The Rise of Erk's Eagles

Erk Russell Hired

May 23, 1981

Georgia Southern College, intent on restarting a football program that had been dormant since the onset of World War II, hires Erk Russell, who had served as the defensive coordinator of the University of Georgia Bulldogs, to be the head coach of the new football Eagles.

First season

Sep 3, 1982

Fielding a team comprised entirely of walk-on players, the first Georgia Southern Eagle football team fashions a 7-3-1 record during the 1982 season.

NCAA Division 1AA

Sep 1, 1984

During the first year of NCAA Division 1 competition, Georgia Southern completes a record of 8-3 and barely misses the 16-team, field of the NCAA playoffs.

First National Championship win

Dec 21, 1985

Led by quarterback Tracy Ham, the Eagles complete a 13-2 season and defeat Furman University 44-42 in the NCAA 1AA national championship game, played at the Tacoma Dome in Tacoma, Washington.

Back-to-Back

Dec 20, 1986

Once again, Coach Erk Russell and quarterback Tracy Ham lead the Eagles to a 13-2 record and a second 1AA National Championship. The Eagles rout Arkansas State 48-21 at the title game, played once again in Tacoma.

The Perfect Season

Dec 16, 1989

Erk Russell and quarterback Raymond Gross lead the Eagles to an undefeated season, capped with a national championship victory on their home field at Paulson Stadium in Statesboro, Georgia over Stephen F. Austin University, 37-34. The Eagles become the first NCAA team of the 20th century to record 15 wins in a season, wrapping up a 15-0 record. Coach Russell announced his retirement shortly after the win, choosing to go out on top!