A Comprehensive Look at Averett University Football History
Averett University, a private institution in Danville, Virginia, boasts a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1859. Originally chartered as Union Female College, it transitioned through various names and affiliations before officially becoming Averett University on July 1, 2001. While Averett is known for its academic programs, its athletic programs, particularly football, have also contributed to the university's identity. This article delves into the history of Averett University football, exploring its notable moments and statistical achievements. Note: Only known and verified statistical information is included in this record book.
A Legacy of Transformation: From Union Female College to Averett University
Chartered in 1859 as Union Female College, the University later became Roanoke Institute before taking on the name Averett College in 1917. Accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) followed in 1928 after the construction of Danville Hall opened to house the chemistry, biology, business, home economics and music departments. In 1971, SACSCOC accredited Averett as a senior college, and the college conferred bachelor’s degrees for the first time since 1914. On July 1, 2001, Averett College became Averett University. This history of Averett offers a glimpse of where we have been-from our humble beginnings to our many “firsts”-and perhaps a hint of where we are going. One thing is constant: our dedication to preparing leaders for tomorrow. If you are an Averett graduate, you will likely recognize “your” Averett somewhere in these pages.
William Isaac Berryman opened the Danville Female Institute in his home on Patton Street to house 20 boarding students for two five-month sessions. Nathan Penick moved to Danville from Halifax County, Va., and opened the Baptist Female Seminary, using Berryman’s home for classes. Penick was married to Jane Averett who taught music, French and English. A new brick building housing Union Female College was constructed atop “Baptist Hill” at Ridge and Patton Streets in Danville, next door to Berryman’s home. William Allen Tyree replaced Penick and served as the first principal during the war years. Tyree was a brother-in-law of Penick. Having the word “union” in the college name during the war years proved an embarrassment to the community. Thomas Hume, Jr., joined R.F.C. as co-principal from 1867 to 1872. R.F.C. R.F.C. After Preot’s death, John Taylor Averett and his younger brother, Samuel Wootton Averett became co-principals. Frederick Delius served on the music faculty for the year 1885-1886. Robert Edwin Hatton assumed the presidency after the death of Charles Fenton James on December 3, 1902. James was so loved by students that a marble commemorative plaque was commissioned in his honor. Hatton added teacher training, economics and business to the curriculum and increased the library’s holdings to 2,500 volumes. The College name was changed to Roanoke Institute (R.
President Crosland was forced to resign in 1921 after allowing young women to dance with one another during their afternoon recreation period. He was replaced by James Pressley Craft. The first issue of The Chanticleer, the Averett student newspaper, was published. The Chanticleer ceased publication in 1930 but resumed in 1934. The yearbook’s name was changed to Pendulum, for the grandfather clock in the lobby. James Pressley Craft left Averett to assume the presidency of Hardin College in Missouri. President Cammack raised $100,000 to construct a music and science building. The building was named Danville Hall in honor of the city whose citizens gave more than $40,000 for its construction. A local dentist and Trustee, Dr. T. L. A home for the president was built at 174 Mt. View Avenue. The office of Institutional Advancement moved in when later another home was acquired for the president. President John Walter Cammack resigned. Renovations were made to the president’s home on Mt.
A tradition of “Hiding the Crook” began around 1940. The practice was abandoned in the early 1960s because somehow the Crook disappeared. Five Averett students removed bones and a skull from a grave. They carried the bones to the Averett day students’ room to hold a séance. After complaints from fellow students, the perpetrators burned the bones in the college furnace. President Bishop suspended one of the students and expelled the other four. The senior class presented the college with its first television set. The RCA Victor set with a 21-inch screen was placed in “The Spot,” Averett’s student lounge. A new Gymnasium was built on Mt. View Avenue. On Sept. Averett College celebrated its 100th birthday. Alumni from throughout the United States came for the occasion. Pritchett Auditorium was named for a local doctor, Dr. C. W. Pritchett. Built on the top of the new gymnasium, it was dedicated on Nov. Bishop Hall was completed. This building connected Danville Hall, Davenport Hall and the gymnasium/auditorium complex. Curtis Vance Bishop died in 1966. In August, the college purchased the house and property at 344 West Main Street, which the Catholic Church had used for their Sacred Heart Parochial School from 1953 to 1966. The old Walter W. The Board of Trustees made the decision for the junior college to move to a 4-year program.
Read also: Averett University Baseball: A Retrospective
Under President Anderson students were finally allowed to keep cars on campus. The May Day Festival and Daisy Chain traditions came to an end. The last May Day festival was dedicated to Dean Mary C. The first issue of the Averett Journal was published in the spring. The Mary C. The Board of Trustees voted to make dormitory space available for male students. The Mary B. Blount Library was constructed. On Sept. 14, 1971, students and faculty moved 34,000 books from the library in the basement of Bishop Hall to the new Blount Library at 344 West Main Street. Replacing the Spot, the Bottom Inn, located in the basement of Bishop Hall, offered food services and a place for students to relax. The first Miss Averett pageant was held, a preliminary contest for the Miss Virginia/Miss USA pageant. The Virginia Beta Chapter of Alpha Chi National Honor Society was chartered at Averett. Under the leadership of Dean R. Kirby Godsey, Averett and Stratford colleges developed cooperative programs. Averett adopted Stratford’s 4-1-4-1 calendar, thereby creating January and May terms. Under the direction of Dr. The first recipient of an Honorary Degree from Averett College was Joseph M. Danville’s Stratford College closed due to financial hardship. Averett students, determined to make their college the first in Virginia to field streakers, donned black capes and streaked through the campus. The Admissions House at 334 West Main was acquired. It was later dedicated and named for Trustee W. Averett College’s first Homecoming was held. SGA Vice-President Rossie Alston, ’79, spearheaded the effort to provide an annual Homecoming ceremony. President Conwell Axel Anderson resigned. Howard W.
Through the generosity of Jacob M. “Jack” Kleinoder, the Kleinoder Field was constructed from the old Sydnor Athletic field, located at the corner of Mt. View Avenue and Surry Lane. A new President’s home at 500 Hawthorne Drive was acquired from the estate of Mrs. A. B. Dr. Students buried a time capsule on the site of Frith Hall. President William Howard Lee retired. The Jordan Common was built and named in memory of Trustee Robert S. President Frank Campbell initiated the first Founder’s Day celebration, which was held on March 17th. Averett Adult Curriculum for Excellence (AACE) program opened academic centers in Danville (SOVA) and Vienna (NOVA). This was a non-traditional distance-learning program whereby working adults through an accelerated format could receive an A.A. or a B.A. The North Campus (707 Mt. The Emily Swain Grousbeck Music Center was constructed on Mt. The first Honors Convocation was held. This ceremony was established for the recognition of superior academic achievements of students in the various disciplines. The new Equestrian Center was built on 100 acres in Providence, NC. Online learning comes to Averett: the college began holding MBA classes via interactive distance learning technology with Marine bases in Camp Lejeune, N.C. Averett received the largest gift in its history, a $2.84 million dollar bequest from the estate of former Trustee Mary B. Residence hall rooms were wired for cable television and equipped with analog phone lines. The college dedicated the David S. The E. Averett partnered with Virginia Tech and DCC on Aug. On July 1, 2001, Averett College became Averett University. The first diplomas as Averett University were awarded on Dec. Frank Ross Campbell retired from the presidency on June 30. The Averett Cougars won their first Dixie Conference Baseball Tournament, played at Dan Daniel Park, with a win against Christopher Newport (April 19, 2003). Averett women’s softball team captured its first USA South Conference tournament championship. Dr. The Graduate and Professional Studies division added an M.Ed.
In May, two new graduation awards for Graduate and Professional Studies students were given: the Malcolm Knowles and Frank R. The test flight of NASA’s Small Aircraft Transportation System (SATS) took place at the Danville Regional Airport. Averett’s new student center opened its doors. The center featured a new Dining Hall, Juts Café, Daly Gameroom and various offices and recreation areas. The aeronautics department established a bridge program for pilots with American Eagle Airlines. The bridge program allows Averett aeronautics graduates with fewer flight hours to apply for flight officer positions. Averett University’s flight team, The Flying Cougars, earned a trip to the National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) competition with a third place finish in regional competition in October. In December, Averett announced the reaffirmation of its accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). On May 14, Dr. Tiffany McKillip Franks was named the 14th President of Averett University. She officially took office July 1, replacing Dr. Richard A. The Association of College Unions recognized the Student Center with a 2008 design award. This was the third recognition for the center and its architects, Charlottesville-based VMDO. Averett announced plans for the establishment of a Center for Excellence in Autism Education. The first phase of the plan began in the fall with a certificate training program for area teachers. In October, the University unveiled the two newest additions to its fleet of student-training aircraft - Liberty XL2s. Averett Board of Trustee member Dr. Martti Ahtisaari was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his worldwide peace efforts and diplomacy.
The University celebrated its sesquicentennial (150 years). Celebrations were held across the Commonwealth and a slate of activities were held throughout the spring, including a concert, worship service, lecture series and grand party on April 17th at the Student Center. The April party featured history displays, students dressed in period costume, and historical interpreters. Also during the celebration, the University affirmed the leadership of Averett President Dr. Averett began offering undergraduate and graduate level degree programs at South Boston’s Southern Virginia Higher Education Center. Averett University joined with more than 700 schools around the country to support our nation’s veterans by participating in The Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program. The Yellow Ribbon Program allows veterans who served on or after Sept. The Honorable Charles R. Hawkins, Virginia legislator, donated the papers from his legislative career to Averett in October. The University set up a special display, The Charles R. Hawkins Collection, in the archives of Mary B. Blount Library to house this historic collection. The Virginia Autism Council (VAC) gave Averett approval to issue a certificate of training in autism spectrum disorders. A new honor society was formed for education majors and graduate students. A grand opening was held on August 20th for The Schoolfield House Booksellers, the University’s new bookstore, located in a historic house at 354 West Main Street. Averett University was named a “military friendly” school for 2011 by G.I. Jobs magazine. The University held a grand opening for The Galesi Family Student Success Center on Oct. 12. The 6,500-square-foot center is located off Woodland Drive in the University’s former dining hall. The center is home to the office of student success, the tutoring program, writing and academic support, Col. S. Stone Gregory Jr.
The Adult Professional Program began offering classes for recertification in conjunction with its M.Ed. program in curriculum and instruction. Teachers who need to take one or two courses (6 hours maximum) to gain state recertification may now enroll in any graduate course in the M.Ed. Averett announced a partnership agreement with Danville Regional Medical Center (DRMC) on Oct. 18 that transitions DRMC’s School of Nursing to the University. In January, the University announced it was moving its Graduate and Professional Studies Program to a new campus - Riverview Campus - in Danville’s Tobacco Warehouse District - the former Dimon headquarters on Bridge Street. The University added a new full motion flight simulator, the Redbird FMX Advanced Aviation Training Device, to its pilot-training capabilities. The equestrian studies department was approved to offer a new concentration: equine assisted psychotherapy (EAP). The concentration is also available as a minor to students in the psychology and sociology/criminal justice programs. In the new concentration, students take four core courses including introduction to equine assisted psychotherapy, equine behavior and two practicum courses where they gain hands-on experience. During the summer, the University renovated the first floor of Main Hall for the creation of Averett Central, a one-stop-shop designed to better serve students in accomplishing the “business” of being in school. For the second year in a row, G.I. Jobs magazine recognized Averett as a “military friendly” school. News Media Group. In the fall of 2011, the University began offering non-credit continuing education courses.
Read also: Student Resources
Averett University Athletics: The Cougars
Averett competes in 23 intercollegiate varsity sports, and its athletic teams are called the Cougars. Matches are played at "Cougars Den", in Danville, which has a maximum seating capacity of 1,500.[12] Redevelopment of the facility began in 2014 with new turf and lights for the existing stadium, and the field being renamed "Daly Field".[13] Further development of the stadium complex followed, with it being named "Frank R. Rossie D. James E. Gregory L.
Football Program Highlights
While comprehensive details on the entire history of Averett University's football program are not readily available, some specific game dates and opponent information provide a glimpse into the team's journey.
Game Dates
The following dates represent a selection of Averett University football games:
- 9/7/2002 vs.
- 9/4/2004 vs.
- 10/2/2004 vs.
- 10/9/2004 vs.
- 10/23/2004 vs.
- 10/30/2004 vs.
- 11/13/2004 vs.
- 9/3/2005 vs.
- 10/1/2005 vs.
- 10/8/2005 vs.
- 10/15/2005 vs. N.C.
- 10/22/2005 vs.
- 10/23/2005 vs.
- 10/29/2005 vs.
- 11/5/2005 vs.
- 11/12/2005 vs.
- 9/9/2006 vs.
- 9/16/2006 vs.
- 9/30/2006 vs.
- 10/1/2006 vs.
- 10/7/2006 vs.
- 10/14/2006 vs. N.C.
- 10/15/2006 vs. N.C.
- 10/21/2006 vs.
- 11/4/2006 vs.
- 11/11/2006 vs.
- 9/1/2007 vs.
- 9/15/2007 vs.
- 9/22/2007 vs.
- 10/20/2007 vs.
- 10/21/2007 vs. N.C.
- 10/27/2007 vs.
- 11/3/2007 vs.
- 11/10/007 vs.
- 9/6/2008 vs.
- 9/20/2008 vs.
- 9/27/2008 vs.
- 10/4/2008 vs.
- 10/11/2008 vs.
- 10/18/2008 vs. N.C.
- 10/25/2008 vs.
- 11/1/2008 vs.
- 9/5/2009 vs.
- 9/26/2009 vs.
- 10/10/2009 vs.
- 10/23/2009 vs.
- 10/31/2009 vs.
- 11/7/2009 vs.
- 11/14/2009 vs. N.C.
- 9/2/1010 vs.
- 9/4/2010 vs.
- 9/18/2010 vs.
- 9/25/2010 vs.
- 10/2/2010 vs.
- 10/9/2010 vs.
- 10/16/2010 vs.
- 10/23/2010 vs.
- 10/30/2010 vs.
- 11/6/2010 vs.
- 11/13/2010 vs. N.C.
- 10/1/2011 vs. N.C.
- 10/8/2011 vs.
- 10/15/2011 vs.
- 10/22/2011 vs.
- 10/29/2011 vs.
- 11/5/2011 vs.
- 9/1/2012 vs.
- 9/8/2012 vs.
- 9/29/2012 vs.
- 10/6/2012 vs.
- 10/13/2012 vs.
- 11/3/2012 vs.
- 11/10/2012 vs. N.C.
- 9/7/2013 vs.
- 9/14/2013 vs.
- 10/5/2013 vs.
- 10/12/2013 vs.
- 11/2/2013 vs.
- 11/16/2013 vs.
- 9/6/2014 vs.
- 9/7/2014 vs.
- 9/13/2014 vs.
- 9/20/2014 vs.
- 9/27/2014 vs.
- 10/4/2014 vs. N.C.
- 11/1/2014 vs.
- 11/15/2014 vs.
- 9/4/2015 vs.
- 9/12/2015 vs.
- 9/19/2015 vs.
- 10/10/2015 vs.
- 10/17/2015 vs.
- 10/24/2015 vs.
- 10/31/2015 vs. N.C.
- 11/7/2015 vs.
- 11/14/2015 vs.
- 9/3/2016 vs.
- 9/10/2016 vs.
- 9/17/2016 vs.
- 9/23/2016 vs.
- 10/1/2016 vs.
- 10/15/2016 vs.
- 10/22/2016 vs.
- 10/29/2016 vs. N.C.
- 11/5/2016 vs.
- 11/19/2016 vs.
- 9/2/2017 vs.
- 9/16/2017 vs.
- 9/23/2017 vs.
- 9/30/2017 vs.
- 10/7/2017 vs.
- 10/21/2017 vs. N.C.
- 10/28/2017 vs.
- 11/4/2017 vs.
- 11/11/2017 vs.
- 9/2/2018 vs.
- 9/29/2018 vs.
- 10/6/2018 vs.
- 10/13/2018 vs. N.C.
- 10/20/2018 vs.
- 10/27/2018 vs.
- 11/3/2018 vs.
- 11/10/2018 vs.
- 11/17/2018 vs.
- 9/7/2019 vs.
- 9/14/2019 vs.
- 9/19/2019 vs. N.C.
- 9/21/2019 vs.
- 10/5/2019 vs.
- 10/12/2019 vs.
- 10/19/2019 vs. N.C.
- 10/26/2019 vs.
- 11/16/2019 vs.
Notable Players
- Last: Joshua Tapscott & Chris Francis ( 11/16/2019 vs.
- Last: Kelly Hall (10/17/2015 vs.
- Last: Cole Westberry (10/7/2017 vs.
- Last: Zachary Richman (9/8/2012 vs.
- Last: Kevin Norcott (11/4/2017 vs.
- Last: Jermaine Moore (10/14/2006 vs. N.C.
- Last: Tymondre Isaac (11/10/2018 vs.
- Last: Team (11/10/2018 vs.
- William Clark to J.R. (9/29/2001 vs.
- (9/27/2014 vs.
- (9/16/2006 vs.*(20/20/2001 vs.*(9/20/2008 vs.*(9/4/2015 vs.*(10/12/2019 vs.*(10/22/2011 vs.*(11/13/2004 vs.*(9/21/2019 vs.*(11/14/2015 vs.*(10/31/2009 vs.*(11/4/2006 vs.*(10/19/2019 vs. N.C.*(10/30/2004 vs.*(10/8/2004 vs.*(10/26/2019 vs.
Facility Upgrades and Developments
Cougar Den, in Danville, has a maximum seating capacity of 1,500.[12] Redevelopment of the facility began in 2014 with new turf and lights for the existing stadium, and the field being renamed "Daly Field".[13] Further development of the stadium complex followed, with it being named "Frank R. Rossie D. James E. Gregory L.
Affiliation and Conference Membership
Averett University to join Old Dominion Athletic Conference in 2022.
Read also: Tuition and Fees at Averett
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