Every Saturday, my roommate wakes me up by turning on the television for college football. Although college football occupies the Saturdays of many Marquette students, we have no varsity team of our own to follow.

During their time at Marquette, every student inevitably discusses our lack of a football team.
Most students want a football team because it would be fun or cool. While it would be fun, a football team could propel Marquette into the upper echelon of universities.

After Marquette’s Final Four appearance in 2003, the group of student applicants for the following year was the largest ever. This result of larger applicant pools has changed Marquette’s reputation and has allowed the school to be more selective.

Many gifted students disregard Marquette because we lack a football team. While this may be shortsighted on their part, it does refl ect the general sentiment surrounding our school.

I bet Marquette’s strong alumni base feels the same way. Ask any alumnus what they missed out on during their Marquette experience and a majority will say football. In a time when many Marquette alumni feel isolated from the school after last year’s nickname controversy, the best way for Marquette to reach out to students and alumni would be to re-institute a once-proud program: Marquette Football.

With a football team, Marquette would attract better students. A proud tradition would be restored and alumni interest would grow. Alumni donations would increase providing additional funding for student projects. In turn, this would attract even stronger students and professors. This cycle would propel Marquette into the highest tier of universities.

After a loss of trust in Marquette’s administration recently experienced by alumni, we need a serious look into the return of Marquette Football. With a swift return to a lost tradition, Marquette’s administration could show that it cares about its alumni while raising the educational bar of excellence at Marquette.

However, with the proven ineptitudes and utter disconnectedness with true Marquette the administration has exhibited, I am not holding my breath. A lot of work and support will be required. Feel free to e-mail me at Robert.Fafinski@marquette.edu. Maybe we can be the ones who will be remembered Marquette lore as bringing back a lost tradition.

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