In 1905, the Augustana Synod of the Lutheran Church (a predecessor to the ELCA) enforced an intercollegiate athletic ban, believing too much emphasis was being placed on athletics to the detriment of morals and academics. After strong opposition by students, the ban was lifted in 1910, except for football, which remained banned until 1917. When it was reinstated, the college football team consisted of a 12-man team, compared to the 100 players the Gusties have playing on their squad today.
