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University of Texas at Austin
University Interscholastic League Logo
University Interscholastic League Logo

History

UIL Contact Info

Department Phone:
512-471-5883

Department Fax:
512-471-5908

Timeline of UIL History

From its rather humble beginning in 1910, the University Interscholastic League has grown into the largest inter-school organization of its kind in the world. The UIL Exists to provide educational interscholastic academic, music and athletic contests to public school students. The initials 'UIL' have come to represent quality competition, administered on an equitable basis. One out of every two Texas high school seniors has participated in UIL events.

 

  • Debating League of Texas founded
    The Debating League of Texas created at the 1910 Texas State Teachers Association meeting in Abilene, Texas.

    The league began with an initial roster or 28 schools with its first state meet being held on May 5-6, 1911.
  • The Interscholastic Athletic Association was founded in 1911 with it's first state track meet being held in 1912. The IAA would later merge with the debating League of Texas to form the UIL in 1913.

    The photo above is from the 1912 shot put competition.
  • The Debating League of Texas merges with the Interscholastic Athletic Association to form the UIL on May 3, 1913 in Austin, Texas.
  • UIL's first office at Hargis Hall.

  • Football becomes an official UIL sport

  • Prairie View Interscholastic League (PVIL) established. Prairie View Interscholastic League (PVIL) originally known as the Texas Interscholastic League of Colored Schools (TILCS) served as the main academic and athletic competition organization for Texas' African American students and 150+ African American high schools for half of the 20th Century (1920-1970).

  • First boys basketball state championship
    El Paso High School 1921 State Champions


    Team members, L-R: Coach Luther Coblentz, J.C. Hofford, Al Uhlig, R.A. Brown, Howard Butler, Manager Eric Monroe, Sandi Esquival, Louis Springer and Andy Cohen
  • UIL's first One-Act Play Contest held April 15-16, 1927.

    1927 One Act Play participants.
  • PVIL's first state-championship football team, Fort Worth I.M. Terrell

    I.M. Terrel center Johnny Kennard poses with quarterback Kelton Winston
  • Music competitions added
    Although music was a part of early Texas public education, it was not officially added as a UIL activity until 1948.


    Above: Wichita Falls, TX ensemble at an early competition.
  • First baseball state championships

    El Paso Bowie over Austin 3-2; other tournament teams:Beaumont, Denison, Lubbock, Marshall, Stephenville, Waco
  • First girls basketball state champions

    Class A: Comanche 50, McLean 49

    Class B: Claude 42, Clyde Denton Valley 40
  • UIL membership officially open to all schools, regardless of race.
    On January 26, 1965, Dr. C.D. Yancy and UIL Director Rodney J. Kidd met to discuss the feasibility of opening membership to all schools.


    Dr. C.D. Yancy, PVIL Director

    On June 9th, the State Executive Committee validated the Legislative Council's decision to open league membership to all public schools. The PVIL continued limited operation for five more years and disbanded in 1970.
  • First Volleyball Championships

  • UIL Headquarters moves to Wichita and 26th.
  • First Soccer championships.

    Boys Champions: Richardson Pearce (above)
    Girls Champions: Dallas Kimball
  • 75th Anniversary of the UIL; First State Marching Band Contest.
  • First State Softball Champions: Pasadena Dobie

  • UIL moves to Lake Austin Blvd.

  • Completion of new UIL office building.