Under the leadership of college president Dr. Charles T. Thrift beginning in 1957, the campus continued to grow — this time under the direction of Wright�s apprentice, Nils Schweizer, who became the college architect. It was under the tenure of Dr. Thrift that Florida Southern began its legacy as an athletic giant. In 1971, coach Hal Smeltzly guided the baseball Moccasins to the school�s first-ever NCAA National Championship. A repeat championship in 1972 began a tradition of athletic excellence that continued with additional national titles in men�s basketball, men�s golf, and women�s golf. Florida Southern found itself a leader in Title IX requirements and a leader in graduation rates for its student-athletes.