WEATHERFORD, Okla. – The 1977 SWOSU Football team that played in the NAIA Division 1 National Championship game will hold a 45-year reunion on Friday and Saturday, October 14-15, on the Weatherford campus in parallel with Homecoming.

The Bulldogs finished 11-1 that season, losing 24-7 to Abilene Christian University in the Apple Bowl played on December 10, 1977 in Seattle (WA). The team was picked to finish last in the preseason poll that year but finished as Oklahoma Intercollegiate Conference (OIC) Champions. The Bulldogs defeated Kearney (NE) 31-7 in the first round of the playoffs before losing to Abilene in the finals. Otis Delaporte, a 1982 SWOSU Athletics Hall of Fame inductee, coached the team.

Reunion activities are planned for both Friday evening and all-day Saturday in Weatherford. The team will be recognized at halftime of the football game against Southern Nazarene University.

Weatherford Mayor Mike Brown, a member of the 1977 SWOSU team, and his wife Debbie, are organizing the activities.

Another familiar face on the team that season included former SWOSU Football Head Coach Dan Cocannouer (2009-17).