University of Minnesota Morris Athletics

The 1970 Minnesota Morris football team carved out a special place in the institution's history by winning the Northern Intercollegiate Conference title -- a first for the football program.

The Cougars played with a unique blend of many different talents. The team did not lead the NIC in any one particular offensive or defensive category. Minnesota Morris was among the leads in all categories however. A total of 13 Cougars had individual rushing statistics and seven other had receiving statistics. 

A host of Cougar players ranked especially high in individual statistics in the NIC that year. In total offense, Tom Bergner and Doug Patnode ranked fifth and eighth, respectively, averaging over 75 yards a game. Patnode also ranked fourth in total rushing while Bergner led the NIC in passing attempts with 122, nearly 40 more than any other quarterback in the league. Mike Bah and Warrenn Anderson ranked first and ninth, respectively, in receiving. Bah was also second in punt return yards, third in total kickoff return yards, and sixth in punting in the NIC. Ron Larson  and Ron Simmons combined for seven interceptions, ranking among the best in the conference.