Fairmont State Athletics and the Fairmont State Athletic Association are pleased to announce that the 1967 NAIA National Championship Football team will be inducted into the Fairmont State Athletics Hall of Fame on Friday, Sept. 29, as a part of Homecoming Weekend on the FSU campus.

 

This year marks the 50^th anniversary of Fairmont State’s 1967 run to the NAIA National Championship Game under legendary head football coach Harold ‘Deacon’ Duvall. The team finished the year with a perfect 11-0 mark, on its way to winning the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and NAIA national title with a 28-21 win over Eastern Washington at Mountaineer Stadium in Morgantown on Saturday, Dec. 9, 1967.

 

“The annual Hall of Fame ceremony is a yearly celebration of the great history of Fairmont State Athletics and it is a privilege to all members of the Athletic Department, FSAA and selection committee to welcome the 1967 Football Team as the first team to be inducted into the Fairmont State Athletics Hall of Fame,” said Director of Athletics, Tim McNeely.

 

“The 1967 Falcons brought the state of West Virginia its first national title in football and I am extremely proud of the fact that we are getting the opportunity to honor this great group of men during the 50^th anniversary of their championship,” McNeely continued.

Dr. Steve Jones, the Interim President at Fairmont State, added the following about the accomplishments of this special group of student-athletes.

 

“I am extremely proud that we have the opportunity to honor the 1967 National Championship football team during this year’s homecoming celebration, this group of men exemplify the meaning of discipline, hard work and commitment to academics – all key characteristics for collegiate student-athletes,” said Dr. Jones.

 

“It will be an honor and privilege to welcome the 1967 football team back to campus during homecoming weekend.”

 

The Falcons were led by a pair of All-Americans (Larry Blackstone, Dave Williams) and five first-team All-WVIAC selections in 1967 - including Blackstone, Dave Williams, Martin “Sonny” Bartic, Jim Mertens and Marvin Williams.

 

The 1967 National Championship also highlighted a storied career by Duvall, which included a 125-42-3 overall record and eight conference championships. Duvall, Fairmont State’s head coach from 1952-71, recorded the highest winning-percentage and second-most wins by any coach in WVIAC football history.

 

All coaches and players from the 1967 Fairmont State football team have been invited to this year’s hall of fame induction and select individuals will reflect on the teams run to the championship.
 
The ceremony will begin at 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 29 in Gym 1 of the Falcon Center. Tickets can be purchased for $50 per person by calling the Athletic Department at (304) 367-4220.
 
About The FSAA

The Fairmont State Athletic Association (formerly the Lettermen's Association) is a group designed to unite alumni, lettermen, friends, fans and corporate sponsors to help support the competitive success of Fairmont State Athletics.