The University of Central Florida (UCF) has a rich history of fast action and ambitious endeavors. Back in 1979, UCF’s newly installed president, Trevor Colbourn, wasted no time in pursuing his vision for the university. Just three days after his inauguration, Colbourn met with the athletic director, Jack O’Leary, to discuss the idea of forming a football team. And in a remarkable display of efficiency, UCF’s first football team was ready to play its inaugural game a mere eight months later.
UCF’s ability to make things happen quickly has been a defining characteristic throughout its history. Colbourn himself was known for his proactive approach, as he successfully navigated the complex process of renaming Florida Technological University to the University of Central Florida in just three days. However, it may have been an even greater feat than launching a football team in such a short span of time.
Now, 44 years after Colbourn’s proposal, UCF is once again making waves in the college football world. The university has joined the prestigious Big 12 Conference, becoming the youngest university in the nation to enter the Power 5 group of schools. And it’s thanks to Colbourn’s decisive actions all those years ago that UCF’s inclusion in this elite group became a possibility.
As UCF begins this new chapter in the Big 12, let’s take a trip down memory lane to the very first story ever written about UCF football. We’ve delved into our Orlando Sentinel archives to find the front-page story from January 17, 1979, penned by reporter Harry Wessel.
Back then, President Colbourn’s proposal to explore the possibility of a football program at UCF was met with some skepticism. However, Colbourn remained undeterred, having already proven his ability to accomplish remarkable feats, like changing the university’s name. He acknowledged the community’s interest in football and expressed his desire to gauge the level of support for a football program.
Colbourn’s short-term objective was to establish a football club program if the community support was strong enough. Such a program would not offer athletic scholarships, unlike Division II or Division I teams. Instead, it would be financed through student activities fees, booster clubs, and ticket sales. Colbourn believed that an attractive football program could help attract attention and financial support for other academic and athletic programs at UCF.
One concern raised at the time was the cost involved in starting a football program. Athletic Director Jack O’Leary estimated that it would require around $200,000 to establish a club or Division III team. Each program would need to cover expenses such as equipment, coaches, travel, and insurance. However, Colbourn reassured the public that no public tax revenue would be spent on the football program, and contributions made towards football would not detract from other programs at UCF.
While there was campus enthusiasm for the idea of a football program, O’Leary advised against overly optimistic expectations. Starting such a program would still require a substantial amount of funding. Nevertheless, Colbourn’s meeting with O’Leary and other UCF team coaches aimed to discuss budget priorities and evaluate the outlook for a football program at UCF.
As we reflect on UCF’s journey from a proposal for a football team to its current status as a member of the prestigious Big 12 Conference, it’s clear that decisive action and a commitment to excellence have been central to UCF’s success. President Colbourn’s vision and determination laid the foundation for this remarkable achievement, and UCF’s inclusion in the Big 12 is the culmination of years of hard work and dedication.
As the Knights embark on this new chapter, they carry with them a rich history of rapid progress and an unwavering spirit. The future looks bright for UCF football, and we can’t wait to see what they accomplish in the years to come.
