Athletic Association

The Athletic Association has existed in some form on Trinity's campus from 1873 until around the 1970s. The group consisted of students, faculty and alumni that worked together to govern athletics and the use of athletic spaces on Trinity's campus. In addition to allocating funds, they were the group that recognized sports teams, reserved seats during games, and elected the school's cheerleaders in the 1920's.

All students were technically apart of the association upon paying tuition to the school, and this allowed them to attend all Trinity sporting events and tryout for athletic teams. For a period of time starting in 1914, every student was required to pay 10 dollars each term in order to stay a member of the association. If unable to pay, they would have to appear in front of a committee who would make accommodations if they viewed it a worthy reason.

They officially formed in 1873 as a way to prevent misuse of the college gymnasium and gather funds to make repairs and alterations. In order to maintain organization, the group would meet throughout the school year in order to allocate funds and make rules about the use of facilities. Eventually, the group developed an official constitution that listed their rules and jurisdictions.

The 1931 version of this constitution found in the Tripod details that while every student is technically apart of the association, there existed an “Athletic Advisory Council” within that carried out the duties of the larger group. The council was made up of 3 students, 3 faculty members, and 3 alumni. The students were elected by the general student body, with the school Senate overlooking the election. Faculty members were appointed by other faculty members, and alumni were elected by the Alumni Association.