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The women’s bowling and rifle teams are being reinstated at UAB.

Oh, football is coming back to Birmingham, too.

In one of the clumsiest public relations meltdowns in recent intercollegiate athletics memory, the Blazers are resuscitating a football program snuffed out by school President Ray Watts just six months ago. Watts’ flip-flopping not only made him a lightning rod for local vitriol, but it also set back a program that was already struggling to gain an attendance and a competitive foothold in the state of Alabama.

A fall without football will sting for some local fans. But a complete excavation of the roster, with the best players having already transferred, will take years from which to recover.

UAB is well on its way to having football again in 2016. Those responsible, from vocal protestors to individuals raising money to cover future financial shortfalls, have earned the right to celebrate. But it ought to be short-lived. An on-campus stadium still must be built to displace ancient, cavernous Legion Field.

Now, someone with clout and trust needs to woo Bill Clark back, because the coach was an unmitigated revelation in his one season at the helm. Yeah, Clark’s assignment has gotten much tougher, but he’s a unique personality, with the local high school ties to reignite the spark.

Your voices were heard, Blazer fans. And your passion was rewarded. Now you’ll have to put your money where your mouth was, and trade those catchy protest signs for season ticket passes. Everyone’s dedication will be tested early on, because rebuilding a program burnt to ashes will be a painstaking, multi-year process.

Brian Stultz

After months of protests and anger by supporters over UAB dropping its football program, the Blazers will be reinstated to compete on the gridiron starting in the 2016 season.

Chants of “Free UAB” could be heard at Blazer sporting events following the decision, the Twitter hash tag #FreeUAB trended and graduation senior linebacker wore his UAB football helmet during graduation in protest.

At the time of the decision, Watts stated that it wasn’t financially feasible to continue the program, angering UAB alums.

After the school created a task force to study the decision, including bringing in outside firm College Sports Solutions, former UAB football player Justin Craft led a fundraising committee that brought in more than $15 million to cover any financial deficits.

As president of UAB, Watts ultimately works for the University of Alabama Board of Trustees, which includes Paul Bryant Jr., son of legendary Alabama coach Bear Bryant. Along with Watts, many UAB supporters looked at Bryant, as the reason for the ultimate decision, as he, according to former UAB athletic director Brian Mackin acknowledged on tape, had nothing but contempt for UAB football. Mackin resigned from his position as athletic director soon after the football program was dropped.

The decision will allow UAB to remain in Conference USA, who was expected to kick the athletic program out after 2015-16 if football did not come back.