The 1959 National Championship football team returned to Kingsville last weekend to indulge nostalgia and celebrate a season that would catalyze a storied winning tradition at A&M-Kingsville and Texas A&I alike.
Members of the team dined with school officials Friday night, and used the evening to strengthen the communal bond that has been intact for 60 years.
Ex-player Jamie Davis was in attendance and proud of the kinship and closeness the teammates shared.
“A lot of these guys stay in touch pretty regularly, but to be able to get together with them and let the food and conversation and liquor flow, that was a lot of fun,” Davis said. “It really is like getting together with a bunch of your brothers.”
The 1959 season was the first Gil Steinke-coached season with double-digits in the win column. It was also the legendary coach’s first of six National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Football National Championships at Texas A&I (1959,1969,1970,1974,1975,1976).
The 1959 National Champions would outscore regular season opponents 191-to-87 (excluding a 1-0 forfeit by Howard Payne in week four) before defeating Hillsdale 20-0 in the first round of the playoffs. They would then defeat Lenoir Rhyne 20-6 in the Holiday Bowl National Championship in St. Petersburg, Fla.
Members of the championship team, fans and friends gathered outside of Pepsi Field at Javelina Stadium on Saturday to continue their celebration before being recognized during the game against Saginaw Valley State.
In attendance was long-time Javelina fan, Harriet “Mama Hog” Williams, who is arguably unrivaled in her love for TAMUK athletics.
“I haven’t missed much these past 50 years. There really is nothing I love more than my Javelinas,” Williams said. “Having those guys back here just goes to show you how special it is to be here. We are like one big family, and there is no better place to be.”
In addition to past players, alumni band members were also in attendance and performed during the half-time show.