UMHB: NCAA Division III National Champions Return Home [PHOTOS]

On Friday, Dec. 16, the UMHB Crusaders football team made their second appearance in the NCAA Division III championship game known as the Stagg Bowl, named for American athlete and college coach, Amos Alonzo Stagg. The playoffs begin with 32 teams selected to participate and has been played in Salem, Virginia since 1993.

The football players and coaching staff were welcomed home on Saturday, Dec. 17 to a proud Crusader fan celebration.

Head Coach Pete Fredenburg proudly displayed their first National Championship trophy. The team won with a score of 10-7 against UW-Oshkosh of Wisconsin.

As the football players made their way through the crowd, high-fives were offered in appreciation for all their hard work.

"This is just absolutely incredible, what a great feeling to see so many people. There is so many people to thank: Dr. Balcom with the vision that we have a football program and then his vision was intensified with Dr. O'Rear's vision. All the players that came before this group and coaches that laid the ground work. And of course these guys who are so unbelievable. It is so rewarding for me to represent so many wonderful people and the great leadership of this team. And thank you to our fans", said Coach Fredenburg.

Check out our drone footage of the champions' homecoming.