news-category: Athletics Two-Time Reigning Football Champs Begin 2024 Season on Aug. 29 in Spangler Stadium By Office of University Communications On August 22, 2024 Program Celebrates Winning Legacy that Spans Over a Century BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.–The two-time reigning conference champion Gardner-Webb football team opens its 2024 season poised to build on a winning legacy that spans over a century. The first football team took the field in 1920. Since then, the program has earned 18 conference titles. Four of those titles came in Division I play—2002, 2003, 2022 (Big South) and 2023 (Big South-OVC). “We love football. It’s that simple,” emphasized Gardner-Webb President Dr. William M. Downs. “We are stewards of a storied football history here at GWU, and each new season gives our student-athletes and coaches an opportunity to build their own lasting legacy. Personally, I can’t wait for the sights, sounds, and celebrations of gameday…tailgates, the Marching Bulldog band, our cheerleaders firing up the crowd, competition on the field, and of course a Bulldog victory. It’s been a long nine months since we last played…let’s get it started!” This year, under the helm of Head Coach Cris Reisert, the Runnin’ Bulldogs will play a four-game non-conference slate and eight-game conference lineup. The 2024 season opens under the lights on Thursday, Aug. 29, at 7 p.m. vs. Wofford College at Spangler Stadium. “We are excited for the 2024 Runnin’ Bulldogs football team to be on display in front of a packed Spangler Stadium this fall,” Reisert said. “We plan to be the hardest playing and most excited team each week, and we are confident that’ll lead to a successful 2024 season!” Season tickets for Gardner-Webb’s five home games are now available for purchase. Home games include a big matchup on Oct. 19 against Lindenwood for GWU Homecoming as well the annual Military Appreciation Day game on Nov. 16 against Tennessee State. A limited number of season tickets are available, here. For more information on Gardner-Webb football, follow Gardner-Webb Football on Facebook and @GWUFootball on Instagram and X. Winning Legacy—18 Conference Titles in Program’s History: 2003 Championship Celebration 1930, 1932 1951, 1952, 1955, 1956 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966 1987 1992—Team finished as NAIA national runner-up had a school record for wins (12). 2002—Inaugural Big South Conference championship team has the best record (9-1) in senior college history. 2003—‘Dawgs ranked #25 in the 2003 USA Today Coaches Poll, a preseason national poll. They finished the season 8-4 and 4-0 in the Big South. 2022—GW was 5-0 in league play behind a record-setting offense and a hard-nosed defense. 2023—The team finished the regular season 5-0 at home—the first time GWU went undefeated at home since the 2003 season, when the Runnin’ Bulldogs were 6-0 at home. 2024 Schedule Single game tickets available here. Aug. 29 – 7 p.m., vs. Wofford (black out) Sept. 7 – 6 p.m. at James Madison (Harrisonburg, Va.) Sept. 14 – 6 p.m. at UNC-Charlotte Sept. 21 – 7 p.m. at Presbyterian (Clinton, S.C.) Sept. 28 – 4 p.m. vs. Tennessee Tech (Family Weekend) Oct. 5 – 3 p.m. at University of Tennessee (Martin) Oct. 19 – 1:30 p.m. vs. Lindenwood (Homecoming, red out) Oct. 26 – 3 p.m. vs. Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, Mo. Nov. 2 – 2 p.m. at Charleston Southern (BBQ Bowl) Nov. 9 – 1:30 p.m. vs. Eastern Illinois, (Military appreciation, wear red, white and blue) Nov. 16 – 1:30 p.m. vs. Tennessee State University, (Senior day) Nov. 23 – 2 p.m. at Western Illinois, Macomb, Ill. Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.
News Article Gardner-Webb Remembers Tom Watson Alumnus, Former Trustee, and Lifelong University Friend Leaves Legacy BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. — The Gardner-Webb University community mourns the loss of Tom Watson, a beloved alumnus, former trustee, and tireless advocate for education, who passed away peacefully on August 22, 2024, at the age of 81. Watson’s life was marked by a deep commitment to […] Gardner-Webb University | August 23, 2024
News Article Gardner-Webb University Caf Serves up Tropical Delights to Celebrate Grand Reopening New Dining Space Open to Campus and Community with Expanded Seating and Menu Options BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—With the smell of meat smoking and a feast waiting inside the new Caf, Gardner-Webb President Dr. William M. Downs noted to those gathered for the ribbon cutting the most important feature of the building. “There’s a cross on […] Office of University Communications | August 22, 2024
News Article Gardner-Webb Football’s First Victory Day An Evening to Remember Event Gives Young People with Special Needs Their Moment to Shine BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Backed by a line of Gardner-Webb football players, the quarterback crossed into the end zone. The crowd erupted into cheers. The GWU Band blasted the fight song—and many parents and spectators smiled while holding back tears. On this special Victory Day celebration, […] Office of University Communications | August 21, 2024