A Legacy Forged: The History of St. Thomas Tommies Football
The St. Thomas Tommies football program represents the University of St. Thomas in Saint Paul, Minnesota, embodying a rich history that spans over a century. From its humble beginnings in the late 1890s to its recent transition to Division I, the program has navigated various challenges and achieved significant milestones, shaping its identity and solidifying its place in collegiate athletics.
Early Years and MIAC Foundation
Football at the University of St. Thomas traces back to the late 1890s, with the first official varsity intercollegiate games commencing in 1904. This marked the formal establishment of the program and the beginning of its journey in competitive college football.
A pivotal moment in the program's history arrived with the formation of the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) in 1920. St. Thomas was a charter member, signifying its commitment to regional athletic competition and collaboration. The MIAC provided a platform for the Tommies to develop rivalries, showcase their talent, and build a tradition of excellence.
The 1949 Cigar Bowl Appearance
One of the early highlights of the St. Thomas football program was its appearance in the 1949 Cigar Bowl. This bowl game provided the Tommies with a national stage to compete against teams from outside their traditional conference rivals and served as a testament to the program's growing prominence.
Involuntary Removal from the MIAC
After decades of success within the MIAC, a significant turning point occurred in 2019. The MIAC announced that St. Thomas would be "involuntarily removed" from the conference at the end of the spring 2021 athletic season. The primary reason cited for this decision was "athletic competitive parity" concerns. St. Thomas' consistent dominance in various sports, including football, raised concerns among other MIAC members about maintaining a level playing field.
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This involuntary removal marked the end of an era for St. Thomas football within the MIAC. It forced the university to reassess its athletic future and explore alternative avenues for competition.
Transition to Division I
Following its departure from the MIAC, St. Thomas sought and received approval from the NCAA to transition directly to Division I. This move was unprecedented, as it bypassed the traditional step of first competing in Division II. The decision to jump directly to Division I reflected the university's ambition and confidence in its ability to compete at the highest level of college athletics.
The transition to Division I brought about significant changes for the football program. It required upgrades to facilities, increased funding, and a commitment to meeting the stringent requirements of Division I competition. It also opened up new opportunities for recruiting, scheduling, and national exposure.
Future Schedules and Opponents
As a Division I program, St. Thomas has been actively building its football schedule, seeking to create competitive matchups and enhance its national profile. Some of the teams that St. Thomas faces or has faced include:
- Allen University (S.C.)
- Ave Maria University
- Butler University
- Carroll College (Mont.)
- Cumberland University (Tenn.)
- Faulkner University (Ala.)
- Florida Memorial University
- Georgetown College (Ky.)
- Keiser University
- Lindsey Wilson College (Ky.)
- Louisiana Christian University
- North American University
- Point University
- Reinhardt University
- Saint Xavier University (Ill.)
- Southeastern University
These opponents represent a mix of institutions, reflecting St. Thomas' efforts to establish itself in the Division I landscape.
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