Northwest Missouri State Athletics

---

Imagine being an opposing defensive coordinator in the MIAA during the mid-to-late 2000s. One look into the Bearcat backfield was enough to cause a week full of sleepless nights and heartburn. First it was M-Club Hall of Famer Xavier Omon followed by tonight’s M-Club honoree LaRon Council. After Omon’s remarkable career concluded it was up to the Kansas City native to step in full-time as the featured back.  The Bearcat offense didn’t miss a beat on the way to a national title his senior season in 2009.
 
Limited by injuries both his freshman and sophomore years, Council would conclude his sophomore season with modest 2-year totals of 523 yards and 2 TDs. To say he turned it on when he became the feature back is an understatement – over 3,500 yards and 59 TDs in those two years alone would cement his mark as the 2^nd best running back statistically to ever carry the ball for the Bearcats. His phenomenal junior and senior seasons led to first team All-America selections in back to back years, recognition as the MIAA offensive player of the year and owner of two of the top 4 single season rushing performances in school history.
 
He compiled career marks of over 4,000 yards and 63 total touchdowns which both rank second all-time in Bearcat history. LaRon’s teams were a perfect 36-0 in MIAA play during his career and each year ended with a game in Florence, Alabama.  His last collegiate game would include 23 total touches, 197 all-purpose yards and 2 touchdowns in a 30-23 victory over Grand Valley State for the 3^rd National Title in school history.