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Image of white crest following text that reads The University of Texas at Austin
University Interscholastic League Logo spells UIL with a red star and texas shape cutout on the U
University Interscholastic League Logo

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.
    Man is gearing up to throw the shot put at the 1912 state track and field competition.
    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.
    First UIL office building at Hargis Hall.
  • Football becomes an official UIL sport
    Team photo of the Houston Heights in 1920, beneath the photo it says, The Squad.
  • 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).

    1920's photo of African American baseball pitcher on the mound.

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

    1921 photo of El Paso High School boys basketball team.
    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.
    Large group photo of 1927 one act play participants.
    1927 One Act Play participants.
  • PVIL's first state-championship football team, Fort Worth I.M. Terrell

    I.M. Terrell player prepares for a hut, while his team mate awaits the football behind him.

    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.

    Group photo of Wichita Falls ensemble.
    Above: Wichita Falls, TX ensemble at an early competition.
  • First baseball state championships
    Early El Paso Bowie baseball team photo.
    El Paso Bowie over Austin 3-2; other tournament teams: Beaumont, Denison, Lubbock, Marshall, Stephenville, Waco
  • First girls basketball state champions
    1950's team photo of Comanche's girls basketball team.
    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.

    Portrait of Dr. C.D. Yancy, PVIL Director, 1965.
    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
    1960's photo of two volleyball teams playing on the court.
  • UIL Headquarters moves to Wichita and 26th. UIL building in 1972 at Wichita and 26th in Austin, TX.
  • First Soccer championships.
    1983 photo of Richardson Pearce boys basketball team.
    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
    1983 photo of Pasadena Dobie girls softball team.
  • UIL moves to Lake Austin Blvd.
    1994 image of UIL office on Lake Austin Blvd in Austin, TX.
  • Completion of new UIL office building.
    1998 photo of new and current UIL office building on Manor Rd in Austin, TX.