The history of Barton College’s football program is a narrative of resilience, strategic vision, and a deep-rooted commitment to athletic excellence. It traces back to the early 20th century when the first football team, led by Coach Casey Blackburn, took to the field, setting the foundation for a legacy of athletic achievement. Despite early challenges and a modest 2-7 record in 1920, Atlantic Christian College’s football program gained momentum, culminating in its first championship in football in the 1920s.

However, the program faced a setback in 1950 when football was discontinued, marking a hiatus that lasted over six decades. It wasn’t until 2011 that football returned as an intercollegiate sport at Barton College, signaling a new chapter in the institution’s athletic journey.

On January 27, 2018, the Barton College Board of Trustees unanimously approved the reintroduction of football to the campus, aligning with the institution’s mission to foster intellectual, spiritual, social, and cultural growth among its students. Chip Hester was hired as the first Head Football Coach since the program’s discontinuation in 1950. Charged with leading the team to re-establishment in 2020, Hester brought over two decades of coaching experience and a proven track record from notable institutions, including 11 years as a head coach at Catawba College.

The resurgence of football at Barton was met with anticipation and excitement, symbolized by a groundbreaking event for a new synthetic turf field, slated to become the home playing site for Barton’s football and lacrosse teams. This initiative, coupled with Barton’s commitment to academic excellence and community engagement, laid the groundwork for a successful return to the gridiron. In 2019, Barton received a $2 million gift from Truist, formerly BB&T, for naming rights of the 3,500 capacity stadium. This same year, Electric Supply Company, one of the Southeast’s largest suppliers of electrical equipment, made a $1 million gift to Barton, securing naming rights for the field.

Despite setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Barton football finally hit the Electric Supply Company Field at Truist Stadium in spring 2021 for an abbreviated season, marking a historic milestone in the program’s journey. The Bulldogs completed their first full season in the fall of 2021, ending the year with a winning record of 6-5, much to the delight of the Wilson community. Today, football has earned its rightful place on Barton’s roster of beloved traditions.

In 2025, Barton College will move to Conference Carolinas. Barton is an original member of Conference Carolinas and will have all 24 sports sponsored by the league. Currently, the Bulldogs are an Associate Member of the South Atlantic Conference and are in the midst of a three-year deal with league.