Airing It Out and Making History: The Marauder Career of Quarterback Paul Cronin

Before spread offenses were common and high-scoring attacks became the norm, the University of Mary had Paul Cronin—a quarterback with the arm talent and poise to score from anywhere on the field.

In just two seasons in orange and blue, the Santa Rosa, California native rewrote the Marauder passing record book and helped lead UMary to its first-ever NAIA national semifinal appearance. His story is part recruiting legend, part statistical explosion, and part blueprint for what Marauder Football could become.

From California to the Prairie

After starring at Piner High School in Santa Rosa, Cronin spent two seasons at Mendocino Junior College, where his talent drew the attention of programs across the country.

Mary head coach Tom Shea knew the Marauders needed a difference-maker at quarterback to take the next step. The recruiting pitch that sealed the deal has become part of program lore:

Shea convinced Paul that “it doesn’t snow in Bismarck – at least until October.”

Whether it was the promise of fall weather, the chance to lead a growing program, or both, Paul chose Mary and arrived for the 1994 season.

The impact was immediate.

1994: Six Touchdowns and an Early Statement

Cronin wasted no time introducing himself to North Dakota college football.

In one of the defining games of that first season, he:

• Threw six touchdown passes in a single game, setting a school record
• Led UMary to a 49–22 win over Jamestown College
• Helped the Marauders claim the unofficial title of “private school champions of North Dakota”

In that game alone, the Marauders threw seven touchdown passes as a team—another mark that landed in the record book—and Paul attempted 50 passes, directing an offense that could suddenly strike from anywhere.

For the 1994 season, Cronin:

• Threw for 2,037 yards
• Tossed 23 touchdowns
• Helped Mary finish 6–3 overall and 3–2 in the NDCAC

The stage was set for an even bigger run.

1995: A Record-Breaking Season and a Final Four Run

If 1994 was the warning shot, 1995 was the full arrival.

As a senior, Cronin turned in one of the greatest offensive seasons in UMary history:

• 2,933 passing yards – a single-season school record
• 32 touchdown passes – another single-season record
• All-North Dakota College Athletic Conference honors for the second straight year

More important than the numbers, he guided Mary to its deepest postseason run ever.

The 1995 Marauders:

• Opened the season with eight straight wins
• Finished the regular season 9–1 overall and 5–1 in the NDCAC
• Entered the NAIA playoffs as a legitimate national contender

In the playoffs, Mary:

1. Defeated Dickinson State 14–8 on the road, avenging their only regular-season loss
2. Beat the University of Sioux Falls 42–17 at home, showcasing the full power of Cronin’s offense
3. Advanced to the NAIA national semifinals, where they fell to a Central Washington team led by future long-time NFL quarterback Jon Kitna, 48–7

The Marauders finished 11–2, with a national final four appearance—a mark that ties the 1999 squad for the best season in school history.

A Place in the Record Book

In just two seasons, Paul Cronin put up career numbers that most quarterbacks would be proud of over four years:

• 4,970 passing yards
• 55 touchdown passes

Both totals rank third all-time in University of Mary history.

Those numbers aren’t just stats—they represent a turning point. Cronin showed that Mary could not only win, but win with an explosive passing game that demanded respect from opponents across the NAIA.

From Marauder QB to Championship Coach

Cronin didn’t leave football behind after Mary. He carried his love of the game and his understanding of quarterback play into a successful coaching career.

• He graduated from the University of Mary with a Bachelor of Science in Physical and Health Education.
• Returned to his hometown as head football coach at Cardinal Newman High School in Santa Rosa.
• Has led Cardinal Newman to the state championship game twice, proving his ability to build and lead successful programs.

At home, Paul and his wife Tracy—a Rugby, North Dakota native—are raising the next generation:

• Haley
• Madison
• Jackson

Just as Mary became a second home for a California quarterback in the mid-90s, football continues to be a thread connecting family, community, and competition in Paul’s life.

A Lasting Legacy for Marauder Football

For Marauder players and alumni, Paul Cronin’s story is a reminder of how quickly one player can change a program’s trajectory:

• From JUCO transfer to record-setting quarterback
• From Bismarck newcomer to leader of an 11–2 national semifinal team
• From All-Conference QB at Mary to championship coach in California

When we look back at the seasons that defined Marauder Football’s climb to national relevance, 1994–95 sits near the top—and at the center of that story is a dynamic quarterback who could, quite literally, score from anywhere on the field.