Carroll College Athletics

A 5’6”, 165-pound halfback from Cascade, Idaho, Julio Bilbao was a 2-year starter in the backfield for the Hilltop gridders his junior and senior years. In 1964, his “spectacular” 80-yard dash to The House gave the Saints the go-ahead score in a 13-9 win over Western, halting the Bulldogs 16-game winning streak. Another highlight was a 56-yard TD pass to Tom Boyle in a 21-0 shutout over Northwest CC. 

Julio’s post season honors included first team All-Conference, Carroll’s Outstanding Back and the Saints’ Mike Estenson Memorial MVP award. His senior season was spotlighted by an “electrifying” 70-yard touchdown run during the 19-6 triumph over NWCC. Bilbao finished his career with seven TDs. “Julio Bilbao is an exciting runner who brings the crowd to its feet every time he breaks into the open,” the IR reported. “His explosive style makes him one of the top ground gainers in the MCC.”