1961 Ottawa Braves football team explained

Year:	1961
Team:	Ottawa Braves
Sport:	football
Conference:	Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference
Short Conf:	KCAC
Record:	9–0
Conf Record:	9–0
Head Coach:	Richard Peters
Hc Year:	9th
Stadium:	Cook Field
Champion:	KCAC champion

The 1961 Ottawa Braves football team was an American football team that represented Ottawa University of Ottawa, Kansas, as a member of the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) during the 1961 college football season. In their ninth season under head coach Richard Peters, the Braves compiled a 9–0 record, won the KCAC championship, and outscored opponents by a total of 289 to 42.^[1] It was the third undefeated season in Ottawa football history.^[2] The season was also part of a 23-game winning streak that began on November 13, 1959, and ended on October 13, 1962, including back-to-back perfect seasons in 1960 and 1961.^[3]

Mike Brown led the KCAC in scoring with 73 points on four touchdowns, 34 extra points, and five field goals. He also won NAIA All-America honors as a defensive end.

The team played its home games at Cook Field in Ottawa, Kansas.

Statistics

Ottawas led the KCAC in rushing offense with an average of 250.5 rushing yards per game. They ranked second in total offense with an average of 334.6 yards per game. Defensively, they led the conference in total defense (162. yards), rushing defense (117.7 yards per game), and passing defense (44.4 yards per game).^[4]

Ottawa's Mike Brown led the conference in scoring with 73 points on four touchdowns, 34 extra points, and five field goals.^[4] He successfully converted 21 consecutive extra point kicks.

Awards and honors

Mike Brown was a first-team pick as a defensive end on the NAIA All-America football team.^[5]

Ottawa players took 10 spots on the KCAC all-star offensive and defensive teams selected by the conference coaches. Mike Brown and Bill Shook were included on both offenive and defensive teams. The honorees were:

Mike Brown - end (offense), linebacker (defense)
Bill Shook - guard (offense), linebacker (defense)
Clarence Whitesell tackle (offense)
Pat Jeffereson - guard (offense)
Jerry Lawson - center (offense)
Jim King - linebacker (defense)
Ken Smart - defensive back
Jon McAninch - defensive back

^[6]

Playerws

The following 35 players received football letters for their participation on the 1961 team:

Duane Bissett, freshman
Mike Brown, senior
Bruce Bundy, freshman
Arlys Carter, senior
Steve Coe, freshman
Dan Coons, freshman
Richard Esterlund, freshman
Val Finney, sophomore
Jerry Freeman, freshman
Dave Gerber, freshman
Ed Hampton, sophomore
Jerry Harshaw, freshman
Pat Jefferson, junior
Jim King, co-captain, senior
John Krebbs, freshman
Jerry Lawson, senior
John McAninch, co-captain, junior
Roger Moore, sophomore
Bob Ord, sophomore
Bruce Pemberton, senior
Dennis Powers, sophomore
Warren Rinehart, sophomore
Bob Rose, freshman
Gene Sacha, sophomore
Con Schuyler, sophomore
Floyd Scott, freshman
Jim Shafer, sophomore
Bill Shook, co-captain, senior
Ken Smart, sophomore
Ron Smith, freshman
Richard Spong, sophomore
David Stotts, sophomore
Fred Thompson, junior
Clarence Whitesell, co-captain, senior
Larry Young, freshman

^[7]

Notes and References

Web site: 1961 - Ottawa (KS) . College Football Data Warehouse . October 13, 2023.
News: 3rd Unbeaten Team In Ottawa U History. The Ottawa Herald. November 14, 1961. 3 . Newspapers.com.
News: Points Count, And C of E had More Than OU: Braves' Streak Snapped At 23. The Ottawa Herald . Lamar Phillips . October 15, 1962. 2 . Newspapers.com.
News: OU Defense Best In KCAC. The Ottawa Herald. November 18, 1961. 2. Newspapers.com.
News: Ottawa's Brown Honored: Pittsburg Places Hess, Beal on NAIA Stars. The Wichita Eagle. December 8, 1961. 8B. Newspapers.com.
News: Ottawa Places Ten on 'Stars: KCAC Champions Dominant Choices. The Wichita Morning Eagle. December 5, 1961. 5B. Newspapers.com.
News: Approve Letters For 35 Braves. The Ottawa Herald. November 16, 1961. 2. Newspapers.com.