The origin story for spring football games has often been disputed, but like baseball, it’s a sports tradition dating back to the late 1800s. Temple used to play its annual Cherry and White Spring Game at the 34,000-seat Temple Stadium, which opened in 1928. 

Successful coaches in Owls’ history, such as Wayne Hardin, Bruce Arians, Al Golden and Matt Rhule, have each overseen the Cherry & White Day games. Historically, the game allows coaches to evaluate talent, look at player development and build excitement for fans for the upcoming season. Also, it provides opportunities for players to compete for starting positions in game-like scenarios and to showcase the team’s culture, stadium atmosphere and fan support to potential recruits. 

Some years, Philadelphia radio legends Bill Campbell and Steve Fredericks would broadcast Temple’s annual Cherry and White Spring Game on the airwaves, like in 1986 when Owl legend Paul Palmer played in his final spring game. Palmer followed the spring game with a historic senior season, where he rushed for 1,866 rushing yards, which led the nation and made him the runner-up for the 1986 Heisman Trophy. 

Former Temple quarterback Lee Saltz (left) and running back Paul Palmer (middle) with former Head Coach Bruce Arians during media day at Veterans Stadium in 1984. (Photography courtesy of Special Collections Research Center, Temple University Libraries, Philadelphia) 

The 2015 Cherry and White Spring Game was also a memorable year for many Owls fans as it was the prelude to Temple beating Penn State for the first time in 74 years in a 27-10 victory before a packed record crowd of 69,176 at Lincoln Financial Field.   

It's K.C. Keeler’s debut 

Now fast-forward to 2025, fans will get a first glimpse of the Owls’ future under their new coach, K.C. Keeler, at this year’s Cherry and White Spring Game on April 12. The intrasquad spring scrimmage will bring explosive drills and a game-like atmosphere to 10th and Diamond at Edberg-Olson Hall with kickoff at 2 p.m. It will be a nontraditional game of offense against defense in a series of different game scenarios. 

“We are going to be Temple tough,” said Keeler. “It will be a good chance to see where we are, and our fans will have a chance to witness that improvement.”  

Keeler brings a legacy of 271 career victories, winning two national titles as head coach at the University of Delaware and Sam Houston State.  

“His resume and what he’s accomplished are just phenomenal. He’s a local guy in Delaware, and you have coaches and former players from the high college ranks and NFL levels singing his praises,” said Rick Kristoff, FOX ’90, member of the Temple Temperors—a group of lifelong Owls football fans known for traveling the country to games with red robes, oversized king crown hats, homemade staffs and chalices.

“I haven’t been this excited about a coach since Coach Rhule.” 

Temple football opened its NCAA allotted 15 spring practices on Chodoff Field at Edberg Olson Hall beginning on March 11. (Photography courtesy of Temple football) 

The Temple Temperors  

Kristoff with his lifelong friends Mark O’Donnell, FOX ’90, and Bob O’Connell, first created the Temple Temperors in 2014. The trio has since attended several Cherry and White Spring Games. 

“The spring game is a fun time of the year to watch the new talent we have for the first time," said Kristoff, a proud Owls’ season ticket holder of the last 15 years. "I look forward to seeing what's on the field, like what kind of arm strength our quarterback has and the great distance of how far our kickers can kick. I enjoy that it brings live tackling and speed in a game-like atmosphere." 

"I also love the camaraderie, seeing the fans, Temple alumni and former players, who often return for the spring game. I remember in past years saying hello to former Owl greats like Haason Reddick and Dion Dawkins, who are now stars in the NFL," he added. "It's a nice opportunity to go on the field, meet the players, shake hands and take some pictures after the game.”

The Temperors first formed a strong bond walking the hallways together as students at Harry S. Truman High School in Levittown, Pennsylvania. The origins of the group's namesake began during a road trip to New Orleans to watch Temple play against Tulane University in 2014. The night before the game, they walked down Bourbon Street and stumbled upon a shop where something caught their eye.  

“We saw these three large king crown hats and they were ridiculous. We weren’t going to buy them because the price was also ridiculous,” laughed Kristoff. “But then Mark said, ‘If you don’t, I’m buying them all,’ so Bob and I gave in, bought them and enjoyed wearing them up and down Bourbon Street that night.” 

Back at the hotel, they realized that the hats’ color looked like the Owls’ cherry and white and decided to wear them to Temple’s Saturday night game against Tulane.

“The game was televised on ESPN, so we were seen all over TV in the stands wearing these hats,” said Kristoff. “So, we thought, let’s wear them next year against Penn State, and it became a part of our game day wardrobe.”  

“We later added the red robe, homemade necklace with a golden T and the rapper Flavor Flav clock necklaces,” he laughed. “We would change the picture in the clock by taking it apart, so sometimes it’s a picture of a coach or player, depending on the team.” 

Students, parents and families often ask the Temple Temperors to take pictures with them during tailgates at Lot K outside of Lincoln Financial Field during the Owls’ football season. (Photography by Joseph V. Labolito)

What’s there to do before the Cherry and White Spring Game?  

Tailgating will be open at the Diamond Street Lot as early as 9 a.m. The street fair begins at noon, which promises a kid’s zone, live music and the aroma of a barbecue.  (Temple students will receive free food/beverages at the barbecue.) On site will be food trucks, Burrito Feliz, offering authentic Mexican food, and Two Street Sammies, featuring delicious sandwiches like Italian pulled pork or jerk chicken cheesesteak and other dishes. 

The Temple Owl Club will hold various events for fans and football alumni, including the Owl Club Fan Tailgate and football-affiliated T-Club reception. 

“Getting the crowd back to tailgating at Norris Street is always an enjoyable time. We are all Temple, and we are all family, so getting back together before the season, talking about the future, is always fun,” said Kristoff.