“We were surprised we got to the playoffs then we just kept winning one game at a time until we got to the championships,” said Kurt Albrech, a running back for the Wildcats in 1975. “It was surreal.”

Going from 0-10 in ’74 to bouncing back and winning the NCAA Division II national championship the following year has cemented this moment as one of the most notable in Wildcat history, but the whole experience was impactful to some of the players.

“Flying out there was a big deal,” said Albrech. “The whole experience was kind of surreal, everything that happened and I was just a 21 year old kid.”

Albrech remembers between practices and meetings, going out exploring in sightseeing in Sacramento California where the game took place. Then the team played and won 16-14 against Western Kentucky. This still remains the only time NMU made it to the NCAA championships, and the only time they won. Albrech played no small part, he was a runningback and then when other players couldn’t perform he had to switch to be a linebacker, a role he hadn’t been trained in; yet he still managed to perform and place a few key tackles in the NCAA championship.

Northern Michigan University quarterback Steve Mariucci hands off to running back Randy Awrey for the game-winning touchdown run against Western Kentucky in the DII championship (Photo courtesy of Northern Michigan University)

“We were good, but there have been a lot of good teams since,” said Albrech. “There was a lot more to it than just the game. We just happened to be part of it.”

Albrech feels a kinship with the current players at NMU, though a lot has changed in the 50 years since he played for Northern, he still has a connection and can see the drive the current players have.

“I am a big fan of Shane (Richardson) and have even been to a few practices, I see their potential,” said Albrech. “They just got to get their breakthrough.”

Antonio Anderson can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 550. His email address is aanderson@miningjournal.net.