What is the official name of the football program representing Lamar University?

The official name of the football program representing Lamar University is the Lamar Cardinals football team. They are a college football program that competes at the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision level.

Which conference is the Lamar Cardinals football team currently a member of?

The Lamar Cardinals football team is currently a member of the Southland Conference. They rejoined the conference in July 2022 after a brief period in the Western Athletic Conference.

What is the name and capacity of the Lamar Cardinals' home stadium?

The Lamar Cardinals play their home games at Provost Umphrey Stadium, which has a seating capacity of 16,000 spectators. The field within the stadium is named W. S. Bud Leonard Field.

Who is the current head coach of the Lamar Cardinals football team, and what is his record?

The current head coach of the Lamar Cardinals football team is Peter Rossomando. He is in his second season and holds a record of 13 wins and 10 losses, resulting in a .565 winning percentage.

What are the official colors of the Lamar Cardinals football team?

The official colors of the Lamar Cardinals football team are red and white, which are commonly used in their uniforms and branding.

What is the name of the Lamar Cardinals' marching band?

The Lamar Cardinals' marching band is known as The Showcase of Southeast Texas, providing musical support and entertainment at games and events.

When was the first season of Lamar Cardinals football?

The first season of Lamar Cardinals football was in 1923, making the program 102 years old as of the information provided. The team has experienced periods of disbandment and reinstatement throughout its history.

What is the all-time record for the Lamar Cardinals football program?

The all-time record for the Lamar Cardinals football program stands at 221 wins, 307 losses, and 9 ties, which calculates to a .420 winning percentage.

How many conference titles have the Lamar Cardinals football team won?

The Lamar Cardinals football team has won a total of five conference titles. These championships occurred in 1957, 1964, 1965, 1966, and 1971.

When was football first introduced at Lamar University, then known as South Park Junior College?

Football was first introduced at Lamar University in 1923, when the institution was known as South Park Junior College, making it a part of the school's history from its inception.

Why was the football program initially discontinued in 1928?

The football program was initially discontinued in 1928 because of a lack of common opponents, which made scheduling games difficult for the team.

Who was the coach that led Lamar College to successful seasons in 1932 and 1934?

Coach John Gray led Lamar College to successful seasons, achieving records of 8 wins and 1 loss in 1932, and 8 wins, 1 loss, and 1 tie in 1934.

When was the football program discontinued for a second time, and when did it resume?

The football program was discontinued for a second time in 1942 and did not resume until 1946, following the end of World War II.

What significant change occurred in the Lamar football program in 1946 regarding players?

In 1946, a significant change occurred in the Lamar football program when the first football scholarships were offered to players, indicating a move towards a more formalized collegiate athletic structure.

What was a notable achievement of the 1948 Lamar football club?

A notable achievement of the 1948 Lamar football club was winning two bowl games, concluding their season with an 8-4-0 record.

What record did the 1949 Lamar football team achieve, marking the end of its junior college era?

The 1949 Lamar football team achieved an all-time school record of 10 wins and secured another bowl trophy, which marked the conclusion of the school's junior college era in football.

When did Lamar football move to the NAIA level and join the Lone Star Conference?

After the junior college era, Lamar football moved up to the NAIA level and joined the Lone Star Conference in 1951.

What marked the beginning of 11 consecutive winning campaigns for the Cardinals?

A superb 8-0-2 season in 1957 ignited a string of 11 consecutive winning campaigns for the Cardinals, establishing a period of sustained success for the program.

Which bowl game did the 1961 Lamar team participate in, and what was the outcome?

The 1961 Lamar team advanced to the Tangerine Bowl, which is now known as the Capital One Bowl, where they defeated Middle Tennessee State with a score of 21-14 on December 29, 1961.

When did Lamar's athletic program transition to the NCAA college division ranks, and which conference did they join?

Lamar's athletic program transitioned to the NCAA college division ranks in 1963, at which point the football team joined the Southland Conference.

What immediate success did the football team achieve upon joining the Southland Conference in 1963?

Upon joining the Southland Conference in 1963, the football team enjoyed immediate success by winning three straight SLC grid titles from 1964 to 1966.

What was the result of the 1964 Pecan Bowl for the Lamar Cardinals?

In the 1964 Pecan Bowl, the Lamar Cardinals lost 19-17 to Northern Iowa, despite having a 6-3-1 campaign that season.

When did the Lamar athletic program upgrade to the NCAA Division I level?

The Lamar athletic program embarked on another challenge by upgrading to the NCAA Division I level in 1968, a year after finishing second in the Southland Conference.

What was the highest attendance recorded at Cardinal Stadium through 1974?

The highest attendance recorded at Cardinal Stadium through 1974 was 16,226 patrons, which occurred during a game against arch-rival McNeese State in 1972.

Who was the coach that led a resurgence in Lamar football in 1979?

Larry Kennan was the new coach who delivered a 6-3-2 club in 1979, leading to a resurgence in Lamar football attendance and fan engagement.

What was the all-time attendance record set by Lamar football in 1980?

Lamar football set an all-time attendance record in 1980 by averaging 16,380 patrons per game, with a peak of 18,500 for the season opener against Baylor.

What was considered a signature win for the Cardinals on September 5, 1981?

A signature win for the Cardinals occurred on September 5, 1981, when they defeated the UPI No. 20 ranked Baylor Bears with a score of 18-17 under Head Coach Larry Kennan.

Why did Lamar compete as an independent from 1987 to 1989?

Lamar competed as an independent from 1987 to 1989 because the university left the Southland Conference in 1987 to join the newly formed American South Conference, which did not sponsor football.

When and why was the Lamar football program officially discontinued for the third time?

The Lamar football program was officially discontinued on December 15, 1989, by a 5 to 4 vote from the Lamar University System board of regents. This decision was driven by dismal support, larger-than-expected deficits, and a desire to divert funds to the basketball program.

What was the vision of the Lamar University System board of regents after discontinuing football?

After discontinuing football, the vision of the Lamar University System board of regents was to reallocate the money previously spent on football to the basketball program, with the goal of building Lamar into a basketball powerhouse.

When was the Lamar football team brought back, and under which university system?

The Lamar football team was brought back in 2010, operating as a member of the Texas State University System, after a hiatus of over two decades.

What facility improvements were made in preparation for the football program's return in 2010?

In preparation for the football program's return in 2010, extensive work was done on facilities, including Provost Umphrey Stadium, a new 54,000 square foot Athletic complex, seven high-class suites built into the Montagne Center, new field turf, and a new 26' X 51' video board.

Who was hired as the head coach to lead the reintroduction of the Cardinals football team?

Former NFL player Ray Woodard was hired as the head coach to lead the charge in bringing the Cardinals football team back to the gridiron in 2010.

Who played a significant role as Athletic Director in bringing back the football team?

Billy Tubbs, who was hired as the Athletic Director in 2006, played a significant role in the decision and process of bringing back the Cardinals football team.

When did the restarted football program begin conference competition?

The restarted football program competed as an independent in its first season back in 2010, and then began conference competition in 2011.

In which conference did Lamar football compete from 1946 to 1950?

From 1946 to 1950, Lamar football competed in the Southwestern Junior College Conference, reflecting its status as a junior college program during that period.

Which conference did Lamar join in 1951 after the junior college era?

After the junior college era, Lamar joined the Lone Star Conference in 1951, marking its transition to the NAIA level of competition.

For what period was Lamar football a member of the Southland Conference before its first disbandment?

Lamar football was a member of the Southland Conference from 1963 to 1986 before the program's first disbandment, a period during which they achieved significant success.

When did Lamar football first compete at the NCAA Division I-A level?

Lamar football first competed at the NCAA Division I-A level from 1978 to 1981, representing a higher tier of collegiate football competition.

What was the NCAA division for Lamar football from 1982 to 1989?

From 1982 to 1989, Lamar football competed in the NCAA Division I-AA, which is now known as the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).

What was the longest period during which football was not a sponsored sport at Lamar?

The longest period during which football was not a sponsored sport at Lamar was from 1990 to 2009, a span of 20 years following its disbandment in 1989.

Which coach led the Lamar Tech Cardinals to their first Lone Star Conference co-championship in 1957?

James B. Higgins led the Lamar Tech Cardinals to their first Lone Star Conference co-championship in 1957, achieving an impressive overall record of 8 wins, 0 losses, and 2 ties.

How many Southland Conference titles did Coach Vernon Glass win with the Cardinals?

Coach Vernon Glass won four Southland Conference titles with the Cardinals, securing championships in 1964, 1965, 1966, and 1971, with the 1966 and 1971 titles being co-championships.

In which year did the Lamar Cardinals achieve a Southland Conference co-championship with a losing overall record?

The Lamar Cardinals achieved a Southland Conference co-championship in 1971 with an overall record of 5 wins and 6 losses, demonstrating their strength within the conference despite a challenging season overall.

What is the Lamar Cardinals' overall record in NCAA College Division level bowl games?

The Lamar Cardinals hold an overall record of 1 win and 1 loss in NCAA College Division level bowl games, indicating a balanced performance in those specific postseason appearances.

Which bowl game did Lamar win in 1950, and against which opponent?

Lamar won the Silver Bowl, also known as 'Tazon De Plata,' in 1950, defeating Mexico City College with a score of 19-13 under Coach Stan Lambert.

What was the outcome of Lamar's first FCS playoff game in 2018?

Lamar's first FCS playoff game in 2018 resulted in a 13-16 loss to Northern Iowa in the First Round, with Mike Schultz serving as the coach.

What was the highest single-game attendance for a Lamar Cardinals home game, and against which opponent?

The highest single-game attendance for a Lamar Cardinals home game was 18,500, which occurred on September 13, 1980, against Baylor at Provost Umphrey Stadium.

Which year saw the highest average home attendance for the Lamar Cardinals since the program's reinstatement?

The year 2010 saw the highest average home attendance for the Lamar Cardinals since the program's reinstatement, with an average of 16,078 spectators per game.

Lamar Cardinals Football Wiki: Crimson Legacy: A Scholarly Chronicle of Lamar Cardinals Football

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

Program Overview

Collegiate Identity

The Lamar Cardinals football program represents Lamar University in collegiate athletics, competing at the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) level. As a prominent member of the Southland Conference, the Cardinals uphold a tradition of competitive spirit and academic dedication.

Key Program Metrics

The program's enduring presence is reflected in its comprehensive statistics:

First Season: 1923, marking over a century of football heritage.
All-Time Record: 221–307–9 (.420), a testament to decades of competition.
Bowl Record: 2–1 (.667), showcasing historical postseason success.
Playoff Record: 0–1, reflecting a recent foray into FCS playoffs.
Conference Titles: 5 (1957, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1971), highlighting periods of dominance.

Home Field Advantage

The Cardinals play their home contests at the 16,000-seat Provost Umphrey Stadium, featuring the advanced Tarkett Fieldturf Classic HD CoolPlay Turf on W. S. Bud Leonard Field. Located in Beaumont, Texas, this venue serves as a vibrant hub for the university's athletic community.

Historical Trajectory

Formative Years and Early Success

Football at Lamar University commenced in 1923 during its tenure as South Park Junior College. After an initial hiatus in 1928 due to a lack of suitable opponents, the program was revived in 1932 under the new moniker, Lamar College. Coach John Gray notably led teams to impressive 8–1 records in 1932 and 8–1–1 in 1934. The program faced another suspension from 1942 until the conclusion of World War II, resuming in 1946 with the introduction of the first football scholarships. The 1949 squad achieved an all-time school record of 10 wins, marking a successful conclusion to the junior college era.

NCAA Ascent and Peak Performance

Transitioning to the NAIA level within the Lone Star Conference, the Cardinals experienced a resurgence in 1957 with an 8–0–2 season, initiating an impressive streak of 11 consecutive winning campaigns. A significant milestone was reached in 1961 with a 21–14 victory over Middle Tennessee State in the Tangerine Bowl. In 1963, the athletic program advanced to the NCAA College Division, joining the Southland Conference, where the football team secured three consecutive conference titles from 1964 to 1966. The 1964 season also saw a Pecan Bowl appearance, though resulting in a narrow 17–19 loss to Northern Iowa. Further elevating its competitive profile, Lamar upgraded to NCAA Division I in 1968.

Attendance Peaks: Averaged 12,000 patrons through 1974, setting a record of 16,226 against rival McNeese State in 1972.
Larry Kennan Era: Coach Larry Kennan's 1979 team achieved a 6–3–2 record, contributing to an all-time attendance record of 16,380 in 1980.
Signature Victory: A memorable 18–17 upset win over the UPI No. 20 ranked Baylor Bears on September 5, 1981.
Conference Shift: Competed as an independent from 1987 to 1989 after leaving the Southland Conference for the non-football American South Conference.

Disbandment and Resurgence

The program faced a critical juncture on December 15, 1989, when the Lamar University System board of regents voted 5-4 to discontinue football, citing financial deficits and a strategic pivot towards strengthening the basketball program. However, the hiatus proved temporary. In 2010, under the Texas State University System, Lamar University proudly reintroduced its football team. This revival was accompanied by substantial facility enhancements, including significant upgrades to Provost Umphrey Stadium, a new 54,000 sq ft Athletic Complex, seven high-class suites in the Montagne Center, new field turf, and a state-of-the-art 26' X 51' video board. Former NFL player Ray Woodard was appointed head coach, with Athletic Director Billy Tubbs playing a pivotal role in the program's return. The team competed as an independent in 2010 before rejoining conference play in 2011.

Conference & Division Affiliations

Navigating Conferences

The Lamar Cardinals football program has experienced several significant conference affiliations throughout its history, reflecting the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics. These transitions underscore the university's commitment to finding the most competitive and suitable environments for its student-athletes.

Seasons	Conference
1923–1926	Independent
1927–1931	Football not a sponsored sport
1932–1942	Independent
1943–1945	Football not a sponsored sport – World War II
1946–1950	Southwestern Junior College Conference
1951–1962	Lone Star Conference
1963–1986	Southland Conference
1987–1989	Division I-AA Independent
1990–2009	Football not a sponsored sport
2010–2020	Southland Conference
2021	Western Athletic Conference
2022–present	Southland Conference

Divisional Evolution

Lamar's football program has progressed through various NCAA divisions, each transition marking a new chapter in its competitive journey. This evolution reflects the university's growth and its ambition to compete at increasingly higher levels of collegiate football.

Seasons	Division
1923–1926	National Junior College Athletic Association
1927–1931	Football not a sponsored sport
1932–1942	National Junior College Athletic Association
1943–1945	Football not a sponsored sport – World War II
1946–1950	National Junior College Athletic Association
1951–1962	National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)
1963–1972	NCAA College Division (Small College)
1973–1977	NCAA Division I (University)
1978–1981	NCAA Division I-A
1982–1989	NCAA Division I-AA
1990–2009	Football not a sponsored sport
2010–present	NCAA Division I FCS

Conference Championships

A Legacy of Titles

The Lamar Cardinals football program boasts a proud history of securing conference championships, a testament to the dedication of its athletes and coaching staff. These titles represent periods of exceptional performance and strategic prowess within their respective leagues.

Season	Conference	Coach	Overall Record	Conference Record
1957†	Lone Star Conference	James B. Higgins	8–0–2	5–0–2
1964	Southland Conference	Vernon Glass	6–3–1	3–0–1
1965			6–4	3–1
1966†			6–4	3–1
1971†			5–6	4–1

† Denotes co-champions

Postseason Play

Historic Bowl Appearances

Lamar University's football program has participated in several notable bowl games, marking significant achievements in its history. These contests provided opportunities for the Cardinals to showcase their talent on a broader stage.

The Cardinals participated in two NCAA College Division level bowl games, achieving a 2–1 record.

Season	Coach	Bowl	Opponent	Result
1950	Stan Lambert	Silver Bowl "Tazon De Plata"	Mexico City College	W 19–13
1961	James B. Higgins	Tangerine Bowl	Middle Tennessee	W 21–14
1964	Vernon Glass	Pecan Bowl	State College of Iowa	L 17–19

FCS Playoff Debut

The Lamar Cardinals made their inaugural appearance in the NCAA Division I Football Championship playoffs in 2018, a significant milestone for the program in the modern era. This participation underscored the team's growing competitiveness within the FCS landscape.

Season	Coach	Round	Opponent	Result
2018	Mike Schultz	First Round	Northern Iowa	L 13–16

Fan Engagement & Attendance

Historic Attendance Peaks

Lamar Cardinals football has historically enjoyed robust fan support, with several games drawing impressive crowds to Provost Umphrey Stadium. These peak attendance figures highlight moments of significant community engagement and excitement surrounding the program.

Below is a list of the Cardinals' top 10 best-attended home games (all at Provost Umphrey Stadium).

Rk.	Date	Opponent	Attendance
Highest attendance
1	September 13, 1980	Baylor	18,500
2	September 22, 1979	Louisiana Tech	17,600
3	October 9, 2010	Langston University	17,306
4	October 6, 1979	West Texas State	17,250
5	September 17, 1977	Louisiana-Lafayette	17,222
6	October 2, 2010	Sam Houston State	17,187
7	September 11, 2010	Webber International	16,600
8	October 16, 2010	South Alabama	16,150
9	October 9, 1965	Arkansas State	16,000
10	September 24, 1966	Southwest Missouri	15,643

As of the 2024 season.

Yearly Attendance Trends

Since the program's reinstatement in 2010, yearly attendance figures provide insight into sustained fan interest and the impact of external factors, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, on game-day experiences.

Below is the Cardinals' home attendance since program reinstatement.

Season	Average	High
Lamar Cardinals
2024	6,706	8,443
2023	5,643	6,583
2022	5,069	6,627
2021	5,716	6,812
2020	3,293 *	3,833 *
2019	7,173	9,218
2018	7,077	8,028
2017	6,631	8,417
2016	7,429	8,697
2015	9,364	13,136
2014	8,347	10,212
2013	8,379	10,738
2012	11,119	15,367
2011	14,442	15,367
2010	16,078	17,306

* Attendance restricted due to COVID-19 limitations.

As of the 2024 season.

Enduring Rivalries

The Battle of the Border: McNeese State

The rivalry with McNeese State is a deeply entrenched tradition, known as the "Battle of the Border." This intense competition extends beyond football to all sports, solidified by a joint agreement between the two universities. With 42 gridiron encounters, this rivalry is a cornerstone of both programs' identities.

**McNeese State–Lamar: All-Time Record**
Games played	First meeting	Last meeting	Lamar wins	Lamar losses	Ties	Win %
42	November 10, 1951 (lost 7–13)	November 23, 2024 (won 26-24)	13	28	1	.321

The Sabine Shoe: Louisiana

The "Sabine Shoe" rivalry with the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (formerly SLI) is another significant historical contest. The bronze trophy, named after the Sabine River that delineates the Texas–Louisiana border, was first awarded in 1937. Despite its historical significance, the original trophy vanished after the 1978 game, now residing in the Ragin' Cajun Athletic Complex. This rivalry encapsulates a rich cross-state athletic tradition.

**UL Lafayette–Lamar: All-Time Record**
Games played	First meeting	Last meeting	Lamar wins	Lamar losses	Ties	Win %
34	October 27, 1923 (lost 16–19)	September 1, 2012 (lost 0–40)	11	23	0	32.4%

Future Outlook

Upcoming Non-Conference Opponents

The Lamar Cardinals' future non-conference schedules are strategically planned to challenge the team and prepare them for Southland Conference play. These matchups against diverse opponents from various divisions offer valuable competitive experience and exposure.

Announced non-conference opponents as of February 4, 2025.

2025	2026	2027	2028	2029
at North Texas	at Louisiana	at Rice	at Weber State	at Texas State
South Dakota	at Idaho
at Texas Southern	at Sacramento State
Central Arkansas

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio

Click here to open the "Lamar Cardinals Football" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about lamar_cardinals_football while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

cyrus of alexandria

haymarket media group

gross domestic product

kmeg

daniel shays

References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Lamar Cardinals football Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not official athletic or university information. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for official statements, statistics, or guidance from Lamar University Athletics or the NCAA. Always refer to official university and athletic department websites for the most current and authoritative information regarding the Lamar Cardinals football program. Never disregard official information because of something you have read on this website.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Crimson Legacy: A Scholarly Chronicle of Lamar Cardinals Football

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Program Overview ℹ️

🎓 Collegiate Identity

📊 Key Program Metrics

🏟️ Home Field Advantage

Historical Trajectory 📜

🌱 Formative Years and Early Success

⬆️ NCAA Ascent and Peak Performance

🔄 Disbandment and Resurgence

Conference & Division Affiliations 🤝

🗺️ Navigating Conferences

🪜 Divisional Evolution

Conference Championships 🏆

🥇 A Legacy of Titles

Postseason Play 🏅

🏈 Historic Bowl Appearances

playoffs FCS Playoff Debut

Fan Engagement & Attendance 📈

📣 Historic Attendance Peaks

🗓️ Yearly Attendance Trends

Enduring Rivalries ⚔️

🤠 The Battle of the Border: McNeese State

🐊 The Sabine Shoe: Louisiana

Future Outlook 🔮

🗓️ Upcoming Non-Conference Opponents

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

📜 Discover other topics to study!

References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Program Overview

Collegiate Identity

Key Program Metrics

Home Field Advantage

Historical Trajectory

Formative Years and Early Success

NCAA Ascent and Peak Performance

Disbandment and Resurgence

Conference & Division Affiliations

Navigating Conferences

Divisional Evolution

Conference Championships

A Legacy of Titles

Postseason Play

Historic Bowl Appearances

FCS Playoff Debut

Fan Engagement & Attendance

Historic Attendance Peaks

Yearly Attendance Trends

Enduring Rivalries

The Battle of the Border: McNeese State

The Sabine Shoe: Louisiana

Future Outlook

Upcoming Non-Conference Opponents

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice