rushing touchdowns, is one of 20 finalists for the Jerry Rice Award. It is awarded annually in the United States to the most outstanding freshman player in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) of college football.
All the awards will be presented at the STATS FCS Awards Banquet on Jan. 4 in Frisco, Texas.
We are proud of our Hatters and their groundbreaking season. Go Hats!