Flagler College Athletics

Dr. Abare has served Flagler College for 46 years, including the last 16 years as its president. In his time, Abare has seen many changes to Flagler Athletics. Flagler Gymnasium was constructed in 1976. The Flagler Tennis Center followed in 1983. The Flagler Field Locker Room facility was unveiled in 2011 and a little over two months later, the baseball field was dedicated in honor of Walter Irvine Drysdale. Softball was re-introduced as a varsity sport, for the first time as fastpitch, in 2009. There have been so many other improvements to all of Flagler facilities and staffing to the department, which would not have happened without Dr. Abare’s commitment to athletics.

One of the biggest moments in Flagler Athletic history came on July 12, 2006 when the move to NCAA Division II became official. Shortly thereafter (Dec. 18, 2008), Flagler joined the Peach Belt Conference. Since joining Division II and the Peach Belt, Flagler has participated in 56 NCAA Division II regional tournaments, won five Peach Belt regular season titles and won 11 conference tournament championships.

Dr. Abare has seen the Saints win five NAIA national titles in women’s tennis (1987-91) and the men’s program capture NAIA titles in 1977 and 1986.