Forty years ago, the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Titans went 6-2 in conference play, earning head football coach Russ Young his third WSUC championship.
UW Oshkosh alumnus Dennis Moon ’76, of New Richmond, who played fullback and led his team in rushing, didn’t only help the Titans bring home the conference trophy that season.
“My fondest memory was the birth of my son, Jason, on Aug. 1 of 1976—two weeks before the season started,” Moon said. “He was in intensive care for a week or so, and I spent all of my time at the hospital. I lost 20 pounds from not eating and just worrying.”
When he learned his son would be OK, Moon dedicated the season to him.
“It took me over a month to gain the weight back and get back to the business of winning a championship,” he said.
Moon and more than a dozen other members of the winning 1976 team recently returned to campus to celebrate the anniversary of their championship season.
“The most important lessons from football were to never give up and keep fighting no matter what the situation,” Moon said.
Alumnus Harry Markos ’80, of Milwaukee, who played middle guard, remembers that the guys on the team were like a family to him.
“I loved my five years I spent up there in Oshkosh and at UWO,” he said. “Coming back was surreal. Everything is beautiful. The updated stadium has incredible facilities.”
Beating UW-Whitewater at home at Titan Stadium was a highlight of the 1976 season for alumnus Blaine Felsman ’81, of Oshkosh, who played center.
During that season finale, the Titans dominated the Warhawks 33-0. Moon rushed 84 yards for two touchdowns.
“Winning or losing an athletic competition is not going to be the best or worst thing that ever happens to you, but how you handle it is important as a person.”
Felsman said the returning teammates advised the 2016 team to have fun playing their sport.
“We told some of the current players that next thing you know it’s been 40 years,” Felsman said. “But you have friends and teammates for life.”