What Is 2013 Mercer Bears football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2013 Mercer Bears football team represented Mercer University in the NCAA Division I FCS season, marking the program's first season after a 72-year hiatus; they finished with a 6–6 record under head coach Bobby Lamb.

Key Facts

The 2013 Mercer Bears football team was the first team since 1941, ending a 72-year hiatus.
They competed in the Southern Conference (SoCon) as a Division I FCS team.
Head coach Bobby Lamb led the team in his first season at Mercer.
The Bears finished the 2013 season with a 6–6 overall record.
Their first win since reinstatement was a 35–28 victory over Reinhardt University on August 31, 2013.

Overview

The 2013 Mercer Bears football team made history by returning to competition after a 72-year absence, marking the first season since the program was discontinued in 1941. The team represented Mercer University in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) and joined the Southern Conference (SoCon), beginning play in the fall of 2013.

Under the leadership of head coach Bobby Lamb, who was hired in 2011 to rebuild the program, the Bears faced a challenging inaugural season. Despite limited experience and roster turnover, the team showed resilience and laid the foundation for future competitiveness in the conference.

First game since 1941: The Bears played their first game on August 31, 2013, defeating Reinhardt University 35–28 in a season opener filled with historical significance.
6–6 final record: The team finished with a 6–6 overall record, narrowly missing postseason eligibility which required a 7–5 minimum.
SoCon competition: As a new member of the Southern Conference, Mercer faced tough opponents including Georgia Southern and Western Carolina.
Home games at Five Star Stadium: The team played at the newly constructed Five Star Stadium in Macon, Georgia, with a capacity of 10,200.
Rebuilding from scratch: The roster included many first-year players, as the program had to recruit and develop talent from the ground up after decades of inactivity.

Season Performance

The 2013 season was a mix of growing pains and promising moments, as Mercer adjusted to the physicality and speed of FCS football. The Bears alternated wins and losses throughout the season, demonstrating improvement as the year progressed.

August 31 – Reinhardt (W 35–28): The historic season opener drew over 8,000 fans and marked the first win for Mercer since 1941.
September 7 – at Georgia Southern (L 17–45): Facing a strong Georgia Southern team that would later win the FCS title, Mercer was outmatched but gained valuable experience.
September 14 – at Western Carolina (L 17–27): The Bears struggled on the road, highlighting challenges in away games during their debut season.
September 28 – VMI (W 42–24): A dominant performance at home showed Mercer’s offensive potential, with 28 unanswered points in the second half.
November 16 – at Chattanooga (L 24–31): A close loss in the final month demonstrated the team’s ability to compete with established SoCon programs.
November 23 – Western Carolina (W 38–34): The season-ending win improved morale and gave the program its sixth victory, a milestone for a reborn team.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2013 Mercer Bears compared to other first-year FCS programs and SoCon peers:

Team	Year Reinstated	First Season Record	Postseason Appearance	Stadium Capacity
Mercer Bears	2013	6–6	No	10,200
Georgia State	2010	4–7	No	30,000
Kennesaw State	2015	5–6	No	8,300
New Hampshire	1993 (FCS)	7–4	Yes (Playoff qualifier)	11,015
Western Illinois	1984 (FCS)	8–3	Yes	12,556

The table shows that Mercer’s 6–6 record compares favorably to other programs restarting or entering FCS play. While they didn’t qualify for the playoffs, their performance exceeded expectations given the long hiatus and lack of recent infrastructure. The team’s ability to win half their games against experienced conference opponents signaled strong organizational planning and coaching.

Why It Matters

The 2013 season was pivotal for Mercer University, symbolizing a major investment in athletics and student life. The revival of football after 72 years brought national attention and renewed campus spirit.

Revived a dormant program: Mercer became the first school in over 20 years to restart a football program after such a long break, setting a precedent for others.
Boosted enrollment and visibility: The team’s return increased national exposure, contributing to a rise in student applications and alumni engagement.
Strengthened conference balance: Mercer’s addition to the SoCon helped maintain competitive depth as other schools transitioned to FBS.
Created athletic scholarships: The program’s revival allowed for new scholarship opportunities in football and related sports.
Established a modern facility: Five Star Stadium became a centerpiece for campus events beyond football, including concerts and community gatherings.
Set foundation for future success: By 2014, Mercer improved to 6–5, and in 2019 reached the FCS playoffs, proving the 2013 season was a crucial first step.

The 2013 Mercer Bears football team was more than a sports team—it was a symbol of institutional renewal and long-term vision, demonstrating that with proper leadership and investment, even long-dormant programs can return to relevance.