My son and a buddy of his started the University of Texas Bass Team. A couple years ago, they went to the Mens Athletics office and asked if there was a team. There wasn't so they got the OK to kick one off. They started as a non-sanctioned club, and within a year worked their way to being recognized by the University. They got a chance to wear all the gear for their school. Only downside was that my son and his friend were seniors when they got sanctioned. They wrangled a wrapped boat sponsership with Triton, but never got to use it!!! But they both got their engineering degrees.
And on a side note, it allowed me to get my boat back. Seemed my boat was one of the designated rides for their events. They gave me a team jersey for the sponsorship.