Talladega College, a school that hasn’t fielded a football team in 80 years, announced Monday that it is exploring revitalizing the sport.
Talladega College President Dr. Billy C. Hawkins said the school’s board of trustees will hire a consultant to determine the feasibility of bringing back football.
“The year 2021 marks the 100-year anniversary of our historic back-to-back championship win,” Hawkins said in the news release. “Given the success of our academic and athletic programs; the recent growth and transformation of the college; and the myriad benefits of having a football program, now may be the time to revive our team. This could be great for the college, the community, and central Alabama. However, our decision will be based upon the findings of a formal feasibility study.”
Talladega was named Black college football national championship in 1920 and 1921.
The school’s football program was canceled 80 years ago, during World War II, according to the release.
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According to the release, an “overwhelming majority” of Talladega’s faculty and staff are in favor of having a football program.
“We are now moving forward with a true feasibility study. Adding a football program will affect community members so we want to hear their opinions. We also want to gauge the opinions of our alumni and other stakeholders,” Burgin said in the release.
Said Talladega College athletics director Kevin Herod: “The possibility of adding football would only enhance our athletic program and bring new opportunities to the campus, the community, and the overall collegiate experience for our students.”
