The game was one of four regional finals in the College Division, the predecessor of
Division II; the other three postseason games were the
Pecan Bowl (also played on December 16), along with the
Grantland Rice and
Camellia bowls (both played on December 9).
Notable participants
Tennessee–Martin's Lambert, and West Chester quarterback Jim Haynie, were selected in the
1968 NFL/AFL Draft. Tennessee–Martin defensive end Julian Nunamaker was selected in the
1969 NFL/AFL Draft. Multiple members of the Tennessee–Martin team – including Lambert, Hook, Nunamaker, quarterback Allan Cox,
kicker Lee Mayo, left tackle Gary Doble, and head coach Bob Carroll – are inductees of the university's hall of fame.[4] West Chester quarterback Jim Haynie,
offensive end Don Wilkinson,
running back Paul Dunkleberger, and head coach Bob Mitten are inductees of their university's hall of fame.[5]