Hall of Fame
1970 Mules Football Team
The Mules' 1970 football team, coached by Howard Mahanes, enjoyed an outstanding regular season, finishing 9-1 and sharing the MIAA championship with Northeast Missouri. Although the NCAA's Division II playoff format did not begin until 1973, the Mules' bid to the Pecan Bowl in Arlington, Texas, to face top-ranked Arkansas State was the equivalent to receiving a playoff bid. The Mules lost the regionally-televised game 38-21 to the undefeated Indians. Quarterback Steve Eckinger was the MIAA MVP and was joined by offensive tackle Tony Frusco and defensive back Ron Collier on the first-team all-MIAA squad. Eckinger, Frusco and wide receiver Eddie Coates each received honorable mention All-America recognition by the Associated Press.
