Winsome Winners: The Polity Bowl
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary students play football against the students of the Seminary of the Southwest every year in the Polity Bowl. APTS and SSW fans and players look forward to the football game for its spirit of both competition and fellowship.
"California has the Rose Bowl. Texas has the Cotton Bowl. Yet, surpassing them all is a bowl game filled with honor, tradition, and pride. Each year, two teams battle for glory, for honor, and bragging rights.
We are speaking, of course, of Polity Bowl." -Kairos Newsletter, November 16, 2007
Winsome Winners: The Polity Bowl
The History
Although there have been reports of the game being played as far back as the 1950's, photographs in the APTS Archives have proof of the game only back to the early 1980s. Since that time at least, the game has been a consistent fixture of the fall term. A series of practices (for both the players and the cheerleaders) and pep rallies culminate in the final, exciting event. Two teams bring their all to the gridiron, but only one gets to take the Polity Bowl trophy home.
The History
Although the exact start year of the Polity Bowl is unknown, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary students have long enjoyed playing football in their downtime. In the 1950s and 1960s, games were played on campus, in local parks, and even at Mo-Ranch.
The History
Although the exact start year of the Polity Bowl is unknown, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary students have long enjoyed playing football in their downtime. In the 1950s and 1960s, games were played on campus, in local parks, and even at Mo-Ranch.
The History
Although the exact start year of the Polity Bowl is unknown, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary students have long enjoyed playing football in their downtime. In the 1950s and 1960s, games were played on campus, in local parks, and even at Mo-Ranch.
The History
Although the exact start year of the Polity Bowl is unknown, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary students have long enjoyed playing football in their downtime. In the 1950s and 1960s, games were played on campus, in local parks, and even at Mo-Ranch.
The History
Although the exact start year of the Polity Bowl is unknown, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary students have long enjoyed playing football in their downtime. In the 1950s and 1960s, games were played on campus, in local parks, and even at Mo-Ranch.
The History
Although the exact start year of the Polity Bowl is unknown, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary students have long enjoyed playing football in their downtime. In the 1950s and 1960s, games were played on campus, in local parks, and even at Mo-Ranch.
The History
Although the exact start year of the Polity Bowl is unknown, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary students have long enjoyed playing football in their downtime. In the 1950s and 1960s, games were played on campus, in local parks, and even at Mo-Ranch.
The Team
The players of the APTS Polity Bowl team are recruited from the APTS campus community. In the weeks running up to the game, the team members commit to regular practices and team building events, making them very ready to take on SSW by game day. The players' amount of former football experience may vary, but they all share a passion for the game.
“You are correct that we don’t actually have a head football coach, but how could outsiders be expected to know this? When surveying the unbelievable prowess of the APTS gridiron, people naturally assume that this team is under the direction of a skilled, experienced and masterful guide. How could they not? Onlookers simply cannot fathom that this level of play could emerge untutored. Yet, here we are. …The city of Austin has taken notice. Can the NFL be far behind?”
-from A&T- A Retrospective
The Team
The players of the APTS Polity Bowl team are recruited from the APTS campus community. In the weeks running up to the game, the team members commit to regular practices and team building events, making them very ready to take on SSW by game day. The players' amount of former football experience may vary, but they all share a passion for the game.
“You are correct that we don’t actually have a head football coach, but how could outsiders be expected to know this? When surveying the unbelievable prowess of the APTS gridiron, people naturally assume that this team is under the direction of a skilled, experienced and masterful guide. How could they not? Onlookers simply cannot fathom that this level of play could emerge untutored. Yet, here we are. …The city of Austin has taken notice. Can the NFL be far behind?”
-from A&T- A Retrospective
The Team
The players of the APTS Polity Bowl team are recruited from the APTS campus community. In the weeks running up to the game, the team members commit to regular practices and team building events, making them very ready to take on SSW by game day. The players' amount of former football experience may vary, but they all share a passion for the game.
“You are correct that we don’t actually have a head football coach, but how could outsiders be expected to know this? When surveying the unbelievable prowess of the APTS gridiron, people naturally assume that this team is under the direction of a skilled, experienced and masterful guide. How could they not? Onlookers simply cannot fathom that this level of play could emerge untutored. Yet, here we are. …The city of Austin has taken notice. Can the NFL be far behind?”
-from A&T- A Retrospective
The Team
The players of the APTS Polity Bowl team are recruited from the APTS campus community. In the weeks running up to the game, the team members commit to regular practices and team building events, making them very ready to take on SSW by game day. The players' amount of former football experience may vary, but they all share a passion for the game.
“You are correct that we don’t actually have a head football coach, but how could outsiders be expected to know this? When surveying the unbelievable prowess of the APTS gridiron, people naturally assume that this team is under the direction of a skilled, experienced and masterful guide. How could they not? Onlookers simply cannot fathom that this level of play could emerge untutored. Yet, here we are. …The city of Austin has taken notice. Can the NFL be far behind?”
-from A&T- A Retrospective
On the Field
While the spirit of fellowship fuels the Polity Bowl, APTS players still bring their A game to the gridiron. Through the years, the Polity Bowl has seen some spectacular plays by both SSW and APTS players, making the game exciting for fans to watch.
“Friends, your fellow classmates and faculty members boldly defended the honor of Scotland this weekend on the field of battle. The brave souls of APTS defeated the Episcopalian horde this past Saturday at St. Andrew’s field.”
-Kairos Newsletter, December 10, 2004
On the Field
While the spirit of fellowship fuels the Polity Bowl, APTS players still bring their A game to the gridiron. Through the years, the Polity Bowl has seen some spectacular plays by both SSW and APTS players, making the game exciting for fans to watch.
“Friends, your fellow classmates and faculty members boldly defended the honor of Scotland this weekend on the field of battle. The brave souls of APTS defeated the Episcopalian horde this past Saturday at St. Andrew’s field.”
-Kairos Newsletter, December 10, 2004
On the Field
While the spirit of fellowship fuels the Polity Bowl, APTS players still bring their A game to the gridiron. Through the years, the Polity Bowl has seen some spectacular plays by both SSW and APTS players, making the game exciting for fans to watch.
“Friends, your fellow classmates and faculty members boldly defended the honor of Scotland this weekend on the field of battle. The brave souls of APTS defeated the Episcopalian horde this past Saturday at St. Andrew’s field.”
-Kairos Newsletter, December 10, 2004
The Cheerleaders
A team is only as good as its cheering section! The Holy Spirit Squad is an ever present source of support on the sidelines.
APTS Fight SongUnto the fray my friends,Unto the fray.We'll defeat the opposing teamAnd grind their bones to clay,Hey! Hey! Hey!We're Presbyterians, stalwart and strong.We'll destroy the EpiscopaliansAs soon as we complete our victory song!The Cheerleaders
A team is only as good as its cheering section! The Holy Spirit Squad is an ever present source of support on the sidelines.
APTS Fight SongUnto the fray my friends,Unto the fray.We'll defeat the opposing teamAnd grind their bones to clay,Hey! Hey! Hey!We're Presbyterians, stalwart and strong.We'll destroy the EpiscopaliansAs soon as we complete our victory song!
The Cheerleaders
A team is only as good as its cheering section! The Holy Spirit Squad is an ever present source of support on the sidelines.
APTS Fight SongUnto the fray my friends,Unto the fray.We'll defeat the opposing teamAnd grind their bones to clay,Hey! Hey! Hey!We're Presbyterians, stalwart and strong.We'll destroy the EpiscopaliansAs soon as we complete our victory song!
The Fans
The Polity Bowl wouldn't be the same without the fans. The game always attracts a diverse, excited crowd who can't wait to see the action on the field. Whether it's through song, chants, music or face paint, the APTS fans know how to show their spirit!
“But let’s address the real question that burns in all our hearts…’What does the Polity Bowl have to do with my call?‘ As you know, we are all called to different ministries – some to be quarterbacks, some to be defensive ends, some to be referees, and some to be spectators. And the rest of us…well, we’re called to the party afterwards.”
-A&C, A Retrospective
The Fans
The Polity Bowl wouldn't be the same without the fans. The game always attracts a diverse, excited crowd who can't wait to see the action on the field. Whether it's through song, chants, music or face paint, the APTS fans know how to show their spirit!
“But let’s address the real question that burns in all our hearts…’What does the Polity Bowl have to do with my call?‘ As you know, we are all called to different ministries – some to be quarterbacks, some to be defensive ends, some to be referees, and some to be spectators. And the rest of us…well, we’re called to the party afterwards.”
-A&C, A Retrospective
The Fans
The Polity Bowl wouldn't be the same without the fans. The game always attracts a diverse, excited crowd who can't wait to see the action on the field. Whether it's through song, chants, music or face paint, the APTS fans know how to show their spirit!
“But let’s address the real question that burns in all our hearts…’What does the Polity Bowl have to do with my call?‘ As you know, we are all called to different ministries – some to be quarterbacks, some to be defensive ends, some to be referees, and some to be spectators. And the rest of us…well, we’re called to the party afterwards.”
-A&C, A Retrospective
The Fans
The Polity Bowl wouldn't be the same without the fans. The game always attracts a diverse, excited crowd who can't wait to see the action on the field. Whether it's through song, chants, music or face paint, the APTS fans know how to show their spirit!
“But let’s address the real question that burns in all our hearts…’What does the Polity Bowl have to do with my call?‘ As you know, we are all called to different ministries – some to be quarterbacks, some to be defensive ends, some to be referees, and some to be spectators. And the rest of us…well, we’re called to the party afterwards.”
-A&C, A Retrospective
The Fans
The Polity Bowl wouldn't be the same without the fans. The game always attracts a diverse, excited crowd who can't wait to see the action on the field. Whether it's through song, chants, music or face paint, the APTS fans know how to show their spirit!
“But let’s address the real question that burns in all our hearts…’What does the Polity Bowl have to do with my call?‘ As you know, we are all called to different ministries – some to be quarterbacks, some to be defensive ends, some to be referees, and some to be spectators. And the rest of us…well, we’re called to the party afterwards.”
-A&C, A Retrospective
Victory and Fellowship
The Polity Bowl is meant to celebrate both football victory, as well as the fellowship on and off the school between Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary and the Seminary of the Southwest. While there is certainly a feeling of spirited competition in the run-up to the game, there is also an overwhelming sense of friendship and camaraderie between the two teams. While teams may partake in some gentle ribbing, the primary goal is support of each other's educational and spiritual journeys.
Victory and Fellowship
The Polity Bowl is meant to celebrate both football victory, as well as the fellowship on and off the school between Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary and the Seminary of the Southwest. While there is certainly a feeling of spirited competition in the run-up to the game, there is also an overwhelming sense of friendship and camaraderie between the two teams. While teams may partake in some gentle ribbing, the primary goal is support of each other's educational and spiritual journeys.
Victory and Fellowship
The Polity Bowl is meant to celebrate both football victory, as well as the fellowship on and off the school between Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary and the Seminary of the Southwest. While there is certainly a feeling of spirited competition in the run-up to the game, there is also an overwhelming sense of friendship and camaraderie between the two teams. While teams may partake in some gentle ribbing, the primary goal is support of each other's educational and spiritual journeys.
Featured left to right: Sam Lanham, Bob Kelley, Sam Steele, CD (Clarence Darrow), Steve Musick, Randy Nolen.
Fun Fact: In 1984, the team had not yet adopted the Hawks name. This team was dubbed the Junkyard Dogmatics!
Victory and Fellowship
The Polity Bowl is meant to celebrate both football victory, as well as the fellowship on and off the school between Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary and the Seminary of the Southwest. While there is certainly a feeling of spirited competition in the run-up to the game, there is also an overwhelming sense of friendship and camaraderie between the two teams. While teams may partake in some gentle ribbing, the primary goal is support of each other's educational and spiritual journeys.