Written by Heather Kennedy, The University of Olivet Archives intern
A photo of the 1901 Championship Team (below), donated to the The University of Olivet Archives over Homecoming weekend by Martha Brunger Parks, shows the 15-member team (and accompanying sheep) with a record of 9-0, one being a forfeit.
This picture also includes the scores from the nine games, and a chant that was yelled by The University of Olivet fans who attended. The University of Olivet Football has made major progress this season with a record of 7-0, winning every game they have played thus far. The last time The University of Olivet Football had a similar winning record was in 1901 when the team won the MIAA championship, defeating historic Michigan Agriculture College (known known as Michigan State University), with a record 9-0 season.
One student pictured in the photo is Stephen Morgan, one of the first African-American students to play football at The University of Olivet. He played from 1900-1902 and was recently featured in two articles by the Historical Society of Michigan. As one the earliest African-American college athletes in the United States, it was also significant that he played on an integrated team for the 1901 championship.
With the 2015 Comets playing so well this year it might be possible to come away with a record just like in 1901. If The University of Olivet is ready, history may be able to repeat itself.