Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) welcomed football alumni, fans, and friends back to Weatherford on June 5-6, 2026, for SWOSU Football Championship Weekend, a two-day celebration dedicated to supporting and advancing the Bulldog Football program.
The weekend began Friday evening with the Friday Night Main Event, presented by Hill’s Pet Nutrition, at the SWOSU Esports Arena. The festivities featured a program update from Head Football Coach Andrew Rice and members of the coaching staff, a social with refreshments, and a panel discussion on the future of SWOSU Football featuring Steve Price (’83), former NFL player Carl Birdsong (’83), Michael Hart (’06), and Pat Lewis.
On Saturday, the SWOSU Football Legacy Golf Tournament, presented by Great Plains Driving School, teed off at Prairie West Golf Club. Lunch was provided following the tournament.
Hill's Pet Nutrition, a subsidiary of Colgate-Palmolive located in Clinton, specializes in the production of pet food products utilizing scientifically advanced nutritional formulations. The Clinton plant is one of the organization's eight manufacturing sites in the United States and is currently led by Director of Manufacturing Kale Sawatzky (‘15), a former SWOSU Bulldog football student-athlete.
Great Plains Driving School is owned and operated by Rocky Powell (’81, ’84) and Ginger Powell (’79). Rocky is a former SWOSU football player, member of the 1977 Apple Bowl team, and former Bulldog coach who helped lead SWOSU to the 1996 NAIA National Championship. The business provides driver education and road testing services for both teens and adults.
Proceeds from Championship Weekend benefited the SWOSU Football program through the SWOSU Football Legacy Fund.
“This weekend was about reconnecting Bulldog Football alumni and supporters while investing in the future of our program,” said SWOSU Athletic Director Todd Helton. “We are grateful to Hill’s Pet Nutrition and Great Plains Driving School for their sponsorship and continued support of SWOSU Football.”
The SWOSU Football Legacy Fund was established in 2015 by football alumni Dustin Wall (’05) and Michael Hart (’06) in partnership with the SWOSU Athletic Association. The fund provides ongoing support for the SWOSU Football program and its student-athletes.
Additional information about the SWOSU Football Legacy Fund is available at www.SWOSUFootballLegacyGolf.com.
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