BGSU Decades Celebration: Falcons in 1965
Celebrating the Spirit of 1965 as Part of the 2025 BGSU Decades Celebration
9/9/2025
As part of Bowling Green State University’s Decades Celebration, we proudly invite all Falcons to relive the unforgettable moments that defined the different eras. We started with the 2015 era and followed with 2005. Then we looked at 1995, 1985, and 1975. We now continue our walk through BGSU history with the final section, the 1965 era. Whether you were a student, professor, staff member, Townie, or a devoted fan cheering on BGSU Athletics, this celebration honors your place in Falcon history. In the lead-up to Homecoming 2025, BGSUFalcons.com will spotlight the stories and accomplishments that shaped each anniversary year—continuing with 1965, a time marked by remarkable athletic achievements and the unwavering spirit of the Orange and Brown.
As Falcons return to Bowling Green for Homecoming 2025, we proudly spotlight one of the foundational years in BGSU Athletics history—1965. It was a year that embodied excellence, heart and the rallying cry that continues to echo across campus and beyond: “Who's Got it Better Than Us!” - Jackie and Jack Harbaugh
Football Runs The MAC
A common theme throughout our decades spotlights has been the championship tradition of the Falcon Football program. The 1965 season was no different. In the program’s first season under head coach Bob Gibson, the Falcons finished 7-2 while going 5-1 in the MAC to tie with Miami (OH) for the MAC Championship, the title marking the second for the Falcons in as many seasons. BGSU outscored opponents 123 to 107 on the way to a championship. Stew Williams led the rushing attack with 616 rushing yards while Dwight Wallace led the passing attack with 425 yards.
Cochrane Legacy Begins At Varsity Level
The 1965 campaign marked the beginning of two historic programs within BGSU Athletics. Under the guidance of MAC Hall of Famer Mickey Cochrane, both men’s soccer and men’s lacrosse made the transition from club to varsity. On the pitch, Cochrane began laying the groundwork for future success. While the season spelled just a 2-4-2 record for men’s soccer, Cochrane and company made the first step in the historic program’s history. Joining men’s soccer was men’s lacrosse, which also began its first season as a varsity program at BGSU. Within just a handful of seasons, Cochrane would lead the Falcons to a Midwest Lacrosse Association championship, an undefeated season and a top 10 national ranking.
Falcons Fend Off The Fighting Irish
In 1965, the Falcon baseball program tallied one of the program’s numerous notable wins. On May 14, Bowling Green traveled west to South Bend, Indiana and bested the Fighting Irish on their own diamond in a 3-1 final. The statement win was part of a 17-9 season for the Orange and Brown, including an 8-2 standing in the MAC. Despite losing the season opener, the Falcons rattled off eight-straight wins in response, starting the season 8-1 on the year. The season ended similarly to how it began, closing out the year with an 8-3 stretch, including a win over Cincinnati in the season finale, the same team who had previously topped the Falcons in the season opener. Following the season, Wayne Burdette was drafted by the New York Mets in the 27th round of the MLB Draft.
Hardwood History For BGSU
For Bowling Green, the 1965 calendar year marked one of historic proportions for the men’s basketball program. As a team, the Falcons shot 75.3-percent at the free throw line in the 1964-65 season, setting the program record for highest free throw percentage in a season, a record that still stands today. Moving to the 1965-66 season, the 1965 calendar closed out with an 85-72 victory over Texas A&M on Dec. 30. On an individual level, Bob Dwors was named an NCAA Postgraduate Scholar, the only one in program history, as well as a unanimous All-MAC selection.
Falcons Fare Well In The Water
The 1965 season proved to be a turning point for Bowling Green’s men’s swimming program, posting their best winning percentage in five years. The Falcons concluded the campaign with a 12-3 slate in dual meet competition with the only losses being to Michigan State, Western Michigan and the eventual MAC Champions, Ohio. Paul Schreiber captured the MAC title in the 100-yard backstroke with a time of 0:58.5 while the team broke 11 varsity records over the course of the season.
Falcons Fly Across Every Sport
- In wrestling, the Falcons went 9-4-2, including a first place finish at the Western Michigan Quadrangular. Bowling Green finishing third in the MAC while Dennis Palmer reclaimed his 157-pound MAC title
- The Falcon Hockey program began competing on the ice, although the program wouldn’t reach varsity level until the 1969-70 campaign.
From the football gridiron to the newly-elevated varsity soccer pitch and every playing surface in-between, 1965 set the foundation for decades of success to come on the campus of Bowling Green. This Homecoming, as we gather for the Decades Party on Sept. 12 and walk Decades Drive on Sept. 13, we honor those who wore the Orange and Brown with pride and 1965 one of unprecedented history.
So, we ask again, as Jackie and Jack Harbaugh did — Who’s Got it Better Than Us?
Nobody.
