USF alumni living in Miami-Dade and Broward counties are preparing to support the Bulls as they face the University of Miami this Saturday. The Bulls recently defeated the University of Florida, bringing their season record to 2-0.
Jeb Bjorn, a 2012 graduate with a degree in geography and member of the Golden Brahmans Society and Iron Bulls alumni groups, reflected on USF’s growth. “Starting from scratch in ’97 and working our way up slowly but surely, it’s been fun to cheer for,” said Bjorn. “I’ve got a good feeling after watching the last two games that we’re going to be able to compete and make our way up.”
Alan Steinberg, who earned his degree in speech communications and public relations in 1978, has led the Broward County Alumni Chapter for twenty years. He noted renewed excitement among alumni: “It’s been a long time coming,” Steinberg said. “What’s exciting now is that it’s reenergizing our watch parties and our base. We’re looking forward to beating a third ranked team in a row. This is going to be a much tougher game than the first two, but either way, the team will put up a good fight.”
Steinberg also described how annual events help connect new students with alumni: “Parents usually have to drag students to the gathering, but by the end of the night, the parents are the ones dragging them out because the students don’t want to leave,” he said. “It’s a great introduction to USF.”
In Palm Beach County, Jeamson Simeus leads another alumni chapter and graduated with a business degree in 2010. He said local Bulls plan to use Saturday’s game as an opportunity for reunion: “Can’t miss that game,” Jeamson said. “The fact we’re on a winning streak has made this become a very big game. Friends and family are coming in to show out.”
All three alumni expressed pride not only in USF athletics but also its academic progress—highlighting recent achievements such as joining the AAU and earning preeminence status.
The upcoming matchup will take place at Hard Rock Stadium at 4:30 p.m., September 13. The next home game is scheduled for noon on September 20 against South Carolina State.
