The History of Baseball at Indiana University of Pennsylvania
The Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) Crimson Hawks, formerly known as the IUP Indians, represent the university's athletic teams. As a member of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) within NCAA Division II, IUP has a rich athletic history.
From Indians to Crimson Hawks: A Mascot Evolution
Originally, IUP's sports teams were called the "Indians," a name that reflected the town and school's name. Along with the name, they used a costumed student as a mascot. However, in the early 2000s, the university began the process of changing the nickname. In December 2006, the Council of Trustees officially adopted "Crimson Hawk" as the new mascot. The mascot made its debut during the 2007 season-opening football game against Cheyney. In conjunction with the mascot change, IUP also retired its fight song, "Cherokee," due to its references to a Native American tribe. In 2007, Dr. When a local sportswriter researched what a "Crimson Hawk" was, it was discovered that the domain name crimsonhawk.com was the site of an adult cartoon character named "Crimson Hawk". Some criticized the university's lack of research prior to making the decision.
Athletic Facilities: A Hub of Activity
IUP's athletic facilities are divided into two sections. Frank Cignetti Field at George P. Miller Stadium, located on campus near the Eberly College of Business, is a 6,500-seat artificial turf stadium that hosts football, field hockey, and track & field events. Adjacent to Miller Stadium is the Memorial Field House, which previously hosted men's and women's basketball and women's volleyball games, and also houses athletic department offices. A construction project for a university convocation center was authorized by Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge starting in 1999. Construction began near Miller Stadium in late 2008 for the 150,000-square-foot (14,000 m2) complex that will hold a 6,000-seat arena.
A Legacy of Athletic Achievements
IUP boasts a diverse range of athletic programs with notable achievements across various sports.
Men's Basketball
Through 2010, the men's basketball team has made nine appearances in the NCAA tournament. In the first in 1994 the team advanced to the Elite Eight, after winning their regional competition. In total, the team has advanced to the Elite Eight five times, the Final Four three times, and their first national championship game in 2010, where they were defeated by the Cal Poly Pomona Broncos. In 2010, Joe Lombardi was named the Basketball Times Division II Coach of the Year, following the team's finish as national runner-up. In the 2017-18 season, the team went to the PSAC Quarter Finals.
Read also: Navigating Accreditation
Football
The university's football program dates back to the 1890s when the team competed against regional athletic clubs and other universities. In the early years, the team featured John Brallier, who would become the first paid football player. Official records by the university begin with the tenure of George Miller in 1927. In 1968 the team competed and lost to heavily favored Delaware in the Boardwalk Bowl. Under Frank Cignetti Sr., the Crimson Hawks regularly appeared in NCAA post-season competition, including two appearances in the NCAA Division II National Football Championship in 1990 and 1993. In 2012, under Curt Cignetti, the Crimson Hawks earned the PSAC title and another appearance in the NCAA Division II National Football Championship. They ultimately lost to the top seed in Super Region One, Winston-Salem State University.
Women's Basketball
The IUP Women's basketball team won the Atlantic Regional Championships Elite Eight Division II in March 2018. The team has also gone to the PSAC Semifinals and Division II Final Four Semifinals in 2018 and 2019.
Women's Softball
The women's softball team began play in 1979. Beginning in 2009, they compete in the Central Division of the PSAC.
Women's Tennis
In the 2010-2011 season, the women's tennis team defeated Slippery Rock placing 2nd in their division just behind California University of Pennsylvania. The team lost in the first round to Armstrong Atlantic 5-0.
Track & Field
The PSAC offers both indoor winter and outdoor spring track & field seasons.
Read also: Comprehensive Ranking: Indiana Colleges
Men's Ice Hockey
The men's ice hockey team competes at the Division I level of the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) in the College Hockey Mid-America, ACHA Division and plays at the S&T Bank Arena. In the 2018-19 season, won the CHMA season championship.
Men's Rugby
The men's rugby team has achieved significant success, including:
- 2022 D2 7s National Champions
- 2022 15s National Finalists
- Finished 4th in 2013
- Finished 3rd in the Division I national championship in 2000, behind California-Berkeley and Wyoming Universities
- 2023 National Champions: In December 2023, IUP secured its first national championship in the 15s format by defeating the University of Memphis in Houston, Texas.
- 2024 National Champions: The Crimson Hawks successfully defended their Division II national title in December 2024 with a 38-29 victory over the University of Northern Iowa. The match was a thrilling contest, with standout performances from players like Ethan Miller, Cam Taylor, and Dylan Deasy.
- Collegiate Rugby Championship Performance: In April 2024, IUP advanced to the semifinals of the Collegiate Rugby Championship, defeating Coastal Carolina and Montana State in the earlier rounds.
Orienteering
The IUP orienteering team won three intercollegiate national championships (1973, 1975, 1976).
Read also: IU Bloomington Fall Semester
tags: #indiana #university #of #pennsylvania #baseball #history
