Football at UIW is more than just two teams battling on a Saturday afternoon, with thousands of fans tailgating before kickoff with family and friends.
A football program improves the university as a whole.
It injects a serious jolt of energy into the university’s campus life. Students who might ordinarily search for off-campus weekend activities now have a reason to stay on campus, make new friends and help build community spirit.
UIW has already seen some of the benefits of starting football. The university now has a football stadium, a field house with a weight room and a new track. A spirit squad coach has been hired, and a new band director is hard at work recruiting and training the new marching band. The Office of Campus Life rallied fans to participate in game-day activities including tailgates, pep rallies and spirit competitions. Student organizations purchased tailgate spaces to show their school spirit while recruiting new members and welcoming alumni back to campus. And UIW’s first football game was an international affair that brought dignitaries from Monterrey, Mexico, and San Antonio together for a historic event.
Football has provided students an avenue for internships, case-studies and part-time employment to build résumés and gain experience. Student reporters have gained first-hand experience covering live sporting events.
No matter the outcome of the Cardinals first football season, the program is a success.
Why?
Because the university has not only given another group of student-athletes a chance to realize their dreams, both scholastically and athletically, but it has provided all students with another opportunity to become engaged and to develop a strong sense of Cardinal pride.
