Belton, Texas – On Saturday, September 9, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Crusader football program opened its season against the Lobos of Sul Ross State. The CRU emerged victorious with a score of 23 to 7 in a game that featured several special recognitions and celebrations.
Prior to the game, Congressman John Carter presented Coach Pete Fredenburg with a copy of the Congressional record entry that he made before the United States House of Representatives in January.
“While the Stagg Bowl was contested over the span of four quarters, for UMHB it was a championship 19 years in the making,” the document reads. “A program built from scratch by Coach Pete Fredenburg nearly two decades ago can now call itself the best in the land.”
Before this year’s team took the field, the fans in attendance were treated to a highlight reel from the CRU’s victory in last year’s Stagg Bowl. Before the video was over, the stands of Crusader Stadium were shaking with cheers, applause, and more than a few tears. At its conclusion, seniors from last year’s squad walked to center field, the National Championship trophy held high, prompting another loud ovation. From the fifty-yard line, the former players had a perfect view of the plaque unveiled below the stadium big screen. It reads, simply, “2016 National Champions.”
With the crowd primed, this year’s team ran onto the field. Congressman Carter returned to preside over the coin toss and get the contest started.
With this win, the CRU open their 2017 season with both an overall and conference record of 1-0. Their next game will be held Saturday, September 16, against Linfield College in McMinnville, Portland.
