Spartanburg Day School Revives Football Program Nearly 40 Years After Its Disbandment

Spartanburg Day School to Launch Football Program After Nearly Four Decades

Spartanburg, South Carolina – In a significant move for local athletics, the Spartanburg Day School has announced plans to reinstate its football program, which has been absent since the presidency of Ronald Reagan. The school will kick off its junior varsity team in 2025 and transition to a full varsity schedule by 2026, as confirmed in a news release on November 6.

Pathway to Revival

“We are very excited that the path to varsity football we set out to develop is coming to fruition,” said Dave Skeen, the head of school. With the hiring of Patrick Moffitt as the program’s head coach in May 2024, Spartanburg Day aims to create a comprehensive football experience for its students. Moffitt expressed enthusiasm for the direction of the program, highlighting the importance of educational experiences intertwined with athletics.

Building a Foundation

As part of the football program’s revival, the school initiated a middle school team. This team has already made notable strides, finishing the recent season with a 3-3 record. The Griffins, as they are known, faced off against local teams including Christ Church Episcopal School, Southside Christian School, and St. Joseph’s Catholic School, achieving convincing wins over St. Joseph’s (24-0 and 52-0) and Southside Christian (34-6).

Coach Moffitt, who previously led the football program at St. Andrews School in Delaware and played quarterback at Williams College, celebrated the progress made by the student-athletes. “It was exciting to watch the growth and development of every one of the football players in the program this past fall,” he said. “Their hunger to learn and compete is what made this past season a success.”

Community and Athletic Commitment

Spartanburg Day is already a member of the South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA) and will continue to operate within this organization for its football program. The school has a history of success in other sports, notably winning back-to-back state championships in baseball during 2001 and 2002. They last celebrated a state championship win in boys basketball in 2022.

A Legacy of Success

Founded in 1957, Spartanburg Day School has produced successful athletes, including Zion Williamson, who played in the NBA after leading the basketball team to three consecutive SCISA state championships from 2016 to 2018. Williamson’s journey from high school to collegiate stardom serves as an inspiring benchmark for current students.

The introduction of a football program reflects a commitment not only to athletic growth but also to fostering teamwork, discipline, and community spirit among students. In an environment that challenges students academically, the addition of football will broaden the range of experiences offered.

What’s Next?

The upcoming football program is poised to apply the school’s rigorous academic programs to its athletic pursuits. According to Moffitt, the goal is to build a solid foundation for the football team, ensuring that it becomes a key part of the school’s culture and identity.

The Spartanburg Day School community anticipates the 2025 season with eager expectations. Students, faculty, and parents are excited about the opportunity to witness the revival of a football tradition that has been long awaited in their vibrant athletic program.