Wikipedia - West Georgia Wolves football
The West Georgia Wolves football program represents the University of West Georgia (UWG) in college football. Previously an NCAA Division II team, they will become a Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) program as a member of the United Athletic Conference (UAC), effective July 1, 2024.
History
The West Georgia football team, originally known as the Braves (which was the nickname until 2006), was founded in 1946, when the school, then known as West Georgia College, was a two-year institution. They had their first practice on September 30, 1946, with 54 players reporting, and ended their first season with a record of 2–5–1. Prior to the 1958 season, the school became a four-year institution, and the football team played one year with only freshmen and sophomores before being discontinued. In total, from 1946 to 1958, West Georgia won only 13 games.
On May 14, 1980, it was announced that West Georgia was reviving its football team, with intentions to play in 1981 as an NCAA Division III independent. Bobby Pate was hired as head coach and the team had around 385 players try out, with 115 making the squad. Despite them being in their first season in 23 years, West Georgia compiled a perfect 9–0 regular season record and reached the Division III playoffs, where they lost in the first round to the ultimate national champions Widener, by one score. In their second season back, West Georgia compiled a perfect 12–0 record and won the national championship with a shutout win over Augustana (IL).
The team moved up to the NCAA Division II level after two years in Division III, joining the Gulf South Conference (GSC), where they remained through 2023. In their GSC tenure, the Braves / Wolves won four conference championships (1997, 1998, 2000, 2015), two NCAA regional championships (2014, 2015) and reached the Division II playoffs nine times.
In 2023, it was announced that the team was moving to the NCAA Division I FCS level as a member of the United Athletic Conference (UAC), an alliance of the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) and Western Athletic Conference (WAC), effective July 1, 2024.
Classifications
- 1946–1958: Community college
- 1959–1980: No team
- 1981–1982: NCAA Division III
- 1983–2023: NCAA Division II
- 2024–present: NCAA Division I FCS
Conference affiliations
- 1946–1958: Unknown
- 1959–1980: No team
- 1981–1982: NCAA Division III independent
- 1983–2023: Gulf South Conference
- 2024–present: United Athletic Conference
The West Georgia Wolves are a proud and competitive college football team representing the University of West Georgia, located in Carrollton, Georgia. As a member of the NCAA Division II and the Gulf South Conference, the Wolves have established a strong tradition of excellence on the field, showcasing their talent and determination in every game.
The team's colors, navy blue and gold, symbolize their fierce spirit and commitment to victory. The Wolves play their home games at University Stadium, a vibrant venue that fosters an electric atmosphere, filled with passionate fans and a strong sense of community. The stadium, with a seating capacity of over 8,000, becomes a sea of blue and gold on game days, as supporters rally behind their team.
Under the guidance of a dedicated coaching staff, the West Georgia Wolves emphasize teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. The program is known for developing not only skilled athletes but also well-rounded individuals who excel both on and off the field. The Wolves have a rich history of success, including multiple conference championships and playoff appearances, and they continue to strive for greatness each season.
With a commitment to excellence, the West Georgia Wolves football team embodies the spirit of competition and the pursuit of victory, making them a formidable force in college football and a source of pride for the University of West Georgia community.