Specific Contributions of the Trophy
Ultimately, the research condenses the argument into a few factors that are represented in the experience with Trinity’s reign in the SCAC. This includes (1) the reputation of the institution, (2) culture and traditions, (3) the head coach, (4) athletic facilities, (5) location of the school, (6) socioeconomic background, (7) achievements, and (8) familial ties. Of these significant influences, an argument can be made that the presence of the SCAC President’s Trophy contributed to persuading student-athletes in these specific fields. Consideration for the framework of research provided indicates that a tangible item of athletic merit would, in fact, propel success for the institution as a whole. Thus, The SCAC President’s Trophy played an integral factor in the improvements of Trinity University and increased the influence of recruitment of top-level athletes. We see a buildup in success in Trinity’s athletic program that eventually produces a 2003 National Championship women’s basketball team. In 2001 the football team was the national runner up, after falling short to Mount Union in the Stagg Bowl. Of that team, wide-receiver, Jerheme Urban, went on to boast a 9-year career in the NFL and playing in two super bowls. Urban recounts, “The trophy presented us with a sense of pride. Competing in the SCAC and reigning as consistent champions were set as a precedent for us to come to Trinity and was an expectation based on previous performances” (2020). Urban went on to claim, “I think that the rise of Trinity’s success played a significant role in my decision to attend the school” (2020).