Steve Mariucci, left, joins NMU Athletic Director Rick Comley and Tom Izzo at a reunion dinner celebrating Northern Michigan University's 1975 Division II national football championship. (Northern Michigan University photos)

MARQUETTE — Former Wildcat quarterback Steve Mariucci approached the storied 1975 Northern Michigan University football season third on the position’s depth chart. Injuries to the starter during a practice before the first game and later to the backup five minutes into his first quarter of action propelled the Iron Mountain native into the leading role.

Mariucci proved his mettle as a sophomore and, with ample support from the hard-working players that surrounded him, helped to clinch a playoff berth, national title and 13-1 record following a winless season the prev

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