Introduction

The 1980s was a period of innovation, technological advances, popular culture trends, and a rise in the popularity of sports. For Trinity football, however, it was a time of frustration and disappointment. From the outside looking in, football at Trinity University in the 1980s appeared to be a complete disaster. Year after year, the team would continue to pile up losing records, with no end in sight. 1989 was no different. Trinity football would complete their season with a 1-9 record, and historically bad offensive statistics. However, there is more to the story than just a bad team and a losing record. The coaching staff, academic standards, few players with playing experience, Trinity culture, and player injuries all had their role in the team’s lack of success. Effects of the players’ time at Trinity are still lingering due to the reality of CTE. However, with all of the team’s downfalls, there were still positives that stemmed from Trinity football.