On Saturday, November 14th Gardner-Webb University welcomed back members of eight of the most decorated teams in the history of Gardner-Webb football - 1951 Golden Isles Bowl runner-up, 1952 Golden Isles Bowl champions, 1973 Poultry Bowl runner-up, the 1987 South Atlantic Conference champions, 1992 South Atlantic Conference champions and NAIA National Championship runner-up, 2001 NCCAA Victory Bowl champions, 2002 Big South Conference champions, and 2003 Big South Conference champions. The reunion kicked off with a pre-game reception for team members followed by a recognition of all team members in attendance at halftime of the Runnin' Bulldogs final home contest of the 2009 season against the Liberty Flames. For more informaiton on these teams or to see pictures from the reunion, click here
1951 Golden Isles Bowl Runner-Up
1952 Golden Isles Bowl Champion
The 1951 and 1952 Gardner-Webb football teams, coached by Wayne Bradburn and Norman Harris, set the standard for athletic excellence at Gardner-Webb. Both teams were invited to the Golden Isles Bowl, held annually in Brunswick, Georgia. The 1951 squad came up short in their bid for a bowl victory, losing to the South Georgia Tigers by a score of 6 to 0 in what was regarded as one of the most thrilling battles of premier Junior College programs. In 1952 the team prevailed with a victory, defeating Georgia Military College 14 to 0 to take home the Golden Isles Bowl championship trophy.
1973 Poultry Bowl Runner-Up
In 1973 the Gardner-Webb football team was invited to the first annual Poultry Bowl held in Gainesville, Georgia. The Bulldogs, coached by Dr. George Litton, entered the game against Stephen F. Austin University with a 7-4 record. In a hard fought game the Bulldogs fell by a score of 31-10 but closed out the year with one of the most memorable seasons in the history of Gardner-Webb football.
1987 South Atlantic Conference Champions
In 1987 the Gardner-Webb football team clinched its first SAC-8 title with a win over Mars Hill and clinched a berth in the NAIA playoffs. In the playoffs, the Bulldogs defeated Moorhead State before losing to Carson-Newman in the semi-finals of the NAIA National Championship. The Bulldogs, coached by Woody Fish, finished the season with 11 wins and two losses and a place in the top 10 of the final season poll.
1992 South Atlantic Conference Champions
1992 NAIA National Champion Runner-Up
The 1992 Gardner-Webb football team set the school record for victories in a season on their way to the school’s second SAC-8 title and a berth in the NAIA National Championship game. The Bulldogs, coached by Woody Fish, went undefeated in the South Atlantic Conference and rode a 12 game winning streak in to the NAIA National Championship game. In front of a capacity crowd at Spangler Stadium, Gardner-Webb fell to Central State in the final seconds of the national championship game.
2001 NCCAA Victory Bowl Champions
2002 Big South Conference Champions
2003 Big South Conference Champions
The years of 2001 to 2003 mark one of the most successful periods in the history of Gardner-Webb football. The Runnin’ Bulldogs, coached by Steve Patton, collected 23 wins during this three year stretch. In 2001 Gardner-Webb defeated Trinity International for the NCCAA Victory Bowl title. Between 2002 and 2003, Gardner-Webb reeled off seven consecutive wins in the Big South Conference to claim back to back conference championships. During this time, the Runnin’ Bulldogs garnered national attention finishing the 2002 season ranked 22nd in the NCAA Division I-AA national polls and opening the 2003 season ranked 25th in the nation.
