With the rigors of the new school year and the sticky heat of August come the longings for weekends and cooler weather. Fall is right around the corner (September 23, to be exact), and that can only mean one thing: it’s almost football time in Tennessee. Although this year, it’s a little different.
This year, Union football makes its comeback.
After nearly 67 years, tackle football is rearing its head again on Union’s campus for the sake of homecoming– no more yanking flags this fall, and hitting is actually encouraged. The student-faculty basketball game is being replaced by a full-contact student football game.
Now before you go ahead and write this idea off, let’s hear from one of the masterminds behind this game. Recently, I had the privilege of speaking with Bo Mantooth, director for student leadership and engagement, about some of the specifics surrounding the event.
“The idea was actually brought to me by Dr. Dub,” said Mantooth. “The idea had been thrown around for some time, and Dub brought it back up to Bryan [Carrier] and said that we should make this happen for homecoming.”
Isaac Elliott: “So where is this going to take place?”
Bo Mantooth: “Well, JCS actually signed on just this morning for us to have it at their brand new football facility.”
IE: “How will you round up players?”
BM: “I’m putting together an email that will be sent to every guy on campus and it’s just a first come, first serve basis. Whoever signs up and pays first will be able to play.”
IE: “How many are playing and how will they be divided up?”
BM: “The vision is to have 60 players in all and 30 on both teams. There is going to be a ‘pro day’ soon where the players that sign up will go and show what they can do. After that, the coaches will get together and draft players then we will have the teams.”
*Insert rabbit trails where Mantooth and I talk about our “playing days” and sports in general*
IE: “I feel like drafting the players will help with keeping the teams diverse. What do you think?”
BM: “That’s the hope. I really think this game can help with strengthening inter-fraternal relations as well as the relationship between Greek life and other areas of campus.”
IE: “I agree. So are there safety waivers that players will need to sign in order to play?”
BM: “Yes. There are waivers that will need to be filled out and a fee of $30 to be paid in order for someone to be able to play. That price was originally $100, but we were able to take care of the other $70 so it would be easier for students to participate.”
IE: “Speaking of money, will students have to pay to attend this game?”
BM: “Not at all. We are making it a free event for all students and faculty as long as they provide their student ID at the gate. Not only that, but I have contacted some of the surrounding high schools about trying to get their students out to the game, too. We want a big crowd for this game. It’s going to be fun.”
IE: “I’m a guy, so you know I have to ask about food. Will there be food there or will we have to bring a to-go box from Cobo?”
BM: “Oh yeah, we will have the concession stand going on all cylinders for the whole night. No worries there.”
IE: “Any other surprises you are trying to bring to fruition?”
BM: “Tommy [Sadler] is trying to get in touch with some of the Union football players that are still living. We’re trying to get at least two to come so we can make them honorary captains of the teams. Our hope is for this to become a tradition for years to come, so we want to make it special.”
Alright, history lesson: our beautiful university actually has a rich football history dating back to the early 1900s. Yes, it is true that the legendary Alabama coach Bear Bryant started his coaching career at Union. Not only that, but Union is indeed undefeated since 1953. Our football team traveled all across the country playing top-tier talent, and we played against Division I teams like Ole Miss, Vanderbilt, Memphis, among many others and won.
If you want to learn more, click here.
This fall, a new chapter will be written in the football lore of Union University. Who will carry on the moniker “Undefeated since ’53,” and who will not?
More information about Homecoming 2019 will be releasing soon, so be sure to look out for it. Until then, just imagine all the bone-jarring hits and highlight-reel catches that will take place at this year’s first annual Union University Homecoming football game!