Garin Higgins
{{Short description|American football player and coach (born 1968)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2017}}
{{Infobox college coach
| name = Garin Higgins
| image = Garin Higgins.jpg
| current_title = Head coach
| current_team = Emporia State
| current_conference = MIAA
| current_record = 113–84
| contract = $142,676{{cite web |url=http://kanview.ks.gov/PayRates/PayRates_Agency.aspx |title=Kansas Government Employee Payroll List |accessdate=December 15, 2022}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1968|10|11}}
| birth_place = Blackwell, Oklahoma, U.S.
| player_team1 = Emporia State
| player_positions = Quarterback
| coach_years1 = 1992–1993
| coach_team1 = Northeastern State (GA)
| coach_years2 = 1994–1996
| coach_team2 = Northwestern Oklahoma State (RB/QB)
| coach_years3 = 1997–1999
| coach_team3 = Northwestern Oklahoma State (OC)
| coach_years4 = 2000–2004
| coach_team4 = Northwestern Oklahoma State
| coach_years5 = 2005
| coach_team5 = Minnesota State–Mankato
(co-OC)
| coach_years6 = 2006
| coach_team6 = Northeastern State (OC)
| coach_years7 = 2007–present
| coach_team7 = Emporia State
| overall_record = 164–93
| bowl_record = 4–1
| tournament_record = 7–5 (NAIA playoffs)
3–3 (NCAA D-II playoffs)
| championships = 5 CSFL (2000–2004)
| awards = 5× CSFL Coach of the Year (2000–2004)
| coaching_records =
}}
Garin Higgins (born October 11, 1968) is an American college football coach and former player. He is the head football coach for Emporia State University, a position he has held since 2007. Higgins previously served as the head football coach at Northwestern Oklahoma State University from 2000 to 2004. His Northwestern Oklahoma State Rangers finished as runners-up in the NAIA Football National Championship in 2000 and 2003.{{cite news |last=Courrier |first=Chad |url=http://www.mnsu.edu/news/read/?paper=topstories&id=old-1104904800 |title=Football coach Jeff Jamrog plans to stay at MSU; Offered post at Ohio U |newspaper=The Free Press |location=Mankato, Minnesota |date=April 9, 2006 |accessdate=November 27, 2016}} Higgins worked as co-offensive coordinator at Minnesota State University, Mankato and offensive coordinator at Northeastern State University in 2006.
Early life
Higgins was born in Blackwell, Oklahoma, on October 11, 1968, where he was an all-state quarterback for the Blackwell High School football team.{{cite news |last=Samples |first=Chuck |url=http://www.kvoe.com/index.php/sports/445-no-23-hornets-off-to-fast-start-on-homecoming|title=No. 23 Hornets give head coach late birthday present on Homecoming - KVOE |accessdate=May 21, 2017}} After graduating high school in 1987, Higgins attended Emporia State University, where he was the quarterback for the football team.{{cite web |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/2006-12-15-notebook_x.htm|title=Notebook: Idaho State names new football coach; UAB shifts focus - USATODAY.com|date=December 15, 2006 |accessdate=May 23, 2017}} While at Emporia State, Higgins helped lead the team to the 1989 NAIA championship game where they lost to Carson–Newman.{{cite web |url=http://www.naia.org/fls/27900/1NAIA/SportsInfo/Championships/FB_Championship.pdf?SPSID=640523 |title=Championship History - NAIA |accessdate=May 23, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715022933/http://www.naia.org/fls/27900/1NAIA/SportsInfo/Championships/FB_Championship.pdf?SPSID=640523 |archive-date=July 15, 2015 |url-status=dead }}
Coaching career
After graduating Emporia State in 1992, Higgins served as a graduate assistant at Northeastern State University from 1992 through the 1993 season.{{cite web|last=Capital-Journal |first=The |url=http://cjonline.com/stories/121506/lsp_higgins.shtml#.WSJ_OVLMwy4 |title=ESU picks ex-player Higgins as coach |publisher=The Topeka Capital-Journal |date=December 15, 2006 |accessdate=May 23, 2017}} In 1994, Higgins left for Northwestern Oklahoma State University (NWOSU) in where he held several positions from 1995 to 1999 including the running backs and quarterbacks coach for the first three seasons, and then moving to offensive coordinator from 1997 to 1999 before being named head coach in after the 1999 season.{{cite web |url=http://ranger3.nwosu.edu/atHLETIC/football/Archives/2002/coaches.htm |title=Northwestern Oklahoma State University - Ranger Athletics |publisher=Ranger3.nwosu.edu |accessdate=May 23, 2017}}
= Northwestern Oklahoma State (2000–2004) =
On February 14, 2000, Higgins was promoted to head coach at Northwestern Oklahoma State.{{cite web|author=Richard Tortorelli |url=http://newsok.com/article/2686363 |title=Nebraska hires NWOSU's Albin |publisher=News OK |date=February 15, 2000 |accessdate=May 23, 2017}} Coming off of a championship season,{{cite web|url=http://www.nwosu.edu/sports-hall-of-fame-induction |title=Albin, 1999 Ranger football team to be inducted into Sports Hall of Fame Feb. 14 | Northwestern Oklahoma State University |publisher=Nwosu.edu |date=January 9, 2009 |accessdate=May 23, 2017}} Higgins led the Rangers to a 13–1 overall, 5–0 in conference play season, which in return led them being the Central States Football League champions and earned them a NAIA runners-up.{{cite web|url=http://www.centralstatesfootball.com/team/15/1/80.php |title=Central States Football League - Northwestern Oklahoma State University |publisher=Central States Football League |accessdate=May 23, 2017}} The next season, 2001, turned out to be another winning season. Higgins led the Rangers to another conference title, ending the season in the first round of the NAIA postseason with an overall record of 7–3, 4–0 in conference play.{{cite web |url=http://www.centralstatesfootball.com/team/14/1/80.php |title=Central States Football League - Northwestern Oklahoma State University |publisher=Central States Football League |accessdate=May 23, 2017}} In 2002, Higgins led the Rangers to another conference championship with a record of 11–1 overall, 4–0 in conference play, advancing the team to the NAIA quarterfinals.{{cite web |url=http://www.centralstatesfootball.com/team/13/1/80.php |title=Central States Football League - Northwestern Oklahoma State University |publisher=Central States Football League |accessdate=May 23, 2017}}
The following season in 2003, the Rangers won their fifth straight conference championship and advanced finished the season with an overall record of 11–2, 5–0 in conference play earning the runners-up in the NAIA.{{cite web |url=http://www.centralstatesfootball.com/team/12/1/80.php |title=Central States Football League - Northwestern Oklahoma State University |publisher=Central States Football League |accessdate=May 23, 2017}} In 2004, Higgins' last season with the Rangers, the team won their sixth straight conference championship finishing the season in the first round of the NAIA postseason and an overall record of 9–2, 7–0 in conference play.{{cite web|url=http://www.centralstatesfootball.com/team/10/1/80.php |title=Central States Football League - Northwestern Oklahoma State University |publisher=Central States Football League |accessdate=May 23, 2017}} Higgins finished his career at NWOSU with an overall record of 51–9, 25–0 in conference play with a winning percentage of {{winpct|51|9}}. On January 5, 2006, Higgins resigned to become the co-offensive coordinator at Minnesota State–Mankato.{{cite web|author=Bob Colon |url=http://newsok.com/article/2880008 |title=Higgins resigns as NWOSU's coach |publisher=News OK |date=January 5, 2005 |accessdate=May 23, 2017}} In 2006, Higgins returned to Northeastern State to serve as the offensive coordinator for one season.{{cite web|author=Brad Collins |url=http://newsok.com/article/2923757 |title=Damjanac's loss is SNU's gain |publisher=News OK |date=December 14, 2005 |accessdate=May 23, 2017}}
= Emporia State (2007–present) =
== Rough first five seasons: 2007–2011 ==
On December 14, 2006, Higgins was introduced as the 24th head football coach of Emporia State University,{{cite web |url=http://esuhornets.com/staff.aspx?staff=53 |title=Emporia State University Athletics - Staff Directory |publisher=ESU Athletics |date=December 15, 2006 |accessdate=May 23, 2017}} replacing Dave Wiemers who resigned after three consecutive losing seasons.{{cite web|url=http://www.emporiagazette.com/sports/esu/article_5ecd2064-00ac-520c-bdb7-ba20431a592c.html |title=Wiemers resigns | ESU |publisher=The Emporia Gazette |date=November 17, 2006 |accessdate=May 23, 2017}} On September 1, 2007, the Hornets opened the season with a 7–3 win over the Western State Colorado Mountaineers, securing his' first win as a coach at his alma mater.{{cite web|last=Corbitt |first=Ken |url=http://cjonline.com/stories/090707/was_197629580.shtml#.WSN6BVLMwy4 |title=E-State eyes season-opening, two-game win streak |publisher=The Topeka Capital-Journal |date=September 7, 2007 |accessdate=May 23, 2017}} Higgins led the Hornets to their first 3–0 season since 2003, but that quickly ended once they began conference play losing their final eight games.{{cite web |url=http://www.emporiagazette.com/news/article_a5589bde-1798-52d0-bb14-4732243cd5a7.html |title=Something to Prove | News |publisher=The Emporia Gazette |date=September 7, 2007 |accessdate=May 23, 2017}} The Hornets finished 3–8 overall, 1–8 in conference play.{{cite book |title=2007 Emporia State Hornet football media guide |url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/sidearm.sites/emporia.sidearmsports.com/documents/2011/12/16/07ESUFBmediaguide.pdf |publisher=ESU Athletics |date=December 16, 2011 |accessdate=May 23, 2017}} The following season in 2008, Higgins led the Hornets to a 4–7 overall, 2–7 in conference play season with their only two conference wins against Fort Hays State and Truman.{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/game?gameId=282642214 |title=Fort Hays State vs. Emporia State - Game Summary - September 20, 2008 |publisher=ESPN |date=September 20, 2008 |accessdate=May 23, 2017}}
During his third year as head coach of the Hornets, Higgins led his team to the program's lowest overall winning record since 1980 – 2–8.{{cite book |title=2012 Emporia State Hornet football media guide |url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/sidearm.sites/emporia.sidearmsports.com/documents/2012/9/20/12ESUFBMediaGuide0.pdf |publisher=ESU Athletics |date=September 20, 2012 |accessdate=May 23, 2017}} The next season, however, Higgins turned the program around and finished the next two seasons 5–6 overall, and 3–6 in conference play.{{cite book |title=2011 Emporia State Hornet football media guide |url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/sidearm.sites/emporia.sidearmsports.com/documents/2012/1/11/11ESUFBMediaGuide.pdf |publisher=ESU Athletics |date=January 11, 2012 |accessdate=May 23, 2017}}
== Next five seasons: success begins (2012–2016) ==
File:Garin Higgins in 2015.png in 2015]]
File:Garin Higgins in 2016.png
During his sixth season at Emporia State, the university had undergone a leadership change.{{cite news |url=http://www.wibw.com/home/headlines/Dr_Michael_Shonrock_Named_ESUs_16th_President_135321463.html |title=Dr. Michael Shonrock Named ESU's 16th President |publisher=WIBW-TV |date=December 9, 2011 |accessdate=May 23, 2017 |archive-date=September 2, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902012042/http://www.wibw.com/home/headlines/Dr_Michael_Shonrock_Named_ESUs_16th_President_135321463.html |url-status=dead }} With the new leadership change, came a new atmosphere on campus and Higgins led the Hornets to their first winning season since 2003.{{cite web |url=http://www.esuhornets.com/news/2012/11/12/FB_1112124649.aspx |title=Emporia State University Athletics - Emporia State Football Accepts Kanza Bowl Bid |publisher=ESU Athletics |date=November 12, 2012 |accessdate=May 23, 2017}} The Hornets started the season off strong winning their first eight games – the program's first since 1988{{cite web |url=http://esuhornets.com/documents/2012/10/17/12ESUFBatTSUnotes.pdf |title=#18 Emporia State Football Heads to Truman |publisher=ESU Athletics |date=October 17, 2012 |accessdate=May 23, 2017}} – earning them national rankings as well for the first time since 2003. In the first five games, the Hornets scored 30+ points per game.{{cite web |url=http://esuhornets.com/schedule.aspx?schedule=14&path=football |title=Emporia State University Athletics - 2012 ESU Football Schedule |publisher=ESU Athletics |accessdate=May 23, 2017}} Finishing 10–2 overall, 9–2 in conference play led Higgins to secure a second-place finish in the MIAA and a bid to the Kanza Bowl where they defeated the Texas A&M–Kingsville Javelinas 45–38.{{cite news|last=Maycock |first=Brent |url=http://cjonline.com/sports/2012-11-25/esu-overcomes-slow-start-javelinas-win-kanza-bowl-45-38 |title=ESU overcomes slow start, Javelinas to win Kanza Bowl 45-38 |publisher=The Topeka Capital-Journal |date=November 25, 2012 |accessdate=May 23, 2017}} Quarterback Tyler Eckenrode finished his career at Emporia State with school records and as a finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy.{{cite web |url=http://esuhornets.com/news/2012/11/9/FB_1109120110.aspx |title=Emporia State University Athletics - Emporia State Qb Eckenrode Named Regional Harlon Hill Trophy Finalist |publisher=ESU Athletics |date=November 9, 2012 |accessdate=May 23, 2017}}
After a successful season and losing a record-breaking quarterback,{{cite web|url=http://esuhornets.com/news/2013/8/14/FB_0814133818.aspx?path=football |title=Emporia State University Athletics - Emporia State Football Quarterback/Receiver Preview |publisher=ESU Athletics |date=August 14, 2013 |accessdate=May 23, 2017}} the Hornets were chosen to finish in seventh place in the MIAA preseason polls.{{cite web |url=http://esuhornets.com/news/2013/8/4/FB_0804134840.aspx?path=football |title=Emporia State University Athletics - Emporia State Football Ranked 7th in MIAA Preseason Polls |publisher=ESU Athletics |date=August 4, 2013 |accessdate=May 23, 2017}} The Hornets also were starting to receive votes for national rankings, as well.{{cite web |url=http://esuhornets.com/news/2013/8/19/FB_0819134958.aspx?path=football |title=Emporia State University Athletics - Emporia State Football Receives Votes in AFCA Preseason Poll |publisher=ESU Athletics |date=August 19, 2013 |accessdate=May 23, 2017}} Higgins led the Hornets to another 8–0 start, scoring 35+ points a game.{{cite web |url=http://esuhornets.com/schedule.aspx?schedule=29&path=football |title=Emporia State University Athletics - 2013 Football Schedule |publisher=ESU Athletics |accessdate=May 23, 2017}} The No. 10 Hornets' winning streak was again snapped to the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats.{{cite web |url=http://esuhornets.com/news/2013/11/9/FB_1109130312.aspx?path=football |title=Emporia State University Athletics - #10 Hornet Football Loses to #2 Northwest Missouri |publisher=ESU Athletics |date=November 9, 2013 |accessdate=May 23, 2017}} The Hornets won their next game after against Washburn. Finishing regular season play, Higgins led the Hornets to a 9–1 overall, 9–1 in conference play, advancing to the NCAA Playoffs for the first time since 2003.{{cite web |url=http://esuhornets.com/news/2013/11/20/FB_1120132441.aspx?path=football |title=Emporia State University Athletics - Emporia State Football Makes Second NCAA Playoff Experience |publisher=ESU Athletics |date=November 20, 2013 |accessdate=May 23, 2017}} The Hornets lost to the Minnesota–Duluth Bulldogs 55–13.{{cite web |url=http://cjonline.com/sports/2013-11-23/hornets-fall-bulldogs-55-13-d-ii-playoffs |title=Hornets fall to Bulldogs 55-13 in D-II playoffs |publisher=The Topeka Capital-Journal |date=November 23, 2013 |accessdate=May 23, 2017}}
Starting his eighth season, the Hornets began the year ranked No. 22 in the preseason AFCA poll.{{cite web |url=http://esuhornets.com/news/2014/8/18/FB_0818143319.aspx?path=football |title=Emporia State University Athletics - Emporia State Football Ranked #22 in AFCE Preseason Poll |publisher=ESU Athletics |date=August 18, 2014 |accessdate=May 23, 2017}} Facing injuries from last season, the Hornets started off with a win against Missouri Southern.{{cite web|url=http://esuhornets.com/news/2014/9/4/FB_0904144558.aspx?path=football |title=Emporia State University Athletics - #22 Emporia State Football Opens Season with 53-28 win |publisher=ESU Athletics |date=September 4, 2014 |accessdate=May 23, 2017}} Following the first win of the season, the Hornets moved to No. 19 in the polls, but would quickly decline after losing the next two games. The Hornets would go on to win the next two games, but would then lose the next two. The Hornets won one more before losing the last two games, finishing the season 4–7 both overall and in conference play.{{cite web|url=http://esuhornets.com/schedule.aspx?schedule=42&path=football |title=Emporia State University Athletics - 2014 Football Schedule |publisher=ESU Athletics |accessdate=May 23, 2017}}
After having their first losing season since 2011, Higgins was quickly able to get the program winning again during his ninth season. The Hornets started the season 6–0, scoring 38+ points in the first five games, and quickly regained their national rankings after being unranked for a year.{{cite web |url=http://esuhornets.com/news/2015/9/30/FB_0930152439.aspx?path=football |title=Emporia State University Athletics - #23 Emporia State Football Travels to Lindenwood for MIAA-TV game |publisher=ESU Athletics |date=September 30, 2015 |accessdate=May 23, 2017}} The second game of the season against Central Missouri was suspended at halftime due to severe weather.{{cite web |url=http://esuhornets.com/news/2015/9/10/FB_0910152050.aspx?path=football |title=Emporia State University Athletics - Emporia State Football Game Suspended until Saturday |publisher=ESU Athletics |date=September 10, 2015 |accessdate=May 23, 2017}} At the time the game was suspended, the Hornets were tied with the Mules at 24.{{cite web |url=http://www.wibwnewsnow.com/hornets-hold-off-mules/ |title=Hornets Hold Off Mules |publisher=WIBW News Now! |date=September 12, 2015 |accessdate=May 23, 2017 |archive-date=September 21, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921051451/http://www.wibwnewsnow.com/hornets-hold-off-mules/ |url-status=dead }} The Hornets defeated the Mules two days later 45–34.{{cite web |url=http://esuhornets.com/news/2015/9/12/FB_0912150133.aspx?path=football |title=Emporia State University Athletics - Emporia State Rolls Up 605 Yards in 45-34 win over Central Missouri |publisher=ESU Athletics |date=September 12, 2015 |accessdate=May 23, 2017}} In the last four games of the season, the Hornets went 3–1, losing to Northwest Missouri State again.{{cite web|url=http://esuhornets.com/schedule.aspx?schedule=56&path=football |title=Emporia State University Athletics - 2015 Football Schedule |publisher=ESU Athletics |accessdate=May 23, 2017}} Finishing the regular season play, Higgins led the Hornets to a 9–2 overall and in conference play. The Hornets once again returned to the NCAA playoffs winning the first two games, and falling to Northwest Missouri State in the third round.{{cite web|last=McDowellsmcdowell |first=Sam |url=http://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/campus-corner/article48223315.html |title=Northwest Missouri State defeats Emporia State 38-17 in NCAA Division II football quarterfinals | The Kansas City Star |publisher=Kansas City Star |date=December 5, 2015 |accessdate=May 23, 2017}} Quarterback Brent Wilson was a finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy, making him the second Hornet in three years to be named a finalist.{{cite web|url=http://newsok.com/article/5467447 |title=Ponca City's Brent Wilson named Division II All-American |publisher=News OK |date=December 17, 2015 |accessdate=May 23, 2017}}
Starting in his tenth season with the Hornets, Higgins began the season with Northwest Missouri State – the first time two nationally ranked teams kicked off the football season inside Francis G. Welch Stadium since it opened in 1937.{{cite web|url=http://esuhornets.com/news/2016/8/31/pre-game-primer-for-emporia-state-football.aspx?path=football |title=Emporia State University Athletics - Pregame Primer for Emporia State Football |publisher=ESU Athletics |date=August 31, 2016 |accessdate=May 23, 2017}} After Wilson graduated, the quarterback position was open. Higgins selected a redshirt sophomore who had played in during his freshman year when both Wilson and the back-up quarterback were injured.{{cite web |url=http://esuhornets.com/news/2016/8/16/emporia-state-football-quarterback-preview.aspx?path=football |title=Emporia State University Athletics - Emporia State Football Quarterback Preview |publisher=ESU Athletics |date=August 16, 2016 |accessdate=May 23, 2017}} Emporia State opened the season ranked No. 24 nationally and lost its first game against No. 1 and eventual National Champion Northwest Missouri State.{{cite web|url=http://bearcatsports.com/news/2016/9/1/football-at-esu.aspx |title=Northwest Missouri State University - Bearcats start season with victory over Hornets |publisher=Northwest Missouri State Athletics |date=September 1, 2016 |accessdate=May 23, 2017}} From there, the Hornets won the rest of the regular season play finishing the regular season ranked No. 9 and a 10–1 overall and in conference play record.{{cite web|url=http://esuhornets.com/schedule.aspx?schedule=71&path=football |title=Emporia State University Athletics - 2016 Football Schedule |publisher=ESU Athletics |accessdate=May 23, 2017}} The Hornets also hosted an NCAA Division II playoff game for the first time in school history (the last playoff game was in 1989 for the NAIA where Higgins was a player).{{cite web|last=Peterson |first=Rick |url=http://cjonline.com/sports/2016-11-17/emporia-state-football-gearing-first-home-playoff-game-27-years |title=Emporia State football gearing up for first home playoff game in 27 years | The Topeka Capital-Journal |publisher=The Topeka Capital-Journal |date=November 17, 2016 |accessdate=May 23, 2017}} In the first game, the Hornets defeated Minnesota–Duluth 59–26,{{cite web|last=Nowacki |first=Jon |url=http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/sports/football/4163232-college-football-emporia-state-takes-apart-umd-defense-first-round-playoffs |title=College football: Emporia State takes apart UMD defense in first round of playoffs |publisher=Duluth News Tribune |date=November 19, 2016 |accessdate=May 23, 2017}} and ended the season in the second round to Northwest Missouri State 44–13.{{cite web|url=http://www.kansas.com/sports/college/state-college-sports/article117301178.html |title=NW Missouri ousts Emporia State | The Wichita Eagle |publisher=The Wichita Eagle |date=November 26, 2016 |accessdate=May 23, 2017}}
== 2017–2022: three more bowls ==
In 2017, Higgins led the Hornets to a 6–5 season, landing a tie for 6th place in conference play.{{Cite news|url=https://esuhornets.com/news/2017/11/11/emporia-state-football-gets-26-20-win-over-washburn-in-turnpike-tussle.aspx |title=Emporia State Football Gets 26–20 Win over Washburn in Turnpike Tussle |date=November 11, 2017 |access-date=December 15, 2022}} This was the third straight winning season for the Hornets and first time the program didn't make a post-season appearance since 2014. In 2018, the Hornets had another winning season, ending the season with an 8–4 overall record, and 7–4 in conference play tying for fourth place.{{cite news |url=http://www.esubulletin.com/sports/esu-qualifies-for-corsciana-bowl/article_a7dd2090-e9b4-11e8-8343-5b610b978fa3.html |title=ESU qualifies for Corsciana Bowl |date=November 16, 2018 |access-date=December 15, 2022}} They returned to postseason play against the Arkansas–Monticello Boll Weevils in the Corsicana Bowl, winning 30–22.{{cite news |url=https://www.cjonline.com/story/sports/2018/12/01/emporia-state-beats-arkansas-monticello-30-22-to-capture-corsicana-bowl/7967197007/ |title=Hornets Win Corsicana Bowl |date=December 1, 2018 |access-date=December 15, 2022}}
In 2019, the Hornets had a rough year as they ended the season with a 4–7 record both overall and in conference play.{{cite web|title=2019 Football Schedule – Emporia State University Athletics |url=https://esuhornets.com/sports/football/schedule/2019 |access-date=December 15, 2022}} In 2020, Emporia State did not field a team due to the corona virus pandemic.{{cite news |url=https://www.koamnewsnow.com/sports/college-sports/miaa-suspends-fall-sports-season/article_c873b992-d708-5901-99f4-be3bce1ad911.html |title=MIAA suspends fall sports season |date=August 14, 2020 |access-date=December 15, 2022}}
In 2021, the Hornets returned with a 6–6 overall record, and 6–5 conference record tying for fifth place in the MIAA. This led them to the Live United Texarkana Bowl, who which they lost 37–34 to Southeastern Oklahoma State.{{cite news |url=https://kvoe.com/2021/12/04/emporia-state-football-season-ends-at-live-united-bowl/ |title=Emporia State football season ends at Live United Bowl |date=December 4, 2021 |access-date=December 15, 2022}} In 2022, the Hornets had their first season with more than six wins since 2018, ending the season with a 9–3 overall win, 8–3 in conference play, landing third in the conference. The Hornets received their chance to defeat Southeastern Oklahoma State again in the Live United Texarkana Bowl,{{cite news |url=https://www.ksla.com/2022/11/15/hornets-savage-storm-meet-again-live-united-bowl-texarkana-ark/ |title=Emporia State Hornets, Southeastern Oklahoma State Savage Storm to meet again in Live United Bowl in Texarkana |date=November 15, 2022 |access-date=December 15, 2022}} to which they won 48–27.{{cite news |url=https://www.texarkanagazette.com/news/2022/dec/03/emporia-state-uses-defense-to-claim-live-united/ |title=Emporia State uses defense to claim Live United Bowl |date=December 3, 2022 |access-date=December 15, 2022}}
Head coaching record
{{CFB Yearly Record Start | type = coach | team = | conf = | bowl = | poll = both | poll1 = NAIA | poll2 = AFCA }}
{{CFB Yearly Record Subhead
| name = Northwestern Oklahoma State Rangers
| conf = Central States Football League
| startyear = 2000
| endyear = 2004
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship = conference
| year = 2000
| name = Northwestern Oklahoma State
| overall = 13–1
| conference = 5–0
| confstanding = 1st
| bowlname = NAIA Championship
| bowloutcome = L
| bcsbowl =
| ranking = 2
| ranking2 =
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship = conference
| year = 2001
| name = Northwestern Oklahoma State
| overall = 7–3
| conference = 4–0
| confstanding = 1st
| bowlname = NAIA First Round
| bowloutcome = L
| bcsbowl =
| ranking = 9
| ranking2 =
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship = conference
| year = 2002
| name = Northwestern Oklahoma State
| overall = 11–1
| conference = 4–0
| confstanding = 1st
| bowlname = NAIA Quarterfinal
| bowloutcome = L
| bcsbowl =
| ranking = 5
| ranking2 =
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship = conference
| year = 2003
| name = Northwestern Oklahoma State
| overall = 11–2
| conference = 5–0
| confstanding = 1st
| bowlname = NAIA Championship
| bowloutcome = L
| bcsbowl =
| ranking = 2
| ranking2 =
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship = conference
| year = 2004
| name = Northwestern Oklahoma State
| overall = 9–2
| conference = 7–0
| confstanding = 1st
| bowlname = NAIA First Round
| bowloutcome = L
| bcsbowl =
| ranking = 9
| ranking2 =
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Subtotal
| name = Northwestern Oklahoma State
| overall = 51–9
| confrecord = 25–0
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Subhead
| name = Emporia State Hornets
| conf = Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association
| startyear = 2007
| endyear =
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship =
| year = 2007
| name = Emporia State
| overall = 3–8
| conference = 0–8
| confstanding = 9th
| bowlname =
| bowloutcome =
| bcsbowl =
| ranking =
| ranking2 =
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship =
| year = 2008
| name = Emporia State
| overall = 4–7
| conference = 2–7
| confstanding = T–8th
| bowlname =
| bowloutcome =
| bcsbowl =
| ranking =
| ranking2 =
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship =
| year = 2009
| name = Emporia State
| overall = 2–9
| conference = 1–8
| confstanding = T–9th
| bowlname =
| bowloutcome =
| bcsbowl =
| ranking =
| ranking2 =
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship =
| year = 2010
| name = Emporia State
| overall = 5–6
| conference = 3–6
| confstanding = T–6th
| bowlname =
| bowloutcome =
| bcsbowl =
| ranking =
| ranking2 =
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship =
| year = 2011
| name = Emporia State
| overall = 5–6
| conference = 3–6
| confstanding = T–6th
| bowlname =
| bowloutcome =
| bcsbowl =
| ranking =
| ranking2 =
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship =
| year = 2012
| name = Emporia State
| overall = 10–2
| conference = 9–2
| confstanding = T–2nd
| bowlname = Kanza
| bowloutcome = W
| bcsbowl =
| ranking =
| ranking2 = 22
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship =
| year = 2013
| name = Emporia State
| overall = 9–2
| conference = 9–1
| confstanding = 2nd
| bowlname = NCAA Division II First Round
| bowloutcome = L
| bcsbowl =
| ranking =
| ranking2 = 20
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship =
| year = 2014
| name = Emporia State
| overall = 4–7
| conference = 4–7
| confstanding = T–7th
| bowlname =
| bowloutcome =
| bcsbowl =
| ranking =
| ranking2 =
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship =
| year = 2015
| name = Emporia State
| overall = 11–3
| conference = 9–2
| confstanding = 2nd
| bowlname = NCAA Division II Quarterfinal
| bowloutcome = L
| bcsbowl =
| ranking =
| ranking2 = 8
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship =
| year = 2016
| name = Emporia State
| overall = 11–2
| conference = 10–1
| confstanding = 2nd
| bowlname = NCAA Division II Second Round
| bowloutcome = L
| bcsbowl =
| ranking =
| ranking2 = 9
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship =
| year = 2017
| name = Emporia State
| overall = 6–5
| conference = 6–5
| confstanding = T–6th
| bowlname =
| bowloutcome =
| bcsbowl =
| ranking =
| ranking2 =
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship =
| year = 2018
| name = Emporia State
| overall = 8–4
| conference = 7–4
| confstanding = T–4th
| bowlname = Corsicana
| bowloutcome = W
| bcsbowl =
| ranking =
| ranking2 =
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship =
| year = 2019
| name = Emporia State
| overall = 4–7
| conference = 4–7
| confstanding = 9th
| bowlname =
| bowloutcome =
| bcsbowl =
| ranking =
| ranking2 =
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship =
| year = 2020–21
| name = No team—COVID-19
| overall =
| conference =
| confstanding =
| bowlname =
| bowloutcome =
| bcsbowl =
| ranking =
| ranking2 =
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship =
| year = 2021
| name = Emporia State
| overall = 6–6
| conference = 6–5
| confstanding = T–5th
| bowlname = Live United Texarkana
| bowloutcome = L
| bcsbowl =
| ranking =
| ranking2 =
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship =
| year = 2022
| name = Emporia State
| overall = 9–3
| conference = 8–3
| confstanding = 3rd
| bowlname = Live United Texarkana
| bowloutcome = W
| bcsbowl =
| ranking =
| ranking2 =
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship =
| year = 2023
| name = Emporia State
| overall = 9–3
| conference = 7–3
| confstanding = T–3rd
| bowlname = Heritage
| bowloutcome = W
| bcsbowl =
| ranking =
| ranking2 =
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship =
| year = 2024
| name = Emporia State
| overall = 7–4
| conference = 5–4
| confstanding = T–5th
| bowlname =
| bowloutcome =
| bcsbowl =
| ranking =
| ranking2 =
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Subtotal
| name = Emporia State
| overall = 113–84
| confrecord = 93–80
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record End
| overall = 164–93
| bowls = no
| poll =
| polltype = Rankings from AFCA
}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [https://esuhornets.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/garin-higgins/684 Emporia State profile]
{{Northwestern Oklahoma State Rangers football coach navbox}}
{{Emporia State Hornets football coach navbox}}
{{Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association football coaches navbox}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Higgins, Garin}}
Category:American football quarterbacks
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