College Football Void

From 1933-1974 football at the University of Tampa was very much alive, but what it had in popularity it lacked in financial backing.  The University put itself into major debt supporting a successful football program, which would later be found detrimental to the school’s financial well-being.  In 1975 the University’s Board of Trustees agreed that it would be in the school’s best interest to terminate the football program.

Today, Tampa students must fill the void of college football elsewhere.  They can watch on ESPN or go to games at the University of South Florida, where the rest of Tampa Bay gets its college football action.  While students are fortunate enough to have this option so close by it leaves behind a lack of school spirit that students at UT hunger for.

When asked how he thinks University of Tampa students get their fix of college football, UT Junior Ryan Barlieb stated plainly, “We don’t.   Sure we get entertainment out of other school’s sports but college football is an experience that should be shared among all different types of people”.  It gives students a platform to come together with the common interest of school spirit and according to Barlieb, “you just can’t fake that.”

The University of Tampa has had its share of athletic glory in the past but that doesn’t mean it’s gone forever.  The University is constantly growing and changing.  As with all accredited sports programs, college sports are about money.  If Tampa can once again provide a team strong enough to contribute to the financial betterment of the school, team spirit among students at the University of Tampa may life again.  

"Tampa Bay Football History Network-Tampa Spartans History." Tampa Bay Football History Network. 7 Sep. 2009. 

Arielle Hochman