It’s December 12th! December 12th is an unofficial Austin College holiday. On this day in 1981, AC won a national championship in football. That championship has been a regular feature of Roo Tales, as well as its own “Roo Season in Review.”
In 1991, the 1981 AC National Championship team gathered in Sherman to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the title. The members of the 1981 team took this picture near the football stadium at Homecoming. I was there too, not far away.
Was I hanging with the 1981 team? Of course not. 1991 Marc was an AC senior supporting his buds on the 1991 Roo squad. We all knew about the 1981 championship, but it would be decades before I got to know the guys who pulled it off.
The 1991 team, however, I have known for a long time. Those guys were my last season of AC football, and the fourth of four winning seasons during my time in Sherman. The 1991 Roos defeated Presbyterian rival Trinity and now D1 FCS powerhouse Tarleton State as they fought tooth and nail for a TIAA Conference crown they were picked to win.
For Marc, there are basically two 1991 Roo squads: the offense & the defense.
The 1991 offense was my fellas. Quarterback John Talley was my pledge brother, as was backup receiver Doug Overstreet. A 1991 TD throw from Talley to Overstreet is a treasured pledge class memory that will be revisited on December 29th. Offensive lineman Mike Dickens and running back Kelly Mulhollan were fraternity brothers with whom I keep in close contact.
Sharing running back duties with Kelly was Jason Johnson. Johnson, a close friend and tennis partner in Austin, owns the Roo record for most career touchdowns for AC. Johnson is a fraternity brother of offensive linemen Damion Roberts and Mike Price. Throw in lineman Lance Haynes, a fellow writer whose work I recommend, and All-American tight end Brian Coleman, whose talent kept my fraternity brother Rob Herchert in a backup role, and you got a whole lot of Marc ties to the 1991 offense.
But the story of the 1991 season is REALLY about defense. And I’ll be blunt. The 1991 Roo defense was arguably the best in the history of Austin College football.
The defensive line was anchored by Chris Smith, Bobby Hardin, Patrick Russell, Jeff Lagos, and my fraternity brother Jason Willis. Backing up the DL were linebackers John Womack, Dennis Womack, and Carlisle Mabrey. The secondary was led by Kenny Don Abernathy and Jimmy Baird. Baird, another one of my fraternity brothers, is famous for a “hit” against Tarleton still talked about today. We’ll revisit that hit on December 17th.
Every good Roo Season in Review needs a writing hook. 2025 is the 40th anniversary of the 1985 Chicago Bears Super Bowl Champions. The team that gave us the “Super Bowl Shuffle” also gave us the dominating 46 defense of Buddy Ryan. A 40th Anniversary HBO special titled “The Shuffle” was released last month; Marc recommends. In this story about 1991, we’ll revisit the 1985 Bears defense alongside the 1991 Roo defense. Why? Because believe it or not, statistically the 1991 Roo defense was more dominant.
The 1991 Roos were more than my buds on offense and domination on defense, however. Daryl Turner, Bryant Vaughn and Barrett Jenkins were sure-handed receivers for Talley. Gabe Gerard was another in a long line of outstanding AC kickers. Punter Brent Badger would earn All-American honors. Art Clayton and Chris Sanders were freshmen who would shine in later years. Colin Dunnigan was a backup punter who has collaborated with me on Roo Tales. And Staley Shiller, yet another fraternity brother of mine, is a cousin of coaching legend Larry Fedora. Fedora was a member of the championship squad in 1981.
The 1991 Roo Season in Review will be told over 10 chapters:
Preview (Dec 12) – 1981 National Championship
Chapter #1 (Dec 13) – Hardin-Simmons
Chapter #2 (Dec 15) – Azusa Pacific
Chapter #3 (Dec 17) – Trinity
Chapter #4 (Dec 19) – Tarleton (special Jimmy Baird chapter)
Chapter #5 (Dec 21) – Hardin-Simmons
Chapter #6 (Dec 23) – Howard Payne
Chapter #7 (Dec 25) – Midwestern
Chapter #8 (Dec 27) – Sul Ross
Chapter #9 (Dec 29) – Central Methodist (MO) (special John Talley chapter)
Chapter #10 (Dec 31) – McMurry
The story of 1991 is still to come. But today is December 12th! And you know what that means. It’s time to enjoy the 1981 AC National Championship tribute video. See the comments to watch. Let’s roll the tape……
1981 Austin College Kangaroos:
Jimmy Curry, David Norman, Gene Branum, Larry Shillings, Greg Garrison, Van Hargis, Russell Roden, Fouad Faris, Stuart Oliphint, Bill Draughn, Larry Fedora, Jeff Robbins, Eddie Shuttlesworth, Bill Magers, Don Parnell, Randy Sims, Rex Baker, Greg Larson, Clayton Oliphint, Mark Richards, Edward Holt, Marty Secord, David Lee Simmons
1991 Austin College Kangaroos:
Allen Cross, Art Clayton, Barrett Jenkins, Billy Kuykendall, Bobby Hardin, Brent Badger, Bryant Vaughn, Cade Alley, Carlisle Mabrey, Chris Sanders, Chris Smith, Clark Ericksen, Colin Dunnigan, Damion Roberts, Daryl Turner, David Rapp, David K. Smith, Dennis Womack, Doug Overstreet, Greg Lawrence, Jason Johnson, Jason Williams, Jay Silva, Jeff Lagos, Jimmy Baird, Joey Staples, John Talley, John Womack, Jonathan Redmon, Kelly Mulhollan (Stella Lucio Mulhollan), Kenny Don Abernathy, Kevin Wilson, Kyle Ballard, Kyle Warren, Lance Haynes, Matt Walker, Max Hawsey, Michael Dickens, Michael Price, Miles Maliska, Patrick Russell, Paul Weaver, Randy Watson, Jason Willis, Rob Herchert, Rodney Womack, Roy (Raul) Perez, Ryan Nicholson, Staley Shiller, Steven Sullivan, Coach Mel Tjeerdsma, Coach Vance Morris (h/t Paula Morris), Coach David Norman, Coach Jeff Cordell
Chapter #1 (Dec 13) – Hardin-Simmons
The 1991 Kangaroos kicked off the season ranked 8th in the nation in NAIA D2. After a preseason scrimmage against NAIA D1 Southeastern Oklahoma, Defensive Coordinator Vance Morris knew that the Roos would be outstanding on the defensive side of the ball. From the AC Observer:
“The defensive unit was the highlight of the night for the Roos. ‘We were real satisfied with the competitiveness of both the old and the new players,’ Vance Morris said. The linebacking corps promises to anchor a strong defense the entire season. LBs Jason Armstrong, Carlisle Mabrey, John Womack, and Rodney Womack displayed their prowess garnering a plethora of sacks and turnovers.”
“Morris was likewise pleased with the defensive secondary despite their lack of experience. Freshman Kevin Wilson and Junior Kenny Don Abernathy will play corners while David Smith and Jimmy Baird will play safety. ‘Baird did a great job of directing the defensive backs,’ Morris said. ‘He is our defensive quarterback.’”
Newly installed Offensive Coordinator David Norman, who retired as AC Athletic Director in 2025, was hopeful on the other side of the ball. “We’ve had some injuries to starters, and we just wanted our players to gain some experience in a game-like situation.” Norman’s offensive unit was led by QB John Talley, RBs Jason Johnson and Kelly Mulhollan, WR Bryant Vaughn, TE Brian Coleman, and an offensive line anchored by Damion Roberts, Lance Haynes, Michael Dickens, Roy Perez, and Mike Price.
The Roos were picked to win the TIAA Conference in 1991 ahead of Hardin-Simmons, Midwestern, Howard Payne, Sul Ross, and McMurry. Tarleton State, who barely won the 1990 TIAA title after a dramatic win over second place Austin College, had departed the conference. AC & Tarleton would play one final non-conference rivalry game in 1991. That game would be a defining AC moment for me, my buds and many Roo fans with no love lost for Tarleton.
AC kicked off their 1991 campaign in a non-conference battle against Hardin-Simmons (HSU) at Bearcat Stadium in Sherman (a conference game against HSU would come weeks later). The Roo defense was incredible from start to finish. But in a theme that would pop up frequently during the season, special teams bad luck resulted in an AC loss.
Hardin-Simmons could only muster an anemic 79 yards of total offense. The Cowboys rushed for only 31 yards on 35 carries, a pitiful average of 0.9 yards/carry. The HSU aerial game went nowhere, as the Roo secondary limited the opposition to 48 yards passing on a completion percentage of just 31%.
QB John Talley was effective, going 10-14 with 82 yards passing. TE Brian Coleman and WR Bryant Vaughn combined for 8 of those receptions. Jason Johnson rushed for 109 yards, on his way to a season that would put him in the Top 5 all-time career rushers at Austin College. In the fourth quarter, AC led 6-0 on two Gabe Gerard field goals.
But a blocked punt and a fumble deep in AC territory late allowed Hardin-Simmons to score twice late and steal a victory. From the Abilene Reporter News:
“Tom Enloe hit Danny Esquada with two late fourth quarter touchdown passes as the Hardin-Simmons University Cowboys stunned Austin College 12-6 in the season opener at Bearcat Stadium. Austin College, ranked No. 8 in the NAIA Division II preseason poll, lost despite allowing HSU only 79 yards of total offense.”
The 1985 Chicago Bears found themselves in a similar situation to the Roos in 1991. The Bears were coming off a 10-6 playoff season in 1984. Coach Mike Ditka was hopeful that an offense led by QB Jim McMahon, RB Walter Payton, and WR Willie Gault would complement a defensive unit that he knew would be one of the league’s all-time best.
Led by Defensive Coordinator Buddy Ryan, the 1985 Chicago Bears defense included linemen Richard Dent and William “Refrigerator” Perry, linebackers Mike Singletary and Wilber Marshall, and defensive backs Gary Fencik and Dave Duerson. The Bears defense started the season slowly, giving up 20 points per game over the first three weeks. But that effort was still good enough for a 3-0 record. For the rest of the season, offensive opponents of the Chicago Bears defense would rarely score more than 10.
AC headed to California in week #2 for a matchup with the Cougars of Azusa Pacific. The school was the alma mater of running back Christian Okoye (Azusa ’87), who took his talents to the NFL. When AC met Azusa in 1991, Okoye was a 1,000-yard rusher for the Kansas City Chiefs. But there would be LITERALLY no rushing by Azusa against the 1991 Roos, as AC offered a defensive performance as impressive as the 1985 Chicago Bears.
Next up: Chapter #2 (Dec 15) – Azusa Pacific
Bob Mason was Austin College Athletic Director in 1991, this year’s football “Roo Season in Review.” The 1991 defense was arguably the best in AC history.
Buddy Ryan was Defensive Coordinator for the 1985 Chicago Bears of “Super Bowl Shuffle” fame. Ryan was the architect of the team’s famous “46 Defense.”
I’m using the 40th Anniversary of the “Super Bowl Shuffle” and the “46 Defense” as a writing hook. That hook gives Marc the opportunity to tie the 1991 Roos to the 1985 Bears.
What? Tie the 1991 Roos to the 1985 Bears? You must be out of your doggone mind Marc. It can’t be done, right? Wrong!
Behold! I give you the coaching staff of the 1960 Marshall (HS) Mavericks. The Marshall Offensive Coordinator is Bob Mason. The Marshall Defensive Coordinator is Buddy Ryan.
Chapter #2 of the Marc’s 1991 Roo Season in Review is up tomorrow. Marc’s not here to start no trouble. Marc’s just here to write a Roo Tale on the double.
Chapter #2 (Dec 15) – Azusa Pacific
Azusa Pacific University is the former home of Assistant Provost Rebecca Cantor. An English professor by trade like Marc’s Dad, Cantor’s academic and administrative career has crossed the nation. She will soon arrive in Texas, as the 17th President of Austin College. Welcome to Sherman Dr. Cantor.
Azusa Pacific was the home of Christian Okoye (the “Nigerian Nightmare”) in the 1980s. Despite having never played a down of football, Okoye was so adept at carrying the pigskin for Azusa that the Kansas City Chiefs took a chance on the NAIA prospect in 1987. By 1991, Okoye was a Pro Bowler with an NFL rushing title to his name. It’s exceedingly rare, but the jump from NAIA football to NFL stardom does sometimes happen.
But in September 1991, the only “nightmare” for Azusa Pacific was having to run against the incredible Austin College defense.
With the loss to Hardin-Simmons, AC dropped in the national rankings from #8 to #16. The 1991 Roos then flew out to California to take on #23 Azusa Pacific. The Azusa offensive stats that day against AC were so poor, they are almost impossible to believe.
The Roo defense allowed just 48 total yards. And on the ground? Azusa managed a total of -58 yards rushing. Minus. Negative. Backwards. The Cougar rushing game would have been better off taking a knee than attempting to break the line of scrimmage. There was simply no getting past a defensive line anchored by Chris Smith, Bobby Hardin, Patrick Russell, Jeff Lagos, and Jason Willis backed up by linebackers John Womack, Rodney Womack, and Carlisle Mabrey.
The other side of the ball had a strong day as well. QB John Talley led an offense which gobbled up 402 total yards against the Azusa defense. Jason Johnson had another 100-yard game and a TD score, on his way to the career TD mark at AC. Kelly Mulhollan added a TD of his own. An offensive line led by Damion Roberts, Lance Haynes, Michael Dickens, Roy Perez, and Mike Price gave Talley plenty of time, who found Bryant Vaughn for a 33-yard touchdown strike. The entire game was lopsided in AC’s favor.
And yet somehow, the Roos lost. From the Los Angeles Times:
“The Azusa Pacific University football program might have taken a giant step forward with its 21-19 victory over Austin College of Texas last week. The Cougars defeated a team that has been a perennial NAIA power and was ranked No. 16 in the nation. The victory was even more impressive, considering that Azusa was outgained in total yards, 402-48. ‘Statistically, they should have beaten us on paper, but defensively we didn’t break,’ assistant coach Tom Mitchell said.”
Azusa found the end zone three times on a fumble return, an interception return, and a punt return. If the football maxim that “the ball bounces in funny ways” is true, then the 1991 Azusa game is Exhibit A.
Despite the loss, there was no denying the outstanding play by the entire Roo defense. The TIAA Conference, which usually picks one person to honor, instead decided to make the ENTIRE ROO DEFENSE its conference defensive player of the week. And after the slow start out of the gate, the 1991 Kangaroos would soon be off and running.
The 1985 Chicago Bears were off and running after a 3-0 start. Chicago won its next 5 games thanks to a defense that allowed just 11 points per game during that span. But the Chicago offense also found it’s rhythm, averaging 30 points over those 5 victories. Much of that offensive output was due to legendary running back Walter Payton.
Nicknamed “Sweetness,” Payton had already set the NFL record for career rushing yards one year earlier. During this 5-game span, Payton notched 9 touchdowns for the Bears. Like Kangaroo Jason Johnson, who holds the career TD record at Austin College, Walter Payton holds the career TD record for the Chicago Bears.
A few years back, Sports Illustrated published a list of its Top 10 NAIA football players who made it to NFL stardom. Of the 10 listed, 2 were running backs. 1 of the 2 was Christian Okoye, the Azusa Pacific star who sits in the Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame. The other was a running back who hailed from then-NAIA Jackson State University: Walter Payton of the 1985 Chicago Bears.
AC brushed off the two surprise losses to start the season, knowing that role misfortune often plays in football. They returned to Sherman and righted the ship for their first win of the season. It would come at the expense of AC’s historic 20th century Presbyterian rival, a school that has enjoyed significant success in the 21st century: Trinity University.
Next Up: Chapter #3 (Dec 17) – Trinity
Chapter #3 (Dec 17) – Trinity
The Trinity Tigers are Austin College’s historic Presbyterian rival. Like AC (1849), Trinity (1869) was founded before the rise of public higher education in the late nineteenth century. For most of the 20th century, the Austin College-Trinity Thanksgiving Day rivalry was the Texas small college version of the Longhorns & the Aggies.
Trinity is synonymous with D3 gridiron excellence today. The opposite was the case from the 1970s through the 1990s. From 1978 through 1993, Austin College owned a 14-0-1 record against the Trinity Tigers, averaging 25 points per game while allowing just 7. The 1991 Kangaroos contributed to 1 of those 14 wins in a non-conference matchup in Sherman.
Jason Johnson notched yet another 100-yard rushing game. He found the end zone twice, inching closer to the Austin College all-time career touchdown mark. QB John Talley found Bryant Vaugn and Darryl Turner frequently when not handing off to Johnson, as AC gave up just one last fourth quarter touchdown and won 13-7.
Once again, the story was the defense. LB Rodney Womack recorded 9 solo tackles and 2 sacks. His fellow LB John Womack notched 12 solo tackles and a sack of his own. David Smith blocked a Trinity punt, Jimmy Baird had an interception, and the entire defensive unit shut down a last-minute Tiger threat.
After the game, the NAIA delivered some big news to Sherman: the 1991 Roos held the nation’s #1 ranking for total defense. For his efforts against Trinity, the TIAA Conference named Rodney Womack its defensive player of the week. It was next to impossible to score on the 1991 Roo defense.
It was next to impossible to score on the 1985 Bears too. Chicago won four more games and extended its record to 12-0, giving up just 13 points over that span. The four games included a 44-0 shutout of the Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium, the worst loss of Tom Landry’s career. Like the nation’s best NAIA defense at Austin College, the Bears cemented their status as top defense in the NFL.
Chicago was riding high with dreams of matching the 1972 Miami Dolphins as the only NFL squad to never lose a game. As Chicago prepared to face those same Dolphins in Miami in week #13, the Bears agreed to an idea proposed by a local Chicago record producer: a rap song and video about the 1985 season.
Despite concerns about the karma of recording a Super Bowl win before the Super Bowl, the Bears agreed to make the tune because proceeds would be donated to Chicago charities. Most of the players assumed that the song would get modest airplay in the Chicago area and would then be completely forgotten. But in an age before videos went viral, this video somehow did. Soon, all of America was singing the “Super Bowl Shuffle.”
Trinity University football had a fine season in 2025, going 10-2 and reaching the NCAA D3 playoffs. That has been par for the course for Trinity in the early 21st Century. But the fourth quarter of the 20th Century belonged to the Roos, when AC owned the Tigers to the tune of a 14-0-1 record. One of those 14 wins came thanks to the 1991 Austin College Kangaroos.
Next Up: Chapter #4 (Dec 19) – Tarleton
AC Athletic Director Bob Mason on November 12, 1998:
“All of us old guys have a lot of stories. You can hardly start talking to us and we have a story for ya. I’m sure a lot of those times you don’t want to hear [them]. Let me ask you to be patient with us, if for only one reason. By telling a story, we keep a spirit alive. That’s why it is so important to keep telling the stories. I hope you will all keep telling yours.”
Last year, AC grad Jeff Phillips (and son of Dr. Edward “Hake” Phillips) was going through some boxes at his dad’s house. Jeff stumbled upon a cassette of remarks made by Bob Mason to AC faculty in 1998, Mason’s 50th year on the AC campus. 1998 was also a year of declining health for Bob Mason; he passed one year later.
AC President Oscar Page, who passed last year, introduces Mason in the tape and says this following: “When I came [to AC], I quickly learned that there was one individual who everyone respected, everyone perceived as having the highest level of integrity and who exemplified the values of Austin College and what AC was all about. That was Bob Mason.”
I’m currently telling the story of the 1991 Kangaroo football team, back when Bob Mason was Athletic Director. I’m using the 1985 Chicago Bears (of “Super Bowl Shuffle” fame) as a writing hook. The 1991 Roos had a historically good defense, just like the 1985 Bears of Defensive Coordinator Buddy Ryan.
Amazingly, Buddy Ryan and Bob Mason share a past. Both were assistant coaches in Marshall, TX in 1960. Mason coached offense, Ryan, not surprisingly, coached defense. The ties between Mason & Ryan will be a part of Sunday’s Chapter #5 of the 1991 story.
Jeff was kind enough to send me the audio last year. Thank you Jeff! I’ve been waiting for a good opportunity to share widely, and Mason’s ties to both the 1991 Roos and the 1985 Bears sound like the right time. I’ve made Mason’s speech available at the youtube link shared today.
If you are an older Roo whose time in Sherman was impacted by Mason, then you probably already know that Bob Mason was truly exceptional. His was a great AC story. And hopefully by telling his story, we keep his spirit alive. That’s why it is so important to keep telling the stories. And Marc hopes you will all keep telling yours.
Chapter #4 of the 1991 story tomorrow.
Chapter #4 (Dec 19) – Tarleton
Tarleton State is soaring to new heights in 2025. Now NCAA D1 (FCS) and the second largest school in the Texas A&M System, this school of 18,000 students advanced deep into the FCS playoffs in 2025. In fact, Tarleton was still playing when this Roo Tale began and will probably contend for a national title in the years to come.
But back in my day, Austin College had TIAA Conference rival Tarleton State’s number. From the 1970s to the 1990s, Austin College owned a 16-11 record against the Texans and a 9-5 record at home. Tarleton departed the TIAA Conference in 1991 for loftier NCAA D1 heights; they came to Sherman for one final non-conference matchup.
The Texans failed to solve the riddle of the NAIA’s top defense, which at game time was allowing just 4 yards rushing per game (GAME!). In front of 2,000 fans at Louis Calder Stadium, the Roo defense was at it again, forcing six Tarleton turnovers and limiting the Texans to less than 70 yards on the ground. There was simply running the ball against linemen Chris Smith, Bobby Hardin, Patrick Russell, and Jeff Lagos backed by linebackers John Womack, Rodney Womack, and Carlisle Mabrey.
The AC offense was effective as well, amassing nearly 400 yards of total offense. 131 yards came on the ground thanks to running back Jason Johnson, who also notched a touchdown. Despite being overshadowed by the defense, John Talley’s Roo offense was moving the ball. The Roos enjoyed the second-best rushing average (157 yards per game) in the TIAA. At kickoff, Talley himself had already passed for over 400 yards.
The result was a 10-7 victory over Tarleton in the final meeting on the gridiron. “’This is a great team victory in every sense of the word,’ Defensive Coordinator Vance Morris said. ‘The score was not indicative of the game. [We] dominated both offensively and defensively.” And yet somehow, even this sweet win against AC’s biggest rival was overshadowed by one play by one of Marc’s fraternity brothers.
Jimmy Baird sits in the Austin College Hall of Honor. He was a two-sport star, earning All-Conference honors in baseball (outfielder) and football (free safety). Because of his skill, Coach Tjeerdsma also had Baird returning punts. But Baird was no average punt returner; he was also hard-hitting Ronnie Lott in disguise.
Tarleton faced a fourth down deep in their own territory. They called a fake punt, which was executed successfully. The punter’s throw found its target, a Texan who raced downfield as a group of Roo linebackers gave chase. That Tarleton Texan should have been looking ahead for Baird barreling down instead of the Roos trailing him. He wasn’t and paid the price. See the video in the comments.
In the stands, we stood in stunned silence. Did that just happen? Did Jimmy Baird just deliver that hit? Is that Tarleton Texan on the ground even alive? Well Roo fans, I come to deliver good news. That Texan survived the hit and is alive. In fact, he is today a friend of Jimmy Baird. Jimmy delivered the news to me last fall at Homecoming; he and his unfortunate Tarleton victim are now buds.
The 1985 Chicago Bears were such buds that they all agreed to perform a rap record about their season to raise charity for Chicago’s needy. The “Super Bowl Shuffle” was set to be filmed on a Tuesday after the Monday Night Football game against the Miami Dolphins. But much like the 1991 Roo Season with its “ball bouncing in funny ways,” Miami upset the Bears in a game filmed with flukes and handed Chicago their sole loss of the season.
From the HBO Max special “The Shuffle:”
Bears QB Jim McMahon: “Whatever could go wrong did go wrong that night. Balls bouncing off helmets for touchdowns. And now we’re gonna sing about going to the Super Bowl after we just got our a@@ kicked on Monday Night Football.”
Bears WR Willie Gault: “Everyone around the country is watching [us lose to Miami]. And people don’t even know that we were shooting the video of the Super Bowl Shuffle the very next day.”
Bears LB Mike Singletary: “We’re flying back to Chicago thinking ‘what the heck have we gotten ourselves into?’ But we got to the studio and said ‘if we don’t go to the Super Bowl, we are going to be the biggest idiots ever. We gotta win this thing.’”
When AC met Tarleton for the final time, they did indeed win this thing. The Tarleton Texans are dominating NCAA D1 FCS football today like the Chicago Bears back in the 1985. But there was a time when Austin College dominated Tarleton for nearly two decades. And the last meeting between the two schools came with a Jimmy Baird parting gift.
Wayne Whitmire & I will see our pledge brother John Talley next year once again, just as we have for the past 35 years. The ups and downs of the 1991 season occasionally come up. But Wayne always ends the conversation on a positive note in the same way as he does every year:
“Hey JT. You beat Tarleton.”
Next Up: Chapter #5 (Dec 21) – Hardin-Simmons
Chapter #5 (Dec 21) – Hardin-Simmons
The 1985 Chicago Bears had the best defense in the NFL. But one day before the team recorded the “Super Bowl Shuffle,” the 46-defense of Bears Defensive Coordinator (DC) Buddy Ryan had an atypical showing in a loss to the Miami Dolphins. Proving that even the best defenses can have an off day, the Bears gave up 38 points.
The 1991 Austin College Kangaroos had the best NAIA defense in the nation. But in the first conference game of the season, the Roo defense of Defensive Coordinator Vance Morris had an atypical showing in a loss to Hardin-Simmons. Proving that even the best defenses have an off day, the Roos also gave up 38 points.
Two Jason Johnson touchdowns kept it close, as Hardin-Simmons held a 24-16 lead after three quarters. A John Talley-to-Daryl Turner TD pass got the Roos to within a score, but Hardin-Simmons put the game away late to win 38-22. The AC offense finished with 321 total yards. But Hardin-Simmons also matched the effort with over 300 yards of their own. From the Abilene Reporter News:
“Players for Austin College – the No. 1 defense in the country – may have thought they were facing the No. 1 offense in the country Saturday at Shotwell Stadium. The Cowboys piled up 198 yards rushing on the day – an amount more than double the combined total the Kangaroos had allowed. ’They just did a great job,’ Austin College coach Mel Tjeerdsma said of the Cowboys. ‘They just did what they had to do. They flat out played us.’”
Tjeerdsma’s boss in 1991, AC Athletic Director Bob Mason, probably would have agreed.
After graduating from Austin College in the early 1950s, Bob Mason returned to his alma mater in the early 1960s as an educator, coach, and Athletic Director. He was an AC institution, a strong influence on students from my generation and consistently one of the most well-like Roos on campus. But before his days at AC, Bob Mason had a fascinating colleague. He was an assistant coach alongside future Chicago Bears coach Buddy Ryan.
Buddy Ryan was hired as the Defensive Coordinator (DC) of the Marshall (HS) Mavericks in 1960. Bob Mason was subsequently hired as the Mavericks Offensive Coordinator (OC). For one year, Mason and Ryan teamed up on the sidelines to lead Marshall against the best high schools in East Texas.
In addition to being a defensive innovator for the 1985 Bears, Ryan was also hot tempered. He came to blows privately with Chicago Head Coach Mike Ditka in 1985 during the one Bears loss to the Miami Dolphins. And he came to blows publicly on national television as the Houston Oilers DC in 1994. Ryan’s fisticuffs with Oilers OC Kevin Gilbride ended the former Marshall coach’s career.
It’s not known what the relationship was between Buddy Ryan and Bob Mason in 1960 Marshall, TX. But it was likely much better than his relationship with either Mike Ditka or Kevin Gilbride. Because as any Roo will tell you, NOBODY, not even a sour personality like Buddy Ryan, would be able to figure out a way to dislike Bob Mason.
Buddy Ryan and the Chicago Bears return from Miami late Monday night. After just a few hours sleep, the team gathered at recording studios in Chicago to record the “Super Bowl Shuffle.” Buddy Ryan’s defense would only give up 7 points per game the rest of the way. They would not lose again as they shuffled their way to a Super Bowl title.
The 1991 Roos prepared for a conference matchup on the road against Howard Payne. AC football in Brownwood historically is the place where Roo dreams of titles go to die. But not in 1991. Like Chicago in 1985 after the Miami loss, the 1991 Roos would head for Brownwood and shuffle their way back to the win column.
Next Up: Chapter #6 (Dec 23) – Howard Payne
https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/sports/2016/06/28/buddy-ryan-always-loved-good/6835911007
Chapter #6 (Dec 23) – Howard Payne
It was the offense’s time to shine in Brownwood, when AC defeated Howard Payne in a TIAA Conference matchup. Backup running back Jay Silva, filling in for an injured Jason Johnson, rushed for 136 yards and three touchdowns. For his efforts, Jay Silva was named TIAA offensive player of the week.
When not clearing lanes for Silva, the offensive line of Damion Roberts, Lance Haynes, Michael Dickens, Roy Perez, and Mike Price allowed QB John Talley to throw for nearly 300 yards and a touchdown. Sure-handed Bryant Vaughn was the recipient of that TD throw. “’When the pressure was really on, we got the job done,’ Austin College Head Coach Mel Tjeerdsma said.”
The Howard Payne running game got nowhere against linemen Chris Smith, Bobby Hardin, Patrick Russell, and Jeff Lagos backed by linebackers John Womack, Rodney Womack, and Carlisle Mabrey. The Yellow Jackets had to take to the air, and they had success. But it wasn’t enough. AC defeated Howard Payne 37-32, recovering from a defeat in the prior week.
The 1985 Chicago Bears recovered from a defeat in the prior week to Miami by recording the “Super Bowl Shuffle” and returning to their march to the Super Bowl. The Bears defeated the Indianapolis Colts on the back of a Buddy Ryan-led defense that allowed just 232 yards and one late fourth quarter touchdown. Buddy Ryan-led defenses certainly made life easier for colleagues on the offensive side.
Buddy Ryan got his start as a defensive coordinator at Marshall (TX) High School in 1960. His offensive counterpart at Marshall was former AC Athletic Director Bob Mason. Amazingly, this is not the only tie between Ryan and a Roo. Another tie involves, incredibly enough, one of the most famous Super Bowls in history.
Joe Spencer was called a “hero” by Bob Mason. Spencer, head football coach at AC from 1955 to 1960, was the first coach Mason ever worked with. In 1960, Spencer departed Sherman for the professional ranks to coach offensive lines (OL). By 1969, Spencer was OL coach for the New York Jets; the Jets DC was Buddy Ryan.
The 1969 AFL Jets were huge underdogs in Super Bowl III against the NFL Colts. But QB Joe Namath bold guaranteed victory and then proceeded to shock the football world with a 16-7 victory. The upset made “Broadway Joe” a household name, paved the way for an AFL-NFL merger, and transformed the Super Bowl into the spectacle it is today.
The truth, however, is that Namath’s Super Bowl III stats as QB were rather pedestrian. The keys to the Jets victory were an offensive line that allowed running back Matt Snell to find the end zone combined with a defense that pitched a shoutout until late in the fourth quarter. That iconic Super Bowl III? Brought to you by a Buddy Ryan and a Roo.
The win against Howard Payne set up a marquee matchup against Midwestern. Midwestern, picked to finish second behind AC, was undefeated. If the Roos could pull off the win in Wichita Falls, they would be back in the driver’s seat for an NAIA playoff berth and the TIAA title.
Next Up: Chapter #7 (Dec 25) – Midwestern
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPw4upXBdxo
Chapter #7 (Dec 25) – Midwestern
Merry Christmas to all.
Mike Singletary was the heart and soul of the 1985 Chicago Bears defense of “Super Bowl Shuffle” fame. Singletary’s 1985 stats (161 tackles, 5 turnovers, and 3 sacks) helped the Bears reach victory in the Super Bowl. Before the Bears, the native Texan played high school ball in Houston and in college for Grant Teaff’s Baylor. Since his retirement, Singletary has returned to Texas as a coach and motivational speaker.
Vance Morris’s national leading Roo defense in 1991 had a lot of Mike Singletarys. Many of them hailed from East Texas, where Morris recruited heavily. More than a few of the Morris recruits, including 1991 team member Billy Kuykendall, hailed from the elite program at Carthage, TX. In fact, in the late 1980s the was press reporting on a Morris-fueled “Carthage pipeline” to Sherman. See the comments.
That East Texas / Carthage pipeline showed up for an outstanding defensive performance in Wichita Falls. In a game to likely decide the TIAA champion, the Wichita Falls Times Record called the contest a battle between “the unstoppable Midwestern rushing offense (#8 in NAIA) against the immovable AC rushing defense (#1 in NAIA).” Before kickoff, AC was allowing just 50 rushing yards per game, an average of just 1 yard per carry.
But Midwestern Head Coach Mike Calcote was also worried about the AC offense and QB John Talley. “’They’ve got a couple of good running backs, but the player I’m impressed with is their quarterback,’ Calcote said, referring to senior John Talley. ‘He doesn’t make bad decisions. We’ve got to have a good pass rush to contain him.’”
It was a battle for the TIAA in front of 7,500 homecoming fans, and the immovable AC rushing defense won for three quarters. Midwestern struggled to get past midfield against linemen Chris Smith, Bobby Hardin, Patrick Russell, and Jeff Lagos backed by linebackers John Womack, Rodney Womack, and Carlisle Mabrey. Halfway through the 4th quarter, Midwestern could manage only 6 points.
Talley was consistent under center, and running backs Jason Johnson and Kelly Mulhollan combined for over 100 yards rushing. Johnson’s 12-yard touchdown in the second quarter gave AC a 7-6 lead late into the fourth. One more stop, and AC would be in the driver’s seat for the TIAA crown.
But a final drive punctuated by two fourth down conversions gave Midwestern (MSU) a touchdown and the 12-7 victory. “It was a big win for MSU, ranked #22 in NAIA D2. The Indians are now in first place in the TIAA. And it almost didn’t happen. Midway through the fourth quarter, it looked like [Midwestern’s] blown extra point kick in the first quarter might spell doom for Midwestern. Then came that [final] drive.”
A TIAA title was not to be for Austin College. But John Talley and the Roos would not lose another game for the rest of the 1991 season. Neither would the 1985 Bears. Chicago won its final two regular season games to finish 15-1. They then embarked on one of the most dominant playoff runs in NFL history, culminating in a victory in the Super Bowl.
The 2025 season was special for the Carthage Bulldogs, the home of the AC “Carthage Pipeline” back in 1991. Carthage won their 10th state championship last week. One of my AC groups followed with interest. That group includes Chris Medlin, who appears in the “Carthage Pipeline” article in the comments, and John Talley, AC quarterback in 1991.
I wrote this 1991 Midwestern chapter while watching Carthage win that 10th state title. Now why use Carthage as a writing hook for a story tying the 1991 Roos and the 1985 Bears? Because a special Texan showed up in Carthage last month to deliver a motivational speech to the 2025 Bulldogs. That motivational speaker (see the comments) was the lynchpin of the 1985 Chicago Bears defense: “Samurai” Mike Singletary.
Merry Christmas to all. And to all a good night.
Next Up: Chapter #8 (Dec 27) – Sul Ross
Chapter #8 (Dec 27) – Sul Ross
Success for the Chicago Bears since 1985 has been rare. Only once has Chicago secured the #1 seed and advanced to the Super Bowl. That 2006 Super Bowl loss was a memorable one for my friend and neighbor Mark Glowacz. The Chicago native and Bears fan startled his infant son during his own Super Bowl party when the Bears ran the opening kickoff back for a touchdown. Mark briefly thought he was back in 1985.
The 1985 Chicago Bears of “Super Bowl Shuffle” fame finished the regular season as the #1 seed in the NFC, which guaranteed that the road to the Super Bowl would run through Soldier Field. In three dominating performances, the Bears defeated New York (21-0) and Los Angeles (24-0) before beating the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 20.
The 1991 Roos finished the season with three dominating performances of their own. The first was a TIAA Homecoming victory over Sul Ross. An offensive line led by Damion Roberts, Lance Haynes, Michael Dickens, Roy Perez, and Mike Price created openings for Jason Johnson, who became the career TD leader at AC on a second quarter score. A 57-yard TD strike from John Talley to Barrett Jenkins was the difference in a 12-7 AC win.
The Roo defense was back to its old form. At kickoff, linemen Chris Smith, Bobby Hardin, Patrick Russell, and Jeff Lagos backed by linebackers John Womack, Rodney Womack, and Carlisle Mabrey were giving up only 81 rushing yards per game. That average would drop after Sul Ross, as the Lobos could only manage one TD through the air. The 1991 defense, the MVP of the team, was allowing only 237 total yards per game at game time. That average was lower than the 1985 Chicago Bears (258 total yards per game).
But another MVP on the 1991 team was playing a quieter role. Punter Brent Badger was ranked #2 in the NAIA, averaging nearly 45 yards per punt. Whenever the offense stalled, the Roos could count on an outstanding Badger kick combined with a swarming Roo defense to turn the tide. For his outstanding 1991 season, Brent Badger was inducted into the AC Hall of Honor. And in this game, Badger provided a highlight. From the AC Observer:
“One of the most exciting plays of the game came from the punt team. After letting the clock run down, the snap from center went high and [right footed] sophomore punter Brent Badger had to escape to the left. He got off a left footed punt to the surprise of every person in the stadium and helped the Roos defense to keep Sul Ross out of the end zone.”
Roo Tales seem to possess magical power. Whenever I choose a sports writing hook from the past, the team of that writing hook always seems to elevate in the present. And it’s happening again. After an insane OT win over the Green Bay Packers, the 2025 Chicago Bears (11-4) are now playoff bound. They still have a shot at securing the #1 seed in the NFC, which will ensure the road to the Super Bowl runs through Soldier Field.
As I told my friend and Bears fan Mark Glowacz last week, it’s all coming together. On the 40th anniversary of the Super Bowl Shuffle, Roo Tales revisiting the 1985 Chicago Bears is making 2025 a potential season to remember in the Windy City. Mark, who hosts a Super Bowl Party every year, might soon have an iconic Super Bowl to remember thanks to this story. Hey man, Roo Tales ain’t here to start no trouble. Roo Tales are just here to give my Bears fan neighbor a 2025 Super Bowl Shuffle.
The 1991 Roos prepared to host Central Methodist in the final home game of the season. It was a special one. The Roos were victorious, the defense was dominant, and one particular touchdown pass from QB (and pledge brother) John Talley still brings tears to the eyes of our fraternity pledge class enjoying one final game in Sherman.
Next Up: Chapter #9 (Dec 29) – Central Methodist (MO) (John Talley chapter)
Chapter #9 (Dec 29) – Central Methodist (MO) (John Talley chapter)
Happy Birthday John Talley!
The 1991 seniors played their final home game against Central Methodist (MO). John Talley threw for 252 yards and two scores; 227 of those yards went to Daryl Turner and Bryant Vaughn. Jason Johnson, already the career TD record holder at AC, rushed for two touchdowns and 144 yards. Backups David Rapp and Jay Silva found the end zone. An offensive line led by Damion Roberts, Lance Haynes, Michael Dickens, Roy Perez, and Mike Price bought protection for Talley when not clearing lanes for Johnson.
The Roo defense was impressive as usual. Jimmy Baird had an interception; his secondary teammates David Smith and Kenny Don Abernathy shut down the Eagles passing game. Bobby Hardin recovered a fumble; his fellow linemen Chris Smith, Patrick Russell, and Jeff Lagos backed by linebackers John Womack, Rodney Womack, and Carlisle Mabrey kept an Eagle running game from soaring. On a cold November day, the Roos won their final home game in Sherman.
None of those plays are the one which my fraternity pledge brothers remember, however.
I joined a band of [pledge] brothers in the spring of 1989. We went through thick and thin that spring, creating lifetime bonds which many AC folks know all too well. Two of those pledge brothers were John Talley and Doug Overstreet. Talley, a former starting QB at Copperas Cove under Hal Mumme, was destined to be a starter for AC. Overstreet, a Wes Welker-like backup receiver, was not.
Yet with the outcome of this game well in hand, Mel Tjeerdsma put in Overstreet. A perfect pledge class dream became reality when Talley found Overstreet on an out route inside the 10-yard line. One nifty juke by Overstreet and he was suddenly in the end zone, with Talley and his fellow seniors on the 1991 team celebrating alongside Doug. My pledge class was celebrating too, knowing the significance of this beautiful AC book end.
The touchdown pass can be viewed in the comments, and it is even more beautiful in posterity: the celebrations by seniors Talley, Johnson, and teammates, the call by PA announcer Willie Jacobs, and the thrill we all felt knowing that Talley and “Dougie Fresh” Overstreet teamed up for an Austin College touchdown.
The Chicago Bears certainly teamed up in 1985. After recording the “Super Bowl Shuffle” and advancing through the playoffs without their defense allowing a single point, the Bears demolished the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 20 by a score of 46-10. The date was January 26, 1986.
On January 27, preparations began for a Bears celebratory visit to the White House of President Ronald Reagan. But the events of January 28, 1986, meant that visit would be postponed indefinitely. That postponement lasted nearly 25 years, until a new President from Chicago welcomed the 1985 Bears to celebrate at the White House.
That 2011 celebration will be a part of the last 1991 chapter, to be told New Year’s Eve on December 31st. But today is December 29th, which means it is JT’s big day. Way to find Doug for a Roo touchdown John Talley. I’ve been fortunate to call you a brother and a friend. And happy birthday.
Next Up: Chapter #10 (Dec 31) – McMurry
Chapter #10 (Dec 31) – McMurry
Happy New Year’s Eve everyone.
The 1991 Kangaroos ended their year with a 35-21 conference victory over McMurry in Abilene.
John Talley threw for two scores, one to Daryl Turner and another to Bryant Vaughn. Jason Johnson gained 141 yards and found the end zone, as did Kelly Mulhollan. Tight end Brian Coleman had a strong game, on his way to an All-American career. An offensive line led by Damion Roberts, Lance Haynes, Michael Dickens, Roy Perez, and Mike Price had one of their best games of the season.
The 1991 defense did as well. From the AC Observer: “Defensively, the Roos finished up one of the most dominating seasons in AC history by allowing only 92 yards rushing [by McMurry) and 49 passing, most of which came on two reverses for touchdowns. This year’s defense led the nation in total defense for seven straight weeks.
Jimmy Baird picked off a McMurry pass and then lateraled to teammate Kenny Don Abernathy with David Smith and Kevin Wilson trailing. Abernathy & Wilson, beloved Roo teammates, both passed way too early. Their names are still frequently mentioned by both teammates and Roos who watched them play.
A defensive line led by Chris Smith, Patrick Russell, Bobby Hardin and Jeff Lagos backed by linebackers John Womack, Rodney Womack, and Carlisle Mabrey shut down any hope of a ground game for McMurry, putting an exclamation point on a season that was arguably Austin College’s best ever on defense. The 1991 Roo defense allowed just 239 yards per game.
How good was 239 yards per game? A favorable comparison with some of the best NFL defenses in history tells the tale.
The 2013 NFL Champion Seattle Seahawks: 274 yards per game
The 1978 NFL Champion Pittsburgh Steelers: 261 yards per game
The 2000 NFL Champion Baltimore Ravens: 248 yards per game
The 1985 NFL Champion Chicago Bears: 258 yards per game
The 1991 Austin College Kangaroos: 239 yards per game
After their January 26, 1986, Super Bowl win, the Chicago Bears began planning a visit to the White House on January 27. But a national day of tragedy postponed that visit. That postponement lasted 25 years, until a new President from Chicago made amends.
President Barack Obama in 2011:
“After this team won the Super Bowl, it never had a chance to celebrate here in the White House. The day after Super Bowl 20, half a million Chicagoan turned out in 25-below wind chill weather to welcome the champs back from New Orleans. Sadly, the day after that we endured a national tragedy when the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded shortly after liftoff. So, the moment for the Bears to visit was postponed and the years went by.”
“But shortly after I took office, someone in the NFL realized that there was a Bears fan from Chicago living in the White House. And they called my staff and asked if we could make this happen. And so today I’m proud to say to the players, the coaches, and the staff of the 1985 Bears. Welcome to the White House for this welcome and overdue recognition.”
TIAA Recognition was prolific for the 1991 Roos at season’s end:
NAIA All-American:
Honorable Mention, LB-John Womack, P-Brent Badger
TIAA All-Conference:
Lineman of the Year: DT-Bobby Hardin
1st team: LB-Carlisle Mabrey, DB-Jimmy Baird, LB-John Womack, P-Brent Badger, RB-Jason Johnson, OL-Damion Roberts, K-Gabe Gerard, TE-Bryant Vaughn, C-Lance Haynes
2nd team: DB-Kenny Don Abernathy, LB-Jason Armstrong, OL-Roy Perez, DL-Christopher Smith.
The 1991 Seniors reflected on their last game and career. From the AC Observer:
Chris Smith: “Defensively we shut [McMurry] down. Once we made adjustments, we sat back and watched our offense score some points.”
John Talley: “It was good to go out with a rout for the seniors. It was our last time together as a team and we made the most of it.”
David Norman: “These young men showed poise in fighting back. It is indicative of the future success they will have in life.”
Mel Tjeerdsma: “I know the seniors are disappointed not having a conference championship or going to the playoffs. But I liked their ability to battle back. It is a tribute to them the way the last three games were played. It showed the character that they have.”
The 1991 Kangaroos finished the year with a winning season and a second-place finish in the TIAA. Their season was full of frustration (the fluke losses to Hardin-Simmons & Azusa, the near miss against TIAA champion Midwestern) and joy (the NAIA’s top defense, the wins against Trinity & Tarleton, and numerous personal moments of importance (the Baird hit, the Overstreet catch, the Johnson TD record) to seniors like me about to depart Sherman.
Watching President Obama’s celebration of a Chicago Bears title won under President Reagan recalls a more mature America, when leaders would shed their political identities at non-political events and represent all Americans with dignity. On this New Year’s Eve, Marc’s resolution for America is a return to this maturity seen at the end of the Cold War, a conflict which officially ended on the last week of this Roo Season in Review: 1991.
Happy New Year everyone.
