Wheres the Spartan Spirit?

Nestled in the heart of downtown, the University of Tampa boasts academic excellence, historic prominence and nationally ranked athletics.  Having recently celebrated its 75th anniversary, the University of Tampa has endured both success and decline to reach the caliber of todays campus.  Founded in 1931 as a junior college, the University quickly prospered and by 1933 the once luxurious Tampa Bay Hotel was transformed into a bustling campus.  At the height of the Great Depression the University was well on its way to scholastic success and shifted focus to athletics.

  In 1933, Nash Higgins became the universities first athletic director and football coach, bestowing the school with its Spartan alias.  In the football team's first years, funding was scarce and players were forced to supply their own equipment in addition to financing their schooling .  Despite fiscal setbacks, Higgins lead the Spartans to a 7-1-2 season and gained an impressive following.  Within four years the University built a wooden seat stadium holding up to 5,000 fans known as Phillips Field.  Thanks to Higgins hard work and the communities generous donations the program matured quickly.  

The height and demise of Spartan football fell within a few short years of eachother.  In 1970 the team defeated the Miami Hurricanes 31-14 at the Orange Bowl and four years later on November 30th the team played their last game.  Although successful, the team proved to be a continual drain on the already unstable institution.  By 1974, $755,000 had been taken from reserves forcing president D.B. Owens to eliminate the program.  With the extinction of football came two long term outcomes. Funding for women's  and minor sports increased and the homecoming and alumni activities became slim to none.

Hopes of a come-back team linger around the University of Tampa but in the meantime students and staff have plenty to cheer for.  With 14 men and women varsity teams, 10 national titles and ample intramural sports Spartan athletics are far from extinct. Larry Marfise, director of athletics encourages  "Not all education takes place in the classroom and we believe that our athletic programs are also learning labs." 

Despite our athletic success, the time honored traditions accompanied by football are still absent on the Universities campus.  UT sophomore Jake Kincade confesses "I knew UT didn't have a football team, but I still wish we had something to tailgate for."  In addition to this beer induced ritual, the University also lacks student and alumni support.  Our homecoming week could be mistaken for any other, and in my four years at the University of Tampa Pepin Stadium has yet to be packed.  Although these are minor things in the scheme of an education A little more Spartan spirt would be appreciated.  

Covington, James. Under The Minarets. Tampa: University of Tampa, 1981. Print.