**1971 Delaware State Hornets football team**
**Definition:**
The 1971 Delaware State Hornets football team represented Delaware State College (now Delaware State University) during the 1971 NCAA College Division football season as a member of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA). Under head coach Arnold Jeter, in his fifth year, the Hornets compiled a 4–6 overall record and a 3–3 mark in conference play.
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# 1971 Delaware State Hornets football team
The 1971 Delaware State Hornets football team was the collegiate football team for Delaware State College during the 1971 NCAA College Division football season. Competing in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), the Hornets were led by head coach Arnold Jeter, who was in his fifth season at the helm. The team finished with a 4–6 overall record and a 3–3 record in conference play, reflecting a season of competitive challenges and development.
## Background
Delaware State College, located in Dover, Delaware, was a historically Black college competing in the CIAA, a conference primarily composed of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern United States. The football program had experienced various degrees of success in the years leading up to 1971, with Arnold Jeter appointed as head coach in 1967. Jeter’s tenure was marked by efforts to build a competitive program within the CIAA and to develop student-athletes both on and off the field.
The 1971 season came at a time when college football was undergoing significant changes, including the NCAA’s reorganization into University and College Divisions (later Division I, II, and III), and increased attention to integration and equality in collegiate athletics. Delaware State, as an HBCU, played a vital role in providing opportunities for African American athletes during this era.
## Season Overview
### Preseason Expectations
Entering the 1971 season, the Delaware State Hornets aimed to improve upon their previous campaigns. With Coach Jeter in his fifth year, the team sought to leverage experience and continuity in coaching to enhance their competitiveness within the CIAA. The Hornets faced a challenging schedule that included both conference rivals and non-conference opponents.
### Coaching Staff
– **Head Coach:** Arnold Jeter (5th year)
Jeter was known for his disciplined approach and emphasis on fundamentals. His leadership was central to the team’s strategies and player development.
– **Assistant Coaches:** The coaching staff included assistants responsible for offense, defense, and special teams, though specific names and roles for the 1971 season are not widely documented.
### Team Roster and Key Players
While detailed individual statistics and full roster information from the 1971 season are limited, the team featured a mix of upperclassmen and underclassmen who contributed to both offensive and defensive units. The Hornets relied on a balanced attack and a defense focused on resilience against CIAA opponents.
## Schedule and Results
The Hornets played a total of 10 games during the 1971 season, with a mix of home and away contests. Their 4–6 overall record reflected a season of competitive play but also challenges in securing victories consistently.
| Date | Opponent | Location | Result | Score | Conference Game |
|————|————————|——————-|———|———-|—————–|
| Early Sept | Non-conference Opponent| Home/Away | W/L | Score | No |
| … | … | … | … | … | … |
| Late Nov | CIAA Opponent | Home/Away | W/L | Score | Yes |
*Note: Specific dates, opponents, and scores for the 1971 season are not comprehensively documented in available sources.*
### Conference Performance
Within the CIAA, Delaware State posted a 3–3 record, placing them in the middle tier of the conference standings. The Hornets demonstrated competitiveness against familiar rivals but faced difficulties overcoming the top teams in the conference.
## Statistical Highlights
Due to limited archival data, comprehensive statistics for the 1971 Delaware State Hornets football team are not readily available. However, the team’s overall and conference records provide a general indication of their performance level during the season.
## Impact and Legacy
The 1971 season was part of a broader era in which Delaware State’s football program was striving to establish itself within the CIAA and the wider landscape of college football. Coach Arnold Jeter’s leadership during this period laid groundwork for future development of the program.
The Hornets’ participation in the CIAA during the early 1970s contributed to the rich tradition of HBCU football, which has been instrumental in the development of African American athletes and coaches. The 1971 team’s efforts reflected the challenges and opportunities faced by smaller programs competing in a changing collegiate athletic environment.
## Aftermath and Subsequent Seasons
Following the 1971 season, Delaware State continued to compete in the CIAA before eventually transitioning to other conferences in later decades. The football program evolved with changes in coaching staff, recruitment, and institutional support.
Arnold Jeter remained head coach through the early 1970s, continuing to influence the program’s direction. The experiences of the 1971 team contributed to the ongoing narrative of Delaware State football as it sought to build competitive teams and enhance its reputation.
## Conclusion
The 1971 Delaware State Hornets football team represented a period of steady competition within the CIAA under the guidance of Coach Arnold Jeter. While the team’s 4–6 record indicated challenges on the field, the season was part of the broader history of Delaware State’s football program and its role in HBCU athletics. The Hornets’ participation in the 1971 season exemplifies the dedication and resilience of student-athletes and coaches during a transformative era in college football.
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**Meta Description:**
The 1971 Delaware State Hornets football team competed in the CIAA under head coach Arnold Jeter, finishing the season with a 4–6 record. This article details their season performance, coaching, and historical context.