M Club Tradition
A recurrent theme of Otho Winger, president of Manchester College from 1911-41, was that a complete education emphasized body, mind and soul. Therefore it comes as no surprise that intercollegiate sports at Manchester started during the Winger administration.

M Association's start is traced to April 3, 1921. On that date, the Varsity M Association met for the first time. The group was open to both men and women who had won an M letter in intercollegiate sports or debate. On Dec. 16, 1927, the athletic and forensic teams representing Manchester College were christened "Spartans". This name was chosen because of its wealth of significance and meaning. At a Black and Gold Banquet in January of 1928, Andrew Cordier '22, a professor at MC and chairman of the Athletic Committee, explained that the elements of team, concentration, cooperation, and sacrifice were dominant among the early Spartans.

When the "M Club" or M Association was renewed in 1955 (after a period with a very limited athletic program during WWII), membership was now for those who participated in varsity athletics. The stated purposes were to uphold the principles set forth in the Spartan Code: to assist in the care of athletic facilities; to support all sanctioned college activities by officiating, etc.; to endeavor to give every student opportunity to participate in the athletic program; and to encourage a strong school spirit in all school activities.

Each year members of the M Association are asked to assist in supporting the athletic program. A number of projects have been supported over the years that have helped the athletic program in many ways. The M Association offers many different opportunities to show support.