The Varsity Association, organized at the end of the 1922 football season, played an important part in “increasing the significance of college emblems, in promoting wholesome athletics in Southeast Missouri, and in encouraging the spirit of fraternity among its members.” It was first referred to as the “Varsity Club” in the 1934 Sagamore Yearbook. Only those men who lettered in one of the major sports on campus—football, basketball, baseball, track, or tennis—were eligible for membership.

By 1934, the mission of the club shifted so as to promote “a better athletic relationship between State Colleges and the people of Southeast Missouri and to provide for better and cleaner athletics within the college.” The club also stated that it wanted to encourage prospective athletes from the area to enroll in the college and worked toward that goal during the Southeast Missouri District Basketball Tourney and the District Track and Field Meet. The Varsity club also hosted social events on campus including dances.

By 1978 the Varsity Club had folded.