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’s Searight PACE Program Expands Professional Development Opportunities for 2026-27 From Social Media Management to Customized Corporate Training, New Programs Support Career Advancement and Organizational Success BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University’s Searight Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) program is expanding its portfolio of workforce development, professional education and lifelong learning opportunities with several new programs launching during the 2026-27 academic year. The new offerings are designed […] Office of University Communications | September 3, 2026
News Article Examining U2’s Theology: Gardner-Webb Professor Explores the Band’s Search for Faith, Hope and Meaning Dr. Steve Harmon’s New book, ‘U2’s Theological Imagination’ and a Limited Podcast Series, ‘Hearing Hope’ Trace Spiritual Questions Woven Throughout the Music of U2 BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—What if theology isn’t confined to a classroom, a seminary or a Sunday sermon? What if it can be found in a rock song, a concert arena or the […] Office of University Communications | September 3, 2026
News Article Gardner-Webb Alumnus Logan Simpson Named Director of the Bulldog Club Experienced Coach and Fundraiser to Lead Athletic Fundraising Efforts BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb Vice President for Advancement Jeff Cogburn has named Logan Simpson director of the Bulldog Club. A GWU alumnus and accomplished coach, Simpson returns to his alma mater with fundraising experience and a passion for enhancing the student-athlete experience. Simpson joins the Gardner-Webb Advancement […] Office of University Communications | August 30, 2026