UNF Athletics hosts its first annual Varsity Club weekend for its returning alumni athletes Oct. 16 to Oct. 18 and again this spring.

This will be the first time UNF has made the Varsity Club games cumulative, according to Matt Kilcullen, the assistant athletic director for development in the Osprey Club. Dividing the events into two separate weekends throughout the year will give each team the opportunity to be a part of history, Kilcullen said.

“We are starting a tradition and an event to build upon in years to come,” Kilcullen said. “This is a big step to helping UNF grow into its first year as a Division I program.”

UNF will welcome back former student athletes from baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, softball, swimming and diving as well as golf.

A lot of former athletes, including some who now work in the UNF athletics department, will be returning to play and meet the current players from each team, Kilcullen said. Some of the returning previous Ospreys include former golfer Scott Schroeder, who is now the head golf coach for UNF, softball player Heather Patterson and baseball player Sid Roberson.

Patterson, who now coordinates governmental affairs at UNF, said she hopes to make it to the games. But for now she will continue to work behind the scenes and make sure the alumni athletes are well-informed about the upcoming events.

“It’s very exciting to see Coach Moon rejuvenate and re-energize everyone with everything he is doing,” she said.

But if you’re looking for recognition, Roberson, who is a former pitcher for the Major League Milwaukee Brewers, is the man to keep an eye out for on the field.

“[Roberson] brings a lot of energy to UNF and does as much as he can to raise money and engage people at UNF,” Patterson said.

For Roberson, attending events like the Varsity Club remain a tradition for him, he said.

Roberson played three seasons with baseball Head Coach Dusty Rhodes while he was at UNF. He said whether you played for Rhodes five years ago or with him right now, his coaching style never changes.

“Coaching the same way gives UNF an advantage to out skill the competition,” Roberson said. “[Rhodes] has instilled a work ethic in each and everyone who has played for him.”

Along with giving the returning alumni a chance to see the changes in UNF athletics, they will be offered an opportunity to give back to the Osprey Club.

“We will offer the opportunity to give $50 and receive the benefits for the new seasons,” Kilcullen said.

For more information on the Varsity Club or a look into the events scheduled, go to unfospreys.com