HILLSBORO, Kan. – In the early years of Tabor College football, success was difficult to come by, with only one previous season finishing at .500. That changed in 1979, when a talented group of newcomers from California joined a strong returning core to help produce one of the most significant seasons in program history.

Led by Head Coach Dan Thiessen, the Bluejays operated a Pro-Style offense built on balance and efficiency. Quarterback Rodney Wallace guided the attack, throwing for 2,096 yards on 121 completions with 17 touchdowns while adding 101 rushing yards. Tabor averaged 17.1 yards per completion, showcasing its ability to strike downfield.

The rushing attack featured Henry Berry, Lavan Bennett, Gary Kado, and DeWayne Simms, who combined to average 3.89 yards per carry and helped open the passing game.
Senior receiver Kerry Denison emerged as one of the top players in the NAIA, leading the nation with 1,303 receiving yards on 64 catches with 10 touchdowns. He averaged 130 receiving yards per game and 20.3 yards per reception.

Defensively, the Bluejays were anchored by defensive back Bernard Malone, who recorded six interceptions. Additional all-conference honors went to linebacker Tony Tape, defensive tackle John Hefley, and defensive end Mike Harris. Kicker Nate Faul also received recognition for his work on the special teams side.

Also earning all-conference recognition were offensive linemen Jim Elam and Gene Gurley, defensive back/punter Jay Kroeker, tight end Mark Sandall, and Denison. Denison and Malone were named NAIA All-District 10 selections, while Denison also earned NAIA All-American and Associated Press Little All-American honors.

The 1979 Bluejays secured the first winning season in Tabor College football history and narrowly missed a conference championship. The team also nearly earned the program's first NAIA postseason ranking and set a then-school record with seven consecutive conference victories before falling to the eventual league champion in the regular-season finale.
Alongside assistant coaches Gary Myers, Doc Kyle, Mike Justice, and Steve Johnston, Thiessen helped establish a new standard for the program.

More than four decades later, the 1979 team remains one of the most celebrated groups in school history, remembered for its accomplishments, camaraderie, and the foundation it laid for future generations of Bluejay football.

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Tabor College is a Christ-centered institution located in Hillsboro, Kansas. The Bluejays are members of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and compete in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC).