MARQUETTE, Mich. (WLUC) – Northern Michigan University will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its 1975 NCAA Division II championship football team with several events for alumni and community members on Thursday, Oct. 9, through Saturday, Oct. 11.
The university will be commemorating the team’s achievements with a slew of events, including:
Thursday, October 9:
Welcome Party for NMU Alumni & Friends
Blackrocks Brewery, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., Free Admission
Kick off the weekend with a casual NMU Alumni & Friends gathering at Blackrocks Brewery! Open to all NMU alumni and friends, this event will also welcome members of the 1975 NCAA Division II Championship football team who are back in town for their 50th reunion. Enjoy a laid-back evening with a cash bar, food trucks available for individual meal purchases, and live music. Stop by the NMU Alumni table for reunion details and some Wildcat swag.
Friday, October 10:
1975 Football Team Lunch (open to members of the 1975 Football Team only, contact the Alumni Relations office for details)
Northern Center, 10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
1975 team members and their families are invited to this private event. Reconnect with teammates in a relaxed setting while enjoying a classic U.P. favorite—a pasty lunch! The 1975 championship game in color will begin at 10:30 a.m. and has a total run time of 2 hours and 27 minutes. Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m., so guests can enjoy the game and meal together. Don’t miss this special opportunity to reminisce, celebrate, and enjoy the company of fellow Wildcat teammates!
Former Players Panel Discussion
Vandament Arena, 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. (Doors open at 1 p.m.), Free Admission
Join us for a special panel discussion celebrating the legacy of NMU Football! This unique event will feature former Wildcat players from across the decades, sharing stories, insights, and memories from their time on the field. Steve Mariucci will serve as moderator, guiding the conversation through the rich history and lasting impact of NMU Football. Coach Herb Grenke, the winningest coach in NMU football history, will welcome guests and reflect on how that remarkable era helped shape his coaching career.
Open to current students, alumni, and the public, this panel offers a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the program’s legacy and inspire future generations of Wildcats.
Featured panelists include: Fred Smith ’78, Keith Ponder ’80, Jerry Rosburg ’83, Rick Popp ’88, Mat Hoard ’97 & Jake Witt ’21
RSVP through the NMU ticketing link is encouraged, but not required.
Current Football Team Practice
NMU Superior Dome, 3:45 – 4:45 p.m., Free Admission
All former players and football fans are invited to attend and check out the current Wildcat football team as they take the field for practice. Come show your support and connect with the next generation of NMU Football!
1975 Football Celebratory Dinner (1975 Team – RSVP required; Football Alumni & Public – ticket required)
Northern Center, 6:00 – 9:30 p.m., $75 per person
Join us for a special dinner program honoring the history of NMU Football and celebrating the 50th anniversary of the 1975 NCAA Division II Championship Team. Plus, join us in making history as we retire Steve Mariucci’s iconic #18 jersey during Friday evening’s celebratory dinner.
The evening will feature a cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres, a plated dinner, cash bar, and a heartfelt program recognizing the team’s legacy. Highlights will include team memories and accomplishments, a special in-memoriam tribute, and guest speakers—with Bobby Tuma ’77 serving as Master of Ceremonies. Tickets are available through NMU’s online ticketing platform. RSVP is required and attire is business casual. We look forward to sharing this memorable evening with you!
Saturday, October 11:
1975 Championship Viewing Double Feature
Vandament Arena, 11:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (doors open at 10:30 a.m.), Free Admission
Relive the excitement of the 1975 NCAA Division II Championship Game with a special, one-time showing—now in full color! This back-to-back feature will also include Put Your Hand on the Line, a powerful documentary that highlights the enduring journey of the 1975 NMU Football team. Concessions will be available for snacks and beverages. This is a relaxed event—feel free to come and go as you please throughout the day. RSVP through the NMU ticketing link is encouraged, but not required. Link to come.
- Doors open: 10:30 a.m.
- Game footage begins: 11:00 a.m. (approx. 2.5 hours)
- Intermission: 15 minutes
- Put Your Hand on the Line screening begins: 1:50 p.m. (approx. 65 min)
Pre-Game Tailgate Gathering
Behind the Superior Dome, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., Free Admission
A pre-game tailgate featuring tents, tables, and chairs. Guests can bring their own food and beverages.
Football Game: NMU vs. Grand Valley State
NMU Superior Dome, 7:00 p.m., $15 per person (purchase tickets separately here)
Celebrate NMU football alumni with a special halftime recognition, honoring the 1975 football players on the field. Join the fun of welcoming the national champs back to campus.
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