A New Era Begins: Spartanburg Day School to Revive Varsity Football After 41-Year Absence

A New Dawn in Spartanburg: Varsity Football Program Returns after 41 Years

Spartanburg, a city fondly clinging to memories of helmet-clad heroes and roaring sidelines, is about to experience a jolt of exhilaration as the beloved sport of football makes a triumphant return to Spartanburg Day School. This isn’t just a return after a summer or winter break–no, this is a grand reappearance after an astonishing 41-year hiatus! The last time a varsity football game was played here, Return of the Jedi was fresh on the silver screen, and mankind had only just taken its first stroll in space. Boy, does time fly!

The Upcoming Varsity Season

Talk about building anticipation! The school recently announced its plan to kick off its first varsity football season since the 80s – but not just yet. The joyous scrambling of cleats on the turf won’t begin until 2026. And the man trusted with the noble task of coaching the budding program is none other than local football celebrity, Mr.Patrick Moffitt.

A Step at a Time: From Middle School to Junior Varsity

But don’t get mistaken. This journey isn’t about happening in a day or two because the revival of the football culture here has been brewing in the background for quite a while. Earlier this year, Spartanburg Day School pulled the curtain back on their intention of introducing football again. They got the wheels spinning with the school’s middle school team which took the field this past summer and ended the year impressively with a 3-3 record.

“It was exciting to watch the growth and development of every one of the football players in the program this past fall,” shares an elated Coach Moffitt. “Their hunger to learn and compete is what made this past season a success.” Now doesn’t that make you eager for the next phase? Hold onto your hats because we have it on good authority that the next year will see the fielding of a junior varsity team. The stage is definitely being set for the SC Independent School Athletics varsity squad in the grand year of 2026.

The Path to Success

The school administration is teeming with anticipation as well. One of the key figures behind this project, David Skeen, expressed his excitement saying, “We are very excited that the path to varsity football we set out to develop is coming to fruition.” He further added that they are extremely happy to have Coach Moffitt on board and are keen on offering a unique educational experience to their student-athletes who already bear the brunt of a rigorous academic program.

Spartanburg Day School’s reputation precedes it—a veritable educational institution known for its comprehensive college prep programs. When it opened in 1957, it went on to become the first independent school in the state to be accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools just ten years later, in 1967.

It’s safe to say that the arrival of Spartanburg Day School’s varsity football program will be a monumental event. Here’s to celebrating the return of an age-old tradition and creating new football memories on the field, under the floodlights. Talk about a touchdown for Spartanburg Day!