Denison University is a private, coeducational college of liberal arts and sciences.
Located in Granville, Ohio, Denison is a founding member of the North Coast Athletic Conference. The Big Red compete in NCAA Division III, and have a long, storied tradition of football excellence.
Wayne Woodrow "Woody" Hayes played and graduated from Denison in the early 1930's. In 1946, Hayes returned to Granville as the program's head coach, leading the Big Red to a 19-game win streak in his final two seasons. The "Woody" Hayes commemorative rock remains entrenched in the stadium's main walkway, where players touch the rock to honor his contributions and efforts to the Denison football program.
Denison Big Red football has enjoyed countless winning seasons, All-Conference performers, and pro talent. Rick Kirk, a lightning-quick defensive end, was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 9th round of the 1979 NFL draft. Frank Roe, a tight end for Denison in the mid-2000's, enjoyed multiple years of success in the Arena Football League.
Refurbished in 2007, Denison plays their home games at Deeds Field-Piper Stadium. The stadium is named after legendary Denison coach Keith Piper, who led the Big Red to over 200 wins in his 42-year stay in Granville. Famous for the 'single wing', Piper remains one of only 18 coaches in the history of the game to gather over 200 victories at the same school. His 1985 and '86 teams won consecutive NCAC championships, and earned Piper back-to-back Coach of the Year honors.
With new FieldTurf, a concession plaza, visiting bleachers, a brick retaining wall, storage building, and four 75-foot light towers perfect for electrifying night games, the 3,000 seat stadium remains one of the best Division III venues in the country to catch a Saturday afternoon contest.
