Columbia, S.C. -- Tiger football opened its second season at Benedict College this fall, continuing a tradition of pep rallies and tailgate parties that were common on the campus twenty-nine years ago.

Football's comeback last year boosted enrollment, rejuvenated alumni support and gave the city of Columbia, S.C. something about which to cheer, according to Benedict President David H. Swinton, who also acknowledged the positive media exposure generated by the athletic program. "That national, state and local exposure has a direct impact on students deciding where to go to college," he said.

"This [club football] program allows us to be a more attractive institution for students looking for a well-rounded college experience."

Benedict football also will have a positive effect on Columbia's African-American community, said attorney and Columbia City Councilmember Luther Battiste. "The team had a very loyal following in the past, and reviving it gives African Americans a place where they can come together," he said. "As the program grows, fans will invariably begin coming from out of town to attend the games here. It's just very positive for both the community and the economy."

A Factor in Enrollment Swinton said he has no doubt that football is the reason for a record enrollment growth last semester and a higher percentage of new male students at the 125-year-old college. "We are pretty sure that football is a major factor -- for the second year in a row -- in Benedict having the highest growth rate of any of the forty-one private Black United Negro College Fund colleges," he said. "For the first time in modern history, we have more males than females enrolled."

In the 1995-96 academic year, Benedict had 1,861 students. Of the 654 first-year students, 382 were men and 272 were women. This year, Benedict's enrollment is up to 2,000 students.