In their third year under head coach Carmen Piccone, the Salukis compiled a 7–3 record (5–1 in conference games) and won the IIAC championship.
[14] In his three years playing for Southern Illinois, Winter set a new school record with 2,054 passing yards.
[15] Amos Bullocks also set new career records at Southern Illinois with 2,441 rushing yards and 206 points scored.
He was one of the lightest players on the team at 175 pounds and was described as "an agile, quick-thinking runner who employs his blockers with tremendous skill.
"[16] Seven Southern Illinois players received first-team honors on the 1961 IIAC all-conference football team: Winter at quarterback; Amos Bullocks at back; Sam Silas at offensive tackle; Jim Thompson and Frank Imperiale at defensive tackle; Jim Minton at linebacker; and Denny Harmon at defensive back.