University of the Cumberlands Athletics

In the late 1980's and early 1990's Cumberland had one of the most feared NAIA football teams in the nation. Ralph McWilliams was a four year starter and key member of many of those squads. McWilliams anchored an offensive line that consistently led the conference and was among the nation's elite. During McWilliams' 4 years, Cumberland led the conference in total offecse and was among the national leaders in scoring offense. McWilliams was one of the key reasons that Hall of Famer Scotty Hamilton was named All American in consecutice years. In 1989 Cumberland's offensive unit rushed for almost 2500 yards averaging over 5 yards a carry. McWilliams helped lead Cumberland to it's only two Mid-South Conference titles in the program's history in 1987 and 1988. The 1988 season also marked the program's only playoff appearance. During McWilliam's four years as a starter, the team's combined record was 31-8-1.

McWilliams was named to the All District Team each of his four seasons. He was also maned 1st Team All Conference in both 1988 and 1989. He was also a 1st team Kodak All American in 1989. Ralph presently serves as an enterprise-engineering consultant in Livonia, Michigan, where he resides with his wife, Carla, and daughter, Laura.