Winona State Warriors football

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Logo of the Winona State Warriors

The Winona State Warriors football team at Winona State University is a member of the NCAA Division II. They compete in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, where the have been a charter member since 1932 (one of three teams to do so). They are coached by Winona State alum Tom Sawyer. During Coach Sawyer's tenure, Winona State has seen its football program transform from a poorly-performing, average midwestern institution to a national powerhouse in Division II football.

It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Winona State University. (Discuss)

[edit] Post-season Appreances

The Warriors' first playoff appearance came in 1993 as Winona State hosted a NAIA national quarterfinal match against Central State (OH). The Warriors lost 55-7.

In 2000, Winona State played in the Mineral Water Bowl. The Warriors faced off against Missouri Western State University (then called Missouri Western State College). The invited teams are the highest finishing teams in their respective conferences to not make the NCAA playoffs. The Warriors won the game in triple overtime, 43-41.

The following season, the Warriors made NSIC history becoming the first team to achieve a bid to the NCAA playoffs. Winona State faced off against North Dakota. The Warriors made a valent effort, yet fell short, 28-42. North Dakota would go on to win the championship. The Warriors 28 points was more points than were scored on North Dakota by the three other teams they played combined in the playoffs that season.

In 2002, the Warriors were once again in the Mineral Water Bowl, as they took on Emporia State University. Like the 2000 game, regulation was not enough as the game went to overtime. The Warriors however fell short, losing 27-34 in the first overtime.

In 2003, Winona State once again made it to the NCAA playoffs. That year they were #1 in the region and #3 overall in the country in Division II football. This time they hosted the regional semifinal game, against Emporia State. For the first time in school history, the Warriors were victorious in a NCAA playoff game, winning 10-3. The following weekend, the Warriors traveled to face off against North Dakota. The Warriors managed to battle back from an early deficit to take the lead 29-28 with 1:52 left in the fourth quarter. North Dakota was able to counter and scored with under a minute left in the game, as the Sioux escaped, victorious 36-29.

In 2004 The Warriors continued their post season habit by playing the playoffs. With the NCAA Division II playoffs expanded, the Warriors hosted a first round game against Grand Valley State University, then the two time defending Division II national champions. Winona State played a close game, yet lost 16-13.

[edit] Head coaches