As the Buffalo Bulls landed a chance to participate in the 2009 International Bowl, their Cinderella story was sealed. Now, the university community is reaping the benefits of a newly found glass slipper.
The success of the 2008 football season has brought UB into the national spotlight and is expected to have an impact that mirrors similar stories of athletic achievement at the collegiate level. Despite Buffalo's 38-20 loss at the International Bowl, the attention the program and the university receive is expected to raise UB to new heights.
President John B. Simpson expects to see a surge in applications for the fall semester. Simpson predicts a jump in enrollment in response to the Bulls' success on the national stage.
"In other universities that have had a very successful football experience after a less than successful past, there is often a significant increase in applications and enrollment," Simpson said. "It can be short lived, though. But I wouldn't be surprised if that [increase in applications and enrollment] occurs this year, and if the pressure for admission goes up substantially."
Higher standards for admissions and increased enrollment are only one facet of the university that may receive some positive attention in response to success in athletics. UB is already reaping the benefits of the community response to the Bulls' success, as well as an increase in school spirit and sense of community.
Senior quarterback Drew Willy has seen an increase in school spirit that has seemingly grown with each wining game. He said the fan base at games continues to grow and the support the team has received from students and the community has been colossal.
"Especially this year, school spirit has been huge," Willy said. "When I was a freshman, there wasn't even really many people at the games... since then, [the amount of fans at football games] keeps increasing, and this year it's just been huge and really exciting."
Simpson has also seen an increase in school spirit and sense of community at UB. He noted that community involvement and interest has been paramount, and that he doesn't expect the outpouring of support from students to stop at the field gates.
"Athletic success in large, urban universities like UB fosters community," Simpson said, citing an increased amount of students wearing UB apparel and gear on campus, and in attendance at athletic events as "manifestations of school spirit."
The impact of the team's success on the program, recruitment and competition remains to be seen. Willy expects the team to reap the benefits of success on the field in future seasons.
"I think it's going to help with recruiting, hopefully selling out the stadium, and playing against bigger schools," he said. "It feels great to be one of the leaders of this team... I'm just glad I could be a part of this bowl game."
Rev. Jesse Jackson, Keynote Speaker of the 2009 International Bowl Kickoff Luncheon, cited the Bulls' success on the field, as well as the historical significance of UB's first appearance at a bowl game. In 1958, the Bulls were invited to the Tangerine Bowl in Orlando, Fla., but turned down the opportunity after being told they would need to leave their two black players behind.
With the Bulls' commemoration of the 1958 team at the International Bowl and the historical significance of UB's participation, Jackson called the contest against UConn "an ultimate bowl game."
"Athletics helps us to find common ground... It's about character," Jackson said, referring to both the current UB Bulls and the 1958 team.
Sophomore wide receiver Marcus Rivers said that the success of the football team has been that unifying spirit for the UB community.
"It means a whole lot, it's a big honor...This bowl means a lot for us, and for them," he said, about the fans.
Jay Friedman, senior associate director of the Office of Alumni Relations, said there has been a spike in interest from university alumni and community members.
After the Bulls won the Mid-American Conference Championship in December, the Office of Alumni Relations did a promotional giveaway to alumni. All alumni who renewed their membership or became members in the Alumni Association received a free MAC Championship T-shirt.
"It was very successful, we had about 150 people join," Friedman said.
Of the 152 alumni who took advantage of the promotion, about 75 percent were new members, according to a press release from the Office of Alumni Relations.
Friedman said that the pre-game alumni party prior to the game in Toronto, Ont. completely sold out. Approximately 1,000 people were in attendance, the largest alumni turnout in history.
Additionally, chapters of the Alumni Association held "watch parties" for the International Bowl in Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Charlotte, Dallas, New York City, Washington, D.C., and West Palm Beach.
Players felt that school spirit has increased tenfold with their successful season.
Defensive tackle Ron Hilaire said the turnout at games was momentous during the 2008 season.
"We're so glad they came out in huge numbers," he said. "That's what I'm going to remember."
Simpson said the response to the Bulls' success has been historic.
"I'm very pleased and happy with the team's success and the university response, and the response of the community and the national publicity," Simpson said. "We've gained a lot as a university through their accomplishments."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
