By Darin Joe Cichy anchors one of the most incredible winning streaks in the history of the American gridiron. Transitioning from a backup quarterback to a dominant All-American safety, Cichy powered the North Dakota State Bison through a golden era of undefeated seasons and national titles. His relentless tackling and ball-hawking skills didn’t just stop opponents; they secured a legacy of perfection that spanned from his high school days to the pinnacle of collegiate football. Discover the story of the man who went 55 consecutive games without tasting defeat and eventually transformed into a coaching icon in North Dakota.
Football Bio
May 12, 1948 – Fargo, North Dakota – Joe Cichy, the North Dakota State Safety from 1968 through the 1970 season, arrived in this life.
Joe entered his first season on the Bison team as the second-string quarterback, but by the next year, he was the starting safety. He made College Division All-America in 1969 and 1970, and his North Dakota State team was national champions in the Associated Press poll in 1968 and 1969. In Cichy’s three years, their record was 29-0-1.
He had finished high school with a 25-game winning streak. When these records are combined, Cichy has a streak of 55 games without a loss. In 1969, he set a school record with 53 unassisted tackles. Joe Cichy’s collegiate football records are celebrated in the College Football Hall of Fame after his induction in 1997.
He used his experiences on the gridiron to become an outstanding high school coach, as his teams at Shanley High in Fargo, North Dakota, won 20 state championships in his 30 years of coaching!
Conclusion
Joe Cichy defines the ultimate winner, carrying a tradition of excellence from the field to the sidelines. He stands as a pillar of North Dakota State history, representing a time when the Bison were practically invincible on the national stage. By parlaying his Hall of Fame collegiate career into a legendary coaching tenure at Shanley High, Cichy continues to shape the character and competitive spirit of North Dakota football. His 1997 induction into the College Football Hall of Fame cements his status as a master of the game who truly understood the path to victory.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1997.
- 2× National Champion: 1968, 1969 (North Dakota State).
- 2× College Division All-American: 1969, 1970.
- Incredible “Unbeaten” Streak: 55 consecutive games without a loss (Combined High School and College).
- Collegiate Record: 29-0-1 during his three-year varsity career at NDSU.
- School Record Holder: Set the Bison mark for unassisted tackles in a season with 53 (1969).
- North Dakota State Athletic Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1982.
- Legendary Coaching Career: Led Shanley High School to 20 state championships over 30 years.
- Bison Pride: Part of the elite squad that won the Camellia Bowl in back-to-back years.