RIO GRANDE — The last time the University of Rio Grande appeared on a football field was under President Harry Truman. Major League Baseball's Most Valuable Player Award winners were Jackie Robinson and Ted Williams.
But times are changing.
Plans to revive the school's long-dormant football program and the accompanying creation of a marching band program were announced by school officials at a news conference Tuesday morning.
“Football is a cherished tradition at Ohio State, and we believe the time is right to bring it back here in Rio,” said Rio Grande University President Ryan Smith. “This initiative strengthens our ties to the communities of southern Ohio.”
Smith said the school plans to add archery, women's wrestling and dance in the fall of 2024, as well as other programs in recent years, including rugby, men's wrestling, esports, men's volleyball and bass fishing. He pointed out that he was doing it. The university's ties to the surrounding communities of southeastern Ohio.
“It’s all about providing more opportunities, both academically and athletically, for students in our area, but also for those who simply want to participate in a vibrant campus environment,” he said. said.
The former Rio Grande College played football from 1914 to 1949, with the last game being played on Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 1949, a 44-0 loss to Wilberforce on the snow-covered grounds of Detroit, Michigan. I was defeated.
On March 21, 1950, the school's board of directors canceled football for financial reasons.
Interestingly, the football equipment was subsequently sold and the money was used to purchase basketball uniforms. Among them was the number 32 worn by Rio Grande legend Bebo Francis.
Smith said the addition of the two programs is expected to bring an influx of 150 to 200 students to campus.
The school is hiring immediately for the head football coach and band director positions, with plans to fill both positions by this summer.
The head coach will then hire two assistant coaches to begin the recruiting process for the fall 2025 team.
The current plan is to host home games at nearby Jackson High School's Alumni Stadium for at least two seasons.
Rio Grande is currently a member of the NAIA River States Conference, which does not sponsor football.
However, the school is in the process of applying to become an associate member of the Appalachian Athletic Conference's football division.
The AAC's football membership consists of schools from Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina and Georgia, including nearby Kentucky Christian University (Grayson, Ky.) and Bluefield (Va.) College.
Smith also announced that the school is making a significant investment in the construction of a new fitness center, which will benefit all Red Storm athletic programs.
“The fitness center that we have now was built 32 years ago, and when you add these two programs, we're going to have just about 700 student-athletes,” Smith said. “We are also building locker rooms to go along with it. That is Phase I of the project. Phase II will be the grass field and stadium where we currently play rugby, depending on how quickly we can get there. right.”
Rio Grande athletic director Jeff Lanham echoed Smith's sentiments regarding the announcement.
“This move represents our commitment to growth and development, enhancing campus life and fostering deeper engagement with the community,” Lanham said. “Football provides an opportunity to bring stakeholders together and increase school spirit, but the addition of marching band will further enrich the experience.”
