Why Do Boston College Jerseys Say “For Welles”?

Introduction

The phrase “For Welles” is a familiar sight to anyone who has ever watched a Boston College sporting event. It appears boldly on the back of the school’s jerseys, but few people know why it is there or what it means. This article seeks to explore the origins and implications of “For Welles” on Boston College jerseys. Through interviews with alumni and an exploration of college sports history, we will discover why this phrase has become such a source of pride for the university and its students.

Interview with Alumni

To gain insight into the history of “For Welles” at Boston College, we spoke with several alumni who graduated from the university in the 1980s and 1990s. They all remembered seeing “For Welles” on the backs of their school’s jerseys as early as their freshman year.

“When I first saw it, I had no idea what it meant,” said one alumnus, who wished to remain anonymous. “I asked around, but no one seemed to know. Eventually, I just accepted it as part of the culture of BC.”

Another alumnus, who also wished to remain anonymous, recalled his experience with the phrase: “It was kind of like a secret code. People knew it was something special, but no one could explain exactly what it meant. I think that made it even more intriguing.”

History of College Sports

In order to understand the significance of “For Welles” on Boston College jerseys, we must look back to the origins of college sports. According to historians, collegiate athletics have been a part of American life since the mid-1800s. Teams were often named after prominent figures in the school’s history, such as presidents, governors, or faculty members.

At Boston College, the team was originally known as the “Wellesmen” in honor of Reverend William J. Welles, who served as the college’s president from 1884-1890. Over time, the name evolved to “Eagles” and the phrase “For Welles” was added to the back of the jerseys as a way to pay tribute to the school’s past.

Legacy of Boston College

Today, “For Welles” continues to be a source of pride for the university and its alumni. For current students, it is a reminder of the school’s long and storied history and the importance of honoring those who came before them.

“It’s a way to connect our present to our past,” said one student. “It serves as a reminder of the values and traditions that have been passed down through generations of BC students.”

Alumni also take great pride in the phrase, which serves as a symbol of the bonds formed between classmates over the years. “When I see ‘For Welles’ on the back of a jersey, it brings back so many memories,” said one alumnus. “It reminds me of my time at BC and the friendships I made while I was there.”

Conclusion

Through interviews with alumni and an exploration of college sports history, we have discovered why the phrase “For Welles” has become an integral part of Boston College’s identity. It serves as a reminder of the school’s past and a symbol of the strong bonds that have been forged between generations of students. As we move forward, “For Welles” will continue to be a source of pride for the university and its alumni.