Spartanburg Experiences a Football Resurgence After 41 Years
Something big is brewing over in Spartanburg, South Carolina. And by “big,” we’re talking varsity football action at the Spartanburg Day School – a comeback to happen for the first time in over four decades! The last time football players ran onto the field for a varsity match at the school, pop culture was buzzing with the fresh release of “Return of the Jedi,” and humans had just begun exploring the mysterious space frontier.
Well, dust off those old jerseys Spartanburg, because in a short year, we’ll see the school’s mighty Griffins return to the gridiron for the first time since 1985. The announcement, which was released last week, discloses details about the school’s exciting plan to reestablish its football program officially by 2026 – a full 41 years later.
The Road to Varsity Football Bliss
Earlier this year, Spartanburg Day School declared its intention to bring back the much revered sport, then went ahead and appointed Coach Patrick Moffitt to spearhead the new program. In the summer, we witnessed the school’s middle school team take the field for the first time, ending the year with a nice, balanced 3-3 record.
Moffitt, in admiration of his team, acknowledged the excitement of watching the growth and development of each player throughout the fall season. He praised the team’s eager-to-learn attitude and their competitive spirit, attributing these factors to their success this season, leaving him eager to build with them every step of the way towards the varsity.
But before varsity action resumes, Spartanburg Day School is treading a steady course, planning to first field a junior varsity team next year. Following this, they intend to form a South Carolina Independent School Athletics varsity squad by 2026.
Curating an Athletic Program Balanced with Academic Rigor
David Skeen, vocalized his excitement about the forthcoming varsity football program. He acknowledged the school’s dedication and commitment to providing an enriched educational experience. At the same time, he emphasized the school’s demand for excellence from its student-athletes, creating a challenging yet rewarding academic program.
Folks from around town know that Spartanburg Day School is recognized for its academic achievements. It’s an independent college prep school that first opened its doors in 1957. And did you know that it was the first independent school in the state to be accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools back in 1967? Now, that’s something to boast about!
As we watch this story unfold, the Spartanburg community and nostalgic alumni eagerly anticipate the return of a piece of their school’s colorful history when varsity football kicks off in 2026. This historic moment serves as a testament to the school’s commitment to growth and education through teamwork, competition, and above all, the beloved sport of football.
And so as we gear up for the holidays, keep an eye on your inbox for more exciting news about this heart-warming, nostalgic return to the varsity football field. Who knows? The next time you’re cuddled up with a warm blanket sipping on a seasonal Starbucks treat, you might just get a delightful email with news on Spartanburg Day School’s journey back to football glory.
