The Manchester University M Club Tradition
A recurrent theme of Otho Winger, president of Manchester from 1911-41, was that a complete education emphasized body, mind, and soul. Therefore it comes as no surprise that intercollegiate sports at Manchester started during the Winger administration.
The M Club's start is traced to April 3, 1921, when the Varsity M Club met for the very first time. The group was open to both men and women who had won an M letter in intercollegiate sports or debate.
On December 16, 1927, the athletic and forensic teams representing Manchester were christened "Spartans" - a name chosen because of the elements of team, concentration, cooperation, and sacrifice that were dominant among the early Spartans.
When the M Club was renewed in 1955 (after a period of limited athletic participation due to World War II), membership was now for all who participated in varsity athletics. The stated purposes were to uphold the principles set forth in the Spartan Code: to assist in the care of athletic facilities; to support all sanctioned college activities by officiating, etc.; to endeavor to give every student opportunity to participate in the athletic program; and to encourage a strong school spirit in all school activities.
Alumni and former athletes continue to to support MU athletics through the M Club in a variety of ways.
